GPS Tracks for the trip are posted herehttps://tworoads.shutterfly.com/pictures/40#43
Miles: 164
Total Time: 6:55
Total On Bikes: 3:40
Total Miles For Trip so far: 2140
We were treated to another beautifully sunny day to make our way about 75 miles (mostly straight) from Ennis, Montana to the west entrance to Yellowstone Park. We had planned last night to make this an "easy" day and we did just that. We made our way to Old Faithful for our lunch stop -- and traveling a little farther into the park with a turnaround at the Continental Divide (here's a link to remind you of what the Continental Divide is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_divide)
As soon as we entered the park I remembered prior visits when drivers made unexpected stops in the middle of the road whenever wildlife is noticed. This occurred again today -- even in places where there were special signs alerted travelers to an eagle nesting area and commanded "no stopping." So many were stopped, we initially thought there had been an accident. A little farther along we came upon the first of many herds of buffalo -- and again the drivers did stupid things in reckless disregard of everyone on the road. Later fox and elk caused the same behavior. I laughed to myself thinking these drivers were acting like they'd never seen an open range animal -- or been to a zoo for that matter. Thankfully we were able to get away from some of the crazy drivers and enjoy parts of the route without having to watch for brake lights -- but when we turned around and headed back to West Yellowstone -- we endured the same behavior. I'm guessing that it only gets worse as the summer brings more visitors! There is no doubt it is a beautiful park -- but the crowded roads of crazy behaving drivers is definitely a distraction. I yearned to be back on Idaho Highway 93 where we were nearly alone on the road.
Once again thanks to Vince's mom's timeshare -- we are staying in a beautiful two bedroom condo here in West Yellowstone. Tomorrow's plan is to head back through the park and exit on the east entrance, head over the Beartooth Pass and get to our east-most part of this trip -- turning our bikes back west to begin the trip home.
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