Ryan's Dam

Great Falls is located on the Missouri River and, not surprisingly, is home to multiple dams. Just outside of town is Ryan's Dam. This particular one is neat because you walk across a bridge to an island to view the dam. The last few months we have had a lot of precipitation. To give you an idea of just how much the river has risen, here's the dam last August when my family came to visit:


And here is the dam last week:



As you can see, significantly more water is rushing through it. Also, there were nice dark clouds in the sky, fitting for the extra river water. Luckily, they were nice enough to stay put until we were on our way home, at which time it poured. Outside Great Falls, from where we were driving, is pretty flat and barren. You can literally see for miles. We saw huge lightning bolts on the unobstructed horizon.

Here's Justin in front of the dam, being his usual goofy self.



Justin and me, with a slightly sunburned nose and forehead (sarcasm). Also, notice the matching t-shirts. I feel like 75% of the time, we both happen to pick the same color shirt on the same day. Must be a sign that we're meant to be!



Because of the intensity of the water, there was a lot of mist in the air, some of which was noticeable from the bridge. It felt like Niagara Falls, not Great Falls.



Don't sway the bridge!



Some pretty flowers near the parking lot.