Day 483 – US – Montana [Rest Day in Helena]

31/07/21

 Rest day in Helena (Montana, North America)

A sunny rest day in Helena, distracted by the annual “Last Chance Stampede” parade in town

Downtown Helena at Parade time

Yesterday as I arrived in town, I did not find my bearings straight away and failed to pinpoint the town centre. Well I fixed that today. I made my way to the pedestrian mall, a lovely beautiful street downtown Helena. I found everyone in town was sitting by the sidewalk, like a big event was going to take place. Marshalls everywhere, police blocking traffic off the main roads. I checked with the locals and was told that today is the “Last Chance Stampede” Parade. Alright.

The leading parade flag holder, Miss Montana Rodeo 2020!

A Google search later and I was informed that it is a Rodeo festival over 3 days, which concludes with the town parade on the last day. This involves horses, luxury cars, cheerleaders, music and dancing. The whole town was out to watch it and it was really festive. Being an animal lover, rodeo is not exactly the kind of thing I like to celebrate. But overall, it was a festive thing and being almost one month into the US crossing, I could use a little festive feeling.

It would not be a parade without pompom girls, right

Helena is a small city, albeit the state capital of Montana. Billings (where I am heading) is about 4 times the size of Helena. The Cathedral is a landmark, a beautiful building modeled after the Votivkirche in Vienna (Austria) dating back 1908. I particularly enjoyed the pedestrian mall downtown, with trees, water running down a little stream all the way down the street, pretty little shops by the side and plenty of green spaces.

Tomorrow I’m starting a 9 days running stretch towards Billings, the most populated city of Montana. This will involve long distance runs and small towns crossing.