Billings, Montana

We drove today from Livingston to Billings, Montana, and the route took us along the Yellowstone River.

At nearly 700 miles long, it rises in northwestern Wyoming in the Absaroka Range, on the Continental Divide. It is the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States.

Sophie and I went for a bike ride and a hike on the Norm Schoenthal Island that is bordered by the Yellowstone River.

Here’s some of what we saw…

Beautiful scenery of a wide yet calm point in the river.

The smallest frog I have ever seen. He was no bigger than a dime.

Dozens of bat houses. (You’ll see why they need dozens more later…)

A plethora of dried bugs along the shore.

Speaking of bugs, the cicadas are out in force. The sound was very loud and surreal, especially because I couldn’t see them in the trees.

Interesting rocks including some shale along with the river rock that busts with minimal trauma.

A kind soul left Maggie’s lost collar for her next visit.

On the information board, someone posted a warning about the mosquitoes on island. Not only are they ‘OUT’ they are ‘MEAN’!

The Yellowstone River is now Sophie’s favorite river. Why? She’s gotten to play in it three times…

The mighty Yellowstone River…