Wednesday 6/20/18

West Yellowstone to Grant Village

Aclf morning getting up, about 40 degrees. After a light breakfast of little remaining food, we packed and headed for West Yellowstone and supplies before entering the National Park.

Town was in full tourist season and busy. We made or store stop and bought like hungry cyclist. We then went to the McDonald's to eat and meet a friend, Michael, who was dropping from the race. He had been hit by a car back at Baker City and a strained knee was getting more agrivated by continuing.

The clouds started to break up and we experienced the warmth of the sun for the first time in over a week. We finished eating, wished Michael well, and headed to the Park .

Cycling in the park was OK even with heavy tourist traffic. There was always adequate shoulder for us.

The main goal was for Nishanth to see Old Faithful erupt. We stopped at several thermal features before getting to Old Faithful, the main feature!

Occasionally traffic would halt on both directions and tourist would leap out, cameras in hand. Moose and buffalo must be the Kardashians of Yellowstone!

We finally got to Old Faithful and caught the 5:20 show. Nishanth was impressed so that goal was meet. We enjoyed a picknic meal afterwards and then started cycling to Grant Village campground for the night. Seventeen miles and after crossing the continental divide twice, we arrived at camp. The sign said full, but hikers and bikers cannot be turned away. The site we ended up in, the person we were sharing with camped across from us the night before. That was a surprise for everyone

Still cool in the mid 50’s, but no rain and some sunshine, it was a great day!

Total miles with sight seeing thrown in, about 55.