Travelling to Great Falls Montana Thurs 31/8

Yesterday we were following a river valley across the high plains again. The valley was lush for the first part of the morning. There were herds of Black Angus and quite a lot of horses to admire. As we progressed the countryside became tougher. When Bob registered the title of the minor hightway we were following, "The Sage Brush Hway" we realised that the vegetation that resembles salt bush is Sage Brush.
We gradually rose higher and travelled over a pass. The down slope was long and steep. Part way down we saw a push bike rider who was on his way up resting beside the road. He looked very hot and we wondered if he had realised what a tough road he had chosen when he set out. We have been amazed at the number of bike riders we have seen on these really tough mountain roads.
Interestingly as we drove rest we saw some of the Black Angus dominance give way to herds of red cattle.  The west side of the mountain was forested and the road wound through pines and small ski towns with pretty log cabins.
During our drive north west the smoke in the atmosphere increased. Talking to locals in Great Falls we found that there are ten major fires that have broken out in recent days and are causing havoc.  As far as we can determine Glacier NP , our destination tomorrow is not affected but we will check with the National Parks service shortly.
We arrived here early in the afternoon and spent some hours at the Walk In Clinic  at the hospital while the very efficient staff checked out some pain in my chest. This had developed during the previous 24 hours and it hurt when I breathed. After some very anxious hours when the doctor seemed convinced that I had a pulmonary embolis attributed as he nicely said to our travel pattern and my "number of birthdays" the final test proved conclusively that I did not. Relieved but exausted we retired to our very comfortable motel for a "take out" meal and a good nights sleep. The pain, whatever it was is all but gone this morning thank goodness.
Bob has started writng about our travels on Facebook and it is fascinating how the things that we remember to record have a different focus

for each of us.  Photo of a statue honouring the Frontiers Men who worked as guides and escorts for early travellers in the area.  Named Thunder Jack by the local grade one primary school class.