July 19 - Yellowstone Park

Today we did the grand loop arround Yellowstone National Park. All day, 45 mph or less, frequent dead stops, and some of the most interesting scenery on the planet. This is a picture of Dave as we are wating along the side of the road while a plains buffalo decided he wanted to do a sobriety test by walking right down the yellow line. He tied up both directions of travel for about a half hour delay. I tried to get a picture but all I got was a blur. It would be nice to have a co-rider operating the camera sometimes. Just after the bison, we got tied up again by road construction, but it turned out to be much less trouble than predicted, and we continued on ouur way.
This formation is at Mammoth hot spring, one of the two major stops along the route.
Also at Mammoth,, this curious formation called Liberty Cap. I see several things in this picture, and if you overlook the obvious fallous symbol, you can see an old man wearing a pointed hat.We then continued on to our lunch spot, and eventually to Old Faithful. Here is a picture of the hundreds waiting for the performance, and a little from the end of it's spirting cycle...I got the rest on video, but that will take a long time to add to the blog over this Wi-Fi connection, do I will have to leave it out for now.
Back at the hotel in W. Yellowstone, we gathered in a big room and had pizza delivered. And now, off to bed to prep for tomorrow. TTYL.

July 18 - Shelby to W. Yellowstone

It has been a few years now that I have driven down I-15, and every time I am impressed by this big butte around the Great Falls area. You know you are in Montana When...


We stopped for a strech at Great Falls and, after some nice 75mph sweepers in the canyons, we stopped for Lunch in Helena. We went to fuel up at the famous Tim's Exxon, and I was looking forward to see what their full service treatment entailed for a motorcycle, but alas, it is closed up and only self-serve on Sundays. But if you are ever in Helena and need fuel, heck, even if you don't, fill up here and don't be afraid of the washrooms either.


Anyways, we headed down towards W. Yellowstone and got of the Interstate. There was about nine miles of con-str-str-str-struction and grav-av-av-el-el, but once through, things were smooth sailing. It did get pretty hot, and the next stop had some cooling vests coming out of storage.

We are now at W. Yellowstone, going out for something to eat in about an hour.

And.......They're off!!!

Ted is going to Saskatoon.....but it's going to take 2 weeks to get there???? I don't get it. Oh, right....he's with a great group of friends, all riding Gold Wings, now I understand....they are taking the scenic route. Follow along their journey. Here is a photo at the White Spot in Leduc just as they were heading off. 11 bikes in total, and they are picking up a few more along the way. Today's destination is Shelby, Montana....hope he has his passport!

Lucille.

Well, we changed our mind a little on the route and took the new Stony Trail around Calgary, and down highway 24 to Lethbridge. We stopped for lunch in Vulcan and took this picture by the starship enterprise.

Then continued on down to Lethbridge, so confusing driving through that town, and then on to Shelby. Yes, everyone has their passports. Stopped at Duty free for Drambui and Wine, so Terry and I are set. No Brie today though.

Ted