(Disclaimer: All these photos are “drive-by shootings” so they may seem to have a dirty windshield film or the odd bug splatter speck. My apologies.)
Three mountain passes (Mullan, MacDonald, and Priest) mark the way between Deer Lodge and Helena, Montana, and denote a continental divide. From the summit of MacDonald Pass, you can look down into eastern Montana and know that all the rivers on this side of the Rocky Mountains flow east. On the western side of the three passes, all the rivers flow west (or any direction but east).
At times, the winter weather can be a problem. Snow fences have been put up to slow down the blowing snow and keep most of it off the highway.
After the summit, an amazing panorama opens up to take your breath away. Highway 12, which leads through these three passes, is a shortcut between Garrison (just north of Deer Lodge and east of Missoula) and Helena, Montana’s capital city.
It’s only the beginning of many more beautiful landscapes to come as we travel east through Montana.
Wow! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos, Anneli. The last one looks like a painting…beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet it has been painted too. There’s a scenic turnout nearby. Perfect for setting up an easel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful country out that way! When my parents first started traveling west in the winter they decided to take the north route going out. It was an October in Montana when the ran into the worst blizzard they’d ever seen. Sheltering at a truck stop restaurant, they asked the waitress how long it would take to plow the roads. She pointed to a fellow at the counter and said “That’s the plow driver.” And he wasn’t going anywhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no! That’s just the kind of thing I’m afraid of, especially this year. It’s colder and we’ve already had a skiff of snow (which melted the next day). Generally it has been colder than usual with more rain than usual. That didn’t stop the temperature from soaring to 24 centigrade the other day. That’s about 75 F I think. But what a story your parents had to tell.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If they start predicting snow make sure your well stocked! At least you’re self-contained. Someone in a car would be in serious trouble.
LikeLike
Lovely scenes. I look forward to more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Belinda. I hope to be able to comply.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judging from what I see on the mountains around here this morning, those passes would be white today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh shudders! I hope it melts. If not, we’ll be staying on I-90 on the way home.
LikeLike
It will, It’s supposed to get up into the 50’s again after today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking forward to that.
LikeLike
Great pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Darlene.
LikeLike
Beautiful panoramas, it’s great to be able to go along with your travelling. Thanks for sharing. Snow, next day 24 degrees – crazy country indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s crazy. Now bring on the warm temperatures!
LikeLike
Hmmmmmmmm. Home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You need to make a trip out west.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gina. Good to know you’re out there.
LikeLike
Here’s some photos that I took several miles north of Mac Pass. https://bigskywalker.com/2016/12/01/fata-morgana-from-the-cdt/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice. Thanks for the link.
LikeLike