A barren textured black landscape of the Craters of the Moon National Monument turned out to be a totally fascinating place to visit, a theater showing the resilience of nature. On the sides of the lava hills, in what looks like black pea gravel, a surprise of small pink dwarf monkey flowers were popping through, naturally spaced as if purposely…

Driving through the Grand Tetons is a treasure in itself, even without stopping, hiking or checking out the views. The snowcapped craggy mountains create a glorious backdrop and border for the chain of alpine lakes at their feet, and the Snake River winding through the tree-lined channels adds even more beauty. Of course I had to stop, hike and breathe…

Geysers, mountains, rivers, falls, lakes, wildlife. A huge variety fills the roughly 50-by-60-mile rectangle that crosses the Continental Divide and makes up Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, was established in 1872, even before the surrounding states became part of the Union. Driving into the park through the east entrance, one would never know a great volcano…

Detours seem are becoming common on this adventure! Though I had planned on stopping in Miles City, Montana, as part of my rock hunting journey, I landed there during the 75th Annual Miles City Bucking Horse Sale weekend. Needless to say, I never made it down to the river. Wow! The Bucking Horse Sale is quite a community event! Hotels…

It is interesting what we can find when we keep our eyes and ears open! My intention was to search for Yellowstone moss agates along the Yellowstone River, which is something I have wanted to do for years, and I found the 11,538-acre Makoshika State Park in Glendive, Montana. Leaving North Dakota after spending a day inside because of heavy…