Bannack State Park Dillon, Montana

Bannack's history dates to July 1862 when gold was discovered along the 

banks of Grasshopper Creek.  

Population went from 400 to 3,000 people. 

It became a virtual ghost town after 1863 when the gold ran out.

 Mining artifacts from all major mining operations.

County courthouse built in 1875 for $14,000.

 In 1891 it was remodeled into the Meade Hotel.

The Methodist Church was the only church in town. 

Note wire loop under the church seat to hold cowboy hat during service.

Skinner's Saloon was popular gathering place for outlaws which included

the former sheriff who was hanged.

Jail was seldom used because no one wanted the job of guarding the prisoners. Offenders were warned, kicked out of town, or hanged.

The Gallows could be seen by prisoners from their jail cell.

In the blacksmith shop branding iron samples are burned on the walls.

This building housed a private school on the first floor and

Masonic Lodge on second floor.

The Lodge number is still active and has members

around the world.

There are 104 historic buildings in the Bannack State Park 

located 21 miles from Dillon.  

Nearby are two more historic mining towns of

 Virginia City and Nevada City.

Dillon, Montana

Dillon, Montana located in the Beaverhead Valley near 
Yellowstone National Park.

The town began in 1880 when the Union Pacific Railroad made it a construction
stopping point between Utah and Butte, Montana.

Cabin built in 1885 on town lot purchased for $1.00.

Sheepherder's wagon built early 1900's. 
(early motorhome, complete with bed and wood stove)


The fertile valley is a good location for farming, cattle and sheep ranches.

Sweetwater Cafe is a top notch lunch spot.

Great valley & mountain views from our campground site.

Fulton, Texas Oysterfest & Parade

The Oysterfest marks the close of the winter season
and beginning of Spring Break for schools.

Fulton is a fishing village next door to Rockport and it's harbor

is home to commercial oyster boats and fishing charter boats.

Local waters provide a supply of fresh oysters for the festival and restaurants.

Oysters are packed in 100 pound burlap bags and off loaded at the pier.

Large fleet in harbor.

The 37th annual Oysterfest was started to support 

Fulton Volunteer Firefighters and raise money for equipment.

Large tents are erected for food vendors music, dancing, games, 

arts and crafts and oyster eating contests. 

The male winner this year ate 261 oysters and won a $200 prize.

Over 36,000 visitors attended the festival.

North Fulton Beach Road was the route for this year's parade.

Our home RV park entered this float with the 

theme of early 1900's style swimming suits.

Easter theme float

Event planned on USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier 

harbored at Corpus Christi port.

Local hamburger restaurant participant.

Local clown pushing a bag full of oysters with gator on top.

Boiling Pot Restaurant features cooking pot full of people dressed as crabs.

Winning entry went to the Fulton Historical Mansion
 Volunteers dressed in period costume.

Fulton Mansion was built in 1877 and is now a State Museum.

Texas Coastal Bend

Settled down for the winter in Rockport on the Texas coastal bend.

The Corpus Christi shipping channel leads to a busy port.

Bottom of photo shows Port Aransas marina lined 

with restaurants, condos & homes.

Roberts Point park is a popular fishing spot and 

a good place to watch the ship traffic.

The jetty at the channel entrance is another ship watching and fishing place.

Next to the jetty, the beach attracts many Winter Texans.

Great walking beach and scenery.  

A good place to get your 10,000 steps in for the day.

RV'rs are now parking in a designated area.

The winter day was 72 degrees which was perfect for surfing. 

The open air restaurant at the marina had views of ships in the canal.  

Robert's Point Park canal views.  The ocean going drilling rig is in dry dock, probably because of the low price of oil.  In south Texas only 76 of 200 active 

oil drilling rigs are in service.

Relax and let the fishing pole do the work.

Ferry boats give the right away to the big ships.

The USA now exports oil to the world which makes this port very active.