You would think the most exciting part of today’s ride was
going into a new state…Wyoming. But, I was so excited to be riding into
Yellowstone on my bike that I forgot to take a picture by the “Welcome to
Wyoming” sign. It was an awesome ride
with so many beautiful landscapes. You learn quickly that when a gathering of
cars appears along the road, a wild animal has been spotted. So, one such
gathering, I ask what all the excitement is about. A fellow pointed out a
grizzly bear in the distance. So, I took out the telephoto lens and snapped a
few shots….way cool! Further into the park I spotted some elk and bison. I crossed the Continental Divide two different times today enroute to the campground. My
main objective was to get to Grant Village campground, where we were going to
all go exploring. We actually arrived at the camp at the same time, checked in,
got the “watch for bears” speech and set up. There was no electricity at this
campground but we made do just fine.
So, we hopped in the Durango and headed for Old Faithful
Geyser. It was just getting ready to erupt when we arrived…great timing. Then
we explored the Old Faithful Visitor Center, General Store, and Gift Shops. The
balance of the day was spent spotting at other Geyser, bubbling pools of hot
water and mud spots. There were more Bison along the roads and lots of people
everywhere. But, the sights and sounds of the things we visited were more than
words can describe. Magnificent!!
There were lots of signed of the devistating fire that swept through the park in the summer of 1988, but the regrowth is strong. The evergreens are already 8-10 feet high and much thicker than before. We watched a film of how they tried and tried to put the fire out without success. It was not until an early snow fall in September before the fire was out. The film talks about how "Mother Nature" put the fire out and how "Mother Nature" has a way of replanting the forest. "Mother Nature" is cleansing the forest. Well I say replace all references to "Mother Nature" with God. He is the one who had the plan for the park and how Man was not able to put the fire out. Another example of God being in control and not Man. But, Man is not going to acknowledge God, because that is not politically correct.
OK, so, that night we relaxed by the campfire and enjoyed the
evening in the middle of God's creation!
One of the many sightings of Bison in the Park
I was trying to illustrate how much the trees have grown since the big fire of 1988. You can see the taller charred trees and the rest of the green trees are newer.
Yes, that is a grizzy Bear. Thankfully he was not interested in bicyclists today (i.e. Meals on Wheels)
One example of the many Geyser Basins we visited.
Maybe I should rename the Black Stallion to instead be Old Faithful, as it keeps getting me up and down the mountains?
At 8,000 feet as I crossed one of the 2 Continental Divide Spots, there was still snow and it was in the 70's.
A first view of the large Yellowstone Lake.
Thar she blows maitee!...Old Faithful!
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