Day 83 Montana West Yellowstone
Trip Start
May 07, 2008
1
90
205
Trip End
Nov 22, 2008
West Yellowstone,
Montana,
United States
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
We decided last night it would be an earlier beginning because our look at the map suggested it would be a long haul to bring us close to the Famous Yellowstone National Park.
A complaining female section of the travellers was ignored and we rolled out at 8:30am (who said that is early?) Filled with gas and set off along the highway. We had deliberately chosen to take routes avoiding the freeways to give us a better scenic tour of the countryside, this decision was very quickly ratified as we passed through different farm areas from Cattle grazing, Lucerne hay crops and large expanse of wheat fields.
The miles simply flowed under the Castles wheels with no challenges and the cruise control set on around 65mph, that certainly tells all, the road condition and the Castle's ability. (the speed limit varied from 70-75mph) a stop for morning tea down the track and further on the map than we had figured, a small place called White Sulphur Springs, then roll on
A back country retreat in Montana
.We came to a turn Mandy was insisting we take at a junction in the highway 89 and another highway that only appeared as a grey line on our map.
A stop and discussion as to the option and why Mandy has given us this route, it was decided to take this road as it appeared ok with the speed limit we could observe, of 70mph, and it was wide, as well we had told Mandy to avoid freeways so let's go.
Interesting how the road changed about 4 miles in, it narrowed, (narrower than Karon's experience yesterday) and it became somewhat a winding up high twisty road, oh well hey we are committed, besides no matter the skill of the driver there was no place to give the Castle a 3,4 or 5 point turn.
The traffic was very light and we just kept aiming forward, again we viewed pockets of wonderful woods and at one stage looking up a creek bed spotted two deer standing in the creek crossing. (that justifies the choice of route), we came to a "turn out" ( a wider section of the road) with a view spot, pulled over and yes it was worth the camera shot, hopefully we can load this pic to show you.
Roll again and eventually we finish climbing to 7330 feet, and head on down, the road did improve and in fact was only around 30 miles of narrow twisty bits and we opened up into a large town called Bozeman, find a Walmart and top up with essentials (we are getting good at picking the spots and finding our way around the different layouts, it also gave us time to have the photos transferred onto disc, as well, the boys managed to snap up some specials in Singlets and Polo shirts, (yeah right Karon states while she is focussed on the groceries we duck and do our thing.) I am sure the boys will pay the price shortly.
From this town is was a short run to our present location, West Yellowstone and booked into the KOA, ready to attack this park tomorrow, this takes us into Wyoming the home of the park.
Please note we have been given a warning to ensure we keep our food and barby and rubbish locked up, because of the bear threat. Gee we are good friends with bears don't they know!
Another State on our journey!
Comments
Yellowstone
It was good to speak to you all today. The phone call was a welcome distraction from the meeting I had been sitting in all day. The photo is absolutely beautiful. It is really clear and I feel that I am there. Enjoy Yellowstone and watch out for our Grizzly friends.
Marian