Man, Motorcycle, Mountains
Day 5 -- Yellowstone, Beartooth
Left Greybull about 615 this morning, skipped the 7am breakfast at the hotel in favor of getting down the road, what with a 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. The AC and the bed were wonderful last night. Passed a plane graveyard just as I left town, had military, commercial, and private. Headed toward Cody, a flat and straight run across what is referred to as a basin between mountains. I may have seen ten other vehicles in 50 minutes of riding. After Cody I was headed to Yellowstone via a big canyon following the Shoshone River, was so beautiful. Got really cold as the elevation increased. Had to pull over and put on long sleeves, skull cap, winter gloves, and leather jacket. Chaps were the only piece that stayed in the saddle bags.
Left Greybull about 615 this morning, skipped the 7am breakfast at the hotel in favor of getting down the road, what with a 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. The AC and the bed were wonderful last night. Passed a plane graveyard just as I left town, had military, commercial, and private. Headed toward Cody, a flat and straight run across what is referred to as a basin between mountains. I may have seen ten other vehicles in 50 minutes of riding. After Cody I was headed to Yellowstone via a big canyon following the Shoshone River, was so beautiful. Got really cold as the elevation increased. Had to pull over and put on long sleeves, skull cap, winter gloves, and leather jacket. Chaps were the only piece that stayed in the saddle bags.
One of the first sights I saw in the park was this grizzly bear. It walked right across the road!
There was quite a bit of traffic to deal with--motorcycles, mini-vans, suvs, and giant motorhomes.
Saw more bison than I can count. Sometimes they walk right down the middle of the road.
The lake at Yellowstone was huge! I think it is an ancient volcano, but don't quote me.
Yellowstone has to be the best example I've seen to date of God's amazing creation. And if mountains, lakes, and towering pines weren't enough, then He added a garnish of assorted, delicate wildflowers. Just amazing and awe inspiring!
This is a bubbling mud pit. There were lots of vents. They smelled of sulfur.
As I was leaving Yellowstone and getting ready to ride the Beartooth Highway, the clouds looked like eminent rain. I put on the rain gear, it was cold enough that it wasn't uncomfortable, and headed out and up. About half way up it started raining, not hard, but felt really cold against my exposed face. Hey, I signed on for adventure, and I'm getting it, and its great!
This is an example view from up high on Beartooth. By the time I got to the nearly 11,000 feet top, I was given a respite from the rain.
This is me at the top, with real snow, and sucking air. Can barely remember the 102 degree heat from yesterday. It was a very nice ride down to Red Lodge, Montana, where I'm staying in a KOA cabin. Good thing, there is still a chance of more rain. Was a beautiful and tiring 275 mile day.
Red Lodge in a picturesque town full of frontier charm, places to eat and shop.
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