July 21, 2001 - Mike and Marilyn's 2001 TranAmerican Bike Tour

 

Grant Village, Yellowstone Park, WY to West Yellowstone, MT. (56 mi.) Mile 3063

We enjoy our last day in Wyoming

This morning was warmer than yesterday, so it was easier to get an early start. At the exit to our campground, we heard an elk bugle, and rounded the corner to find ourselves in the middle of an elk herd crossing the road. The herd was predominantly cows with spotted calves of various ages. We didn't see the bull elk, and tried to keep our distance from the cows, who eyed us assertively. They are big animals, especially when you are on a bicycle.

A few miles farther we visited our first geothermic attraction, the geyser basin at West Thumb. The cold morning air accentuated the rising steam and hot water running directly into Yellowstone Lake. Our digital camera fell off a pannier while I was juggling cameras here, and the battery compartment door broke. I was worried that there would be no more digital images the rest of the trip, but we have it patched with duct tape. Still, the camera is now temperamental, and I have missed pictures because of this. I am hoping for better photos from our Canon SLR to be added to the journal later.

Steam rises from the geysers at West Thumb

Board walk along Yellowstone Lake

We were very glad to see that there was a good shoulder on the Yellowstone highway from West Thumb on, especially westbound. We crossed the Continental Divide two more times before dropping down to Old Faithful. Out West, the roller coaster riding is on a grand scale.

Old Faithful geyser erupts about every hour, and we hung out and enjoyed this area for at least 3 eruptions, eating lunch at the lodge while I typed away on the laptop. We tried to find a data port, but when Old Faithful Lodge was constructed in 1904, the original builders did not plan ahead for data ports. Though often a hassle, sometimes trying to connect a computer while on this trip has led to more adventure and an inside look at interesting nooks and crannies.

A bull bison browses outside the gift shop at Old Faithful, a potential wildlife-

human encounter of the dangerous kind.

We enjoyed at least three Old Faithful eruptions

Rest Stop and another Continental Divide

A bull elk crossed the Firehole River to challenge the tourist standing next to us practicing his elk bugle.
We decided this was a good time to leave Wyoming and pedal to Montana.