2013-09 Our first day back on the road, stopping at Fossil Butte National Monument

It was a gorgeous day after a good rain....pretty blue skies with scattered clouds and a brisk fall breeze. Didn't leave Montpelier until noon or so, with only an hour or so to reach or first stop. Our visit to this national monument was fantastic. The visitor center is beautiful (staffed by the same long-haired ponytailed guy I think I've seen at every national park we've ever visited...the ponytail must be in the job requirements for national park staff). The timeline that wraps around the entire deck of the building really puts things in perspective....billions of years laid out around the deck and "recorded history" occupies just the last 6 inch plaque!

We hiked the Historic Quarry Trail (2.5 mile loop) to see the quarry, but Gary chose to sit on a bench while I hiked the last 600 foot climb up to the actual quarry. Now, I ask you, who would hike 2.5 miles and choose to skip the actual destination of the hike? His loss, it was really cool and a fantastic view from up there.

As we drove out of the trailhead parking lot, I noticed a white animal across the road....pony? sheep? No, it was a big white mountain goat! Unfortunately, we had vehicles behind us and the RV in tow, so did not have an opportunity to get a good photo, but was still a thrill!

pics from Fossil Butte National Monument

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