Days 271-272 - Butte Montana

Taking a look at the map, we decided the best way to cross over Idaho and into Washington state was to head north following the Snake River and into Montana.  The mountain passes were at aobut 6,000' along interstates so we figured this was the best way to thank NiRVana for being such a trusted friend over these past ten months.  She enjoyed the ride almost as much as we did.

We arrived in Butte late in the day, took the car to a local brake shop, and had things checked out. They could not duplicate our brake loss, did some routine maintenance, and everything seemed in order.  While we really had not planned to spend any time in Butte at all, the local mine tour caught our eye and planned that for our next full day.  What a nice surprise.

The mine tour is in one of the most prolific silver and copper mines of the region.  The facility also had a completely reconstructed old west town with about 60 building, all fully appointed.  That alone was worth the visit.  The mine tour was amazing.  We went down 100' of tunnel and say stuff neither of us had every experienced.  Our docent was great, a retired mine electrician.

The town of Butte is on a high hill, "the richest hill in the world," and was a photo right out the late 1800's.