Thursday day seven Woke to very different weather. The clouds had come down and the mountains could not be seen. It was much colder, around 40 f. Brrr. Decided to eat breakfast on the road. Checked out of the hotel, got some petrol at 3 dollars a gallon. And set off for Helena. The journey takes us south on the 89 towards Browning. There were long stretches of road works, unlike anything I have seen in uk. The mountains were still obscured but the sun starts to break through. Continue on the 89 until Choteau then 287. Stopped at chateau for breakfast at the outpost deli. A small place but friendly. Ordered strip of fried chicken as a sandwich. This entailed a bun cut in Half with pickles and crisps. Aka chips to USA. It was tasty and followed by a rainbow ice cream. Continued our journey through VAST expanses of prairie land and long straight roads. Little sign of human occupation but beautiful colours of gold backed by the mountains in the distance. The speed limit was 70 up to 80 in places. We saw cattle and a few turkey vultures. The prairie seemed to meet the sky. The weather started warming up and the sun came out. It was amazing. Felt very small. The miles were covered and soon reached the freeway. Decided to stop off to see the Gateway To the mountains as found by Lewis and Clark many years ago. This comprised a lake and a distant view. Had a coke in the visitor centre. Proceeded onward to Helena which is a large town. The approach to Helena is strip malls and I spotted hobby lobby amongst them. May revisit this! Found our B and B called Carolina’s which is a historic 1906 house. This was the residence of territorial governer Benjamin Potts. The first female in congress also owned this house. It is like a step back in time. The inside is also decorated in traditional style from that time. Very sumptuous. A great place to stay and a warm welcome from the current owner. Settled in and walked into town. This was a few blocks away. Decided to eat at the recommended Bennys Bistro. I had pork chop and Martin had salmon.

It was preceded by tomato soup and focaccia bread. We both had Montana IPA which was refreshing. Followed by a ice cream with caramel sauce. Feeling full and fat walked back and clambered onto the very high bed to sleep. A comfortable room and a lovely B and B.