<- Montana Wildflowers & "Big Sky"
Ennis to W. Yellowstone 79 miles.
I'm in W. Yellowstone, & I've got 7 miles to go to the lodge we're camping at. Right now, I'm waiting for Lew (picture Gepetto as a bike mechanic) at Yellowstone Bicycles (& video store & kite store & model plane store} to fix yet another broken spoke, so I thought I'd write while I wait.
Today was just gorgeous. We left Ennis & travelled through a wide, wide valley lined by snow covered peaks. It's easy to see why Montana connotes "Big Sky." We followed rt 287 to Earthquake Lake, which was formed by a 1959 quake which killed 28 people & devestated the area. The resulting damage is still visible, & looks very akin to a strip mine,
only lots worse. However damaged though, the area has a beauty all it's own.
I had to really rush after the spoke repair to make it to the campground, scarf down dinner, put up my tent, shower & run to catch the shuttle to old faithful in Yellowstone. On the way in, we saw Elk, & Bisons with little baby bisons, and a bald eagle & eaglets in their nest.
That was all before the geysers & paint pots. In a very short time, we got to see Old Faithful spout, catch some of the peripheral geysers, and see the paint pots on the way out just as it was turning dark. I hope those pics come out.
Back at the camp, I'm falling asleep as I write. Short day tomorrow to Ashton, ID, then on Saturday, we have a big climb over the Tetons to Jackson Hole, WY, and another needed day of rest.