While researching for this trip, I just happen to spot this place on the map. It looked like an
interesting place to go without taking a lot of time. I am definitely glad I went here, even
though it was confusing where the tourists are supposed to go.
I expected the three-mile drive to be a curvy mountainous road. Wrong. It was an easy 4 - 5 minute
drive to Upper Holter Lake. There seemed to be a working farm there. Once I saw the lake, I stopped
and began snapping pictures. The light was just right, as was the ambience.
I actually spent very little time in Helena. The town is surrounded by those tall yet much-barren mountains,
like so many other towns in the western part of the state.
The mission: find the State Capitol building, takes some pictures of it, and get out.
I happen to arrive just in time for the morning rush hour. Traffic lights
at every intersection. Multi-laned one-way streets. Drivers turning everywhere. The town felt like a
busy state capital (I have been to most of them over the years).
Interestingly, the capitol building is surrounded by residential neighbors. And, instead of traffic
lights all around, there are only stop signs. Thus, parking and walking was quite easy. The sunny
(and too warm) weather is still holding out for me this week. The grass and trees still have their
summer look. Got my photos and then it was on to Butte and Bozeman.
As I walked around the capitol building, I was trying to think of how often Montana makes the national news.
Rare, since the politicians seem to stay out of scandal trouble and none are big names in Washington, D.C.
Not much has happened here lately that I could think of. That is the way it should be.
Gates to the Mountains Recreation Area
Helena MT