Yellowstone to Butte.day 13 Wednesday 19th September

Woke early, 4 am due to a sound in the room. There was a mouse in the room. Got rid of mouse. Checked out and reported mouse sighting. The receptionist said the poor critter was getting out of the cold. Think they must have a few of these sightings. Old faithful was due to go off so walked along the longer walk to see it . Met a couple from Wyoming. Had a long chat with them. As we walked along old faithful went off. Still an awesome site. Walked the boardwalk past the beehive spout. Met a ranger who said that it was due to go off. It is better than old faithful as due to its shape it is more directed. Stood really near and experienced the water falling on us. Much better than old faithful. Delightful. Time getting on and need to leave the springs and geysers. Left at 11am. Took a detour as wanted to go into Idaho. Yet another state as Yellowstone is in Wyoming.
Passed lots of lakes and a dam. Stopped at Virginia city a town which has been preserved back to the original cowboy days. Lots of wood buildings and a wooden boardwalk. It looked unreal and slightly Disney. Stopped at an arty craft shop and an antique one. Not much open so went onward to Sheridan. A larger town and much more open. Cafe had brisket and baked potato soup. Found the ruby county micro brewery. I had a very large ice ice cream.
A long drive through wide open areas flanked by mountains and scattered ranches. Eventually arrived at butte which is. A large copper mining town. Lots of strip malls on our way. Finally arrived at Toad Hall Manor. Not so much a Manor but very posh.
The host was very chatty and offered us gin and tonic. He also booked a restaurant for us. The room was delightful with all amenities includ8ng good WiFi. Yahhhhhh after almost three days without.... plus tv. Drove to the casa grande along a main road flanked by dollar shops, mc Donald’s, Wendy doughnuts etc etc. Not. A good impression. The restaurant was a converted warehouse and we had a lovely meal consisting of four courses. Soup, chicken, salad and ice cream. All washed down with beer. I had teriyaki chicken, very sweet and filling. Made out or way home to crash out.