Through Heaven's Gate

Last weekend we went on a 10 mile bike ride along the river and up to the visitor center. At the visitor center we learned about this boat ride you could take through the Gates of the Mountains. It's 2 hours up the Missouri River. It was beautiful. The rock formations and the river were beautiful. The girls thought it was really cool. They did get a little ancy, but they let us get out once to stretch our legs. Lewis and Clark named this place Gates of the Mountains, because at each bend in the waterway, great stone walls seemed to block passage, only to open like gentle giant gates as the expedition drew near. It was a really cool and educational ride.

Attached to the rocks are a bunch of sparrow nests.

As the boat goes down the river it looks like the mountains connect and as you travel back up it appears as if the gates are opening. It was pretty cool.

Do you see the Monster in the Mountain?

Do you see the Arch?

Do you see the caves in the Mountain? They say this is where the Indians would camp out and stay.

This is Mann Gulch

On Aug 5th, 1949, a lightning caused wildfire entrapped a smoke jumper crew in this steep canyon. Before it was controlled it took the lives of 13 men and burned nearly 5,000 acres. The lessons learned from this tragic event continue to influence wild land fire fighting. They no longer fight fires in deep canyons like this, instead they just let them burn.

Our little Family

The girls stretching their legs.

The ride back.

A few more caves. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful boat ride.