Today was another day outside the park. So we decided to go to Virginia city. Historic Moment: Virginia City and Nevada City lie along Alder Gulch about one mile apart, and is the site of the richest gold strike in the Rocky Mountains, with an estimated total value of 100 million dollars. Virginia City was designated as the new territorial capital of Montana in 1865 when Alder Gulch had gathered most of Montana’s population. The city has been declared a national landmark. You can ride a train, shop, pan for gold and visit the courthouse (I don’t think we were actually supposed to go in the courthouse – it is still a working building.)
But let’s talk about the real claim to fame? Does anyone remember what TV show was associated with Virginia City? Most of you are probably too young?
Debbie took a lot of flack because she thought Virginia City was in Virginia. Remember the burning map? Remember the Cartwrights? Remember Little Joe before he went to the little Prairie? Surely you can guess the TV show now.
Travel Tip of the Day: Don’t go to Virginia City on Tuesdays. W Most of the stores are closed. So we went in search of a new activity.
We found our new activity at the Bear and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. The bears are rescued when the other option is to be euthanized. Most bears are there because they discovered it is easy to get food from humans. The bears take turns coming out into a large area to find food and play. Before the bears come out, food is hidden from them by the staff or visiting kids. At a scheduled time, the bears come out and hunt for the food. Ravens follow the bears and try to steal their food. The ravens aren’t very nice and try to follow around the people hiding the food to get it before the bears come out.
Debbie’s favorite bear was Bo. He had been caught and released 4 times for visiting campsites for food. The final straw was when Bo was found sleeping on the hood of a car that had people trying to sleep inside the car. (Bet that was an exciting night).
Most frequent question asked by visitors. Why don’t the bears eat the ravens? Answer: The bears are too lazy.
We also saw a bear spray demonstration. Larry and Jerry had questions. Debbie does not feel confident but was glad to read that bears are curious about the bells and investigate. Debbie keeps telling Joyce that the bears will come and take Joyce’s bells.
I am here to see Ben Cartwright 
A closed store 
Can you guess it now? Bonaza 
Bo and friend looking for a car 
Wolf at reserve 
My name is Bo and I like to sleep on cars 
Larry Eng, bear professional 
Debbie Eng not a bear professional 
Bear proof? I think not.