August 13

August 13

Wow, staying hitched up for the night makes for an easy departure the next morning!  Nice!  Drove from Sheridan to Yellowstone today.

Just out of Sheridan, the route took us through the Bighorn mountains which was breathtaking with panoramic views.  You could see for miles away and into the valley below. 

On the downhill side, it was a pretty steep grade and I was driving. Gave me some good practice using the exhaust brake, which I LOVE!  What a great thing on our truck!  Jim, on the passenger side, was watching a river running quickly and splashing over granite boulders with water falls here and there.  We all have to take Jim's word for all that, as I was watching the road closely and not taking pictures.

Cody was just cutest little town and I sure wished we could have spared the time to spend a few hours there.  But it's not fun to get to the camp at the very end of the day, exhausted.  We prefer to get to camp by 3 or so and have time for relaxing.  We like to put out the dog fence and give them time outside and they just love it.   When they see Jim getting the fences out, they start prancing and twirling!

Yellowstone, at 12:42, trip miles 2044,  77 degrees. When we drove in the east entrance, we were pleased to use our senior pass which got us free admittance.  We are staying at the Fishing Bridge camp right in the middle of the park on  Yellowstone Lake, which is the largest alpine lake in the world.  A very central location in this massive park.  For instance, our camp is 27 miles from the east entrance.  Mammoth Hot springs on the north end is about 2.5 hours away. Gives you an idea of how massive Yellowstone is.  Keep in mind, we are in the center.  Thank goodness!

Getting to a new location is so exciting.  New things to see and experience, and Yellowstone will not disappoint.

On a sad note, the pine beetle infestation  and last years fire has killed so many trees.  The most devastating is the pine beetles!  The following pictures were taken coming in from the east.  

Thank goodness, where we are surrounded by healthy trees, but it still hurts my heart that the beetles are doing so much damage.  It was the same in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Diesel is $4.40 per gallon, and we are happy to pay it as this place is so huge and we have 6 days to see it.  Will need fuel for that!  However, we caught "Harley Fever" in Sturgis and I hear the only cure is to purchase your own and ride with the wind in your hair!  Hope Jim doesn't let his conservative financial ideas ruin that.  Lol!  Need a Harley Ultra Classic.  It's now or never!  Of course the list of  wants continues on and on with a fifth wheel toy hauler trailer!

They say "boys and their toys" but I think gender has nothing to do with it!   Pray for the stock market!!!

We went to the visitor center this afternoon and walked through to the building to find a massive beach on the lake!  Black sandy beaches as far as the eye can see in each direction.  Lots folks picnicking, swimmingq and relaxing.