Montana - Butte Mining

Mining in Butte, Montana
Loading ore trucks in Butte's "new pit", located to the east of the water filled Berkley Pit, carries on the tradition of open-pit mining which began in the 1960's after shaft mining for copper no longer proved cost efficient.  The new pit is within sight of the old, visible from Montana I-15 as it climbs the Continental Divide.
2013

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The sender writes:
After making deliveries to various mines in the country, one thing I learned is to always drive on the LEFT SIDE when on a 'Haul Road'.  It looks like that's what they are doing in the photos also.

According to the Mine Safety and Health Administrations Hand Book, some reasons for driving on the left include:

1. Reduces the problems that drivers have with the blind spot on the right hand side of the truck.

2. Loaded trucks can have the inside lane and stay away from the outside edge.

3.  If two trucks do collide, the crash would not occur on the drivers side of the truck.

Montana - 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar

50,000 Silver $ Bar

The largest collection of its kind is displayed in this unique bar in Western Montana.  This 50,00 plus Silver Dollar collection was started by Gerry and Marie Lincoln.  Now in their fourth generation, the Lincoln family continues the Silver Dollar collection.  People from all over the world have their names inscribed.  Over $2,500 are embedded in the bar top with the remainder graciously adorning the surrounding walls.  The total facility includes a restaurant, motel, gas station, convenience store, and Montana's largest gift shop.

the sender writes:

I really enjoy finding oddball and unique sights on my trips, and this place definitely fit the bill.  It was quite an impressive display to see in person!  The coins cover ALL the surrounding walls, not just the walls in the photo.
2012