Yellowstone II

Today was one of those 240 mile, non-driving days. We left Gardiner, MT at 0800 to drive across the northern part of Yellowstone to the Northeastern Exit. That took a couple of hours. We saw a single elk, a couple of mule deer, a small herd of antelope and large herds of bison. Outside the Northeastern gate is Cooke City, MT. From there it is 60+ miles to Red Lodge, MT. The route is Rt 212, but it is better known as the Beartooth Highway. It starts and ends at about a mile high, but spends much of its time at two miles high. The 60 miles to and from Red Lodge each take about two hours plus photo stops. Whereas northern Yellowstone is majestic high forest and plains, the Beartooth Highway (outside the park) is high-altitude, long-range viewage. I think we topped out at 10,947 feet. The road is a paved, two wide, no shoulder road with many dozens of U-turn switchbacks. The word, "majestic" does not do it justice, nor do the pictures that I have posted. It was attentive driving in the Jeep. It would have been a real chore in the bus. It could have been done. As a matter of fact, as we were descending toward Cooke City, we met a 45 foot, tag axle Dutch Star heading up with a dinghy. The driver would NOT have seen any scenery. On the way back through Yellowstone we saw a mama black bear and two cubs and (about three miles from our campground) a half dozen Rocky Mountain sheep.

The campground has a dog walk service. The owner, Pete, will walk your dog every three hours for $5.00 per day. Given the way Belle would respond to wildlife in the roadway, that is a good option. We got back at 1700, just in time to feed her. We have decided to spend four nights here after all, because two days of touring would not be enough. Tomorrow we'll go see some geysers.