I just spent a month driving across the USA. And then back across the USA (different route). It was the longest trip I’ve ever taken and also different in every way. My first big, extended trip as a retired guy. The first trip in my newly completed camper van. And so many other firsts. As I ease into another Michigan Fall, I will sift through the dozens of photos from places along the 6000 mile route.

To get it started, the image above was taken in Montana, north of Dillon early on a cool September morning. Fog clung to the fields along the highway. The rock formation is called Beaver Head Rock.

“On August 10, 1805, members of the Lewis and Clark expedition pushed their way up the Jefferson River’s tributaries toward the Continental Divide and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Toward afternoon they sighted what Clark called a “remarkable Clift” to the west. Sacajawea (or, as Lewis spelled it: Sahcahgarweah), their Indian guide for this portion of the trip, said her tribe called the large promontory “Beaver’s head.””

— Historical Marker

In 2020, I almost bought a house on the Jefferson River just to the north of this landmark. It was a brand new house with direct access (walking) to the river. Unfortunately, also built on a flood plain. Such a shame. It had a great floorplan, a beautiful mountain view (shown below) and a generous lot. I think about this place a lot. Woulda coulda shoulda…