Yellowstone and some time out

Sat/Sunday/Monday the 17th.

We had three nights in Gardiner Montana. A small town on the nth entrance to Yellowstone Nat Park in the Rockies.

On Sat we had a trip through part of the park including a look at Old faithfull the geiser that blows every 90 minutes or so. It is still very early season and many roads in the park are not open. As we discovered on Sunday morning not too many shops or eating establishments are open either. I would not like to be visiting Yellowstone in peak holliday season. The traffic on these narrow roads would be hell.

On sunday mroning three of us took an early ride back into the park to see the animals before they retreated into the woods. Plenty of Bison are around all day. ELk are quiet tame and we just missed a bear which crossed the road into a large bare hill. Two more corners and cars were stopped, tripods out and cameras ready incase the bear came their way.

We had some bike trouble on that trip. One Honda had a flat battery and Hugh had to roll start it several times. Being on large hills helped. We went back to the Motel and investigated and decided the system was not charging.Charged the battery off the SUV and got through today, Monday. We stopped at a large m/cycle dealer who did not have the parts but bought a new battery and charger. Should get a few more days out of it if we do not ride at night.

Enjoyed a break Sunday afternoon. the high altitude saps energy and I think most had a nap.

Rode through the park today and came out of the Sth entrance at about 5 degrees air temp. Even saw a few frozen lakes due to the altitude. Lakes at lower levels are not frozen.

Have moved Sth East into Idaho. Looking for interesting roads to Vegas. I think this is the seventh state plus Canada in our trip. Have done around 3,100 miles or 4,800 Klm's. Hope to slow a little or we will be back in LA too soon. The other stat that occured to me today is we have ridden many mountain passes and have possibly had snow in site and a stream/river full of snow melt on all but one riding day over the last eight or so days. We came away for adventure and to see things that are different from what we see at home. Todate we have exceeded beyond expectation.

Hope all is well with the folks back home. We are well and still enjoying the trip.