Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Day 37- Yellowstone! (Yes, That One), Or…

…That’s Not a Bison!

Exciting day today as we were making our way to Yellowstone! Doug, Jordan, and I left Beaver Creek at about 7:30. The first several miles were along the water of Hebgen Lake.

Good morning Day 37!

The dam between Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake. 

We started seeing these signs. 

They must have been phantom bison, because we didn’t see any. Oh, there was that moment where I pointed out some bison to Doug, only to realize a moment later that they weren’t bison…only some horses (two were standing in such a way as to make them look like a bison…and my eyesight isn’t that great).

There were some great views of the lake though. 



And a fishing boat. 

We rolled into West Yellowstone (the town just outside the park) at about 10:30ish. I wanted to get some more fuel for my stove, so we went to the Madison River Outfitters store. I got my fuel, and Doug bought a button up sun shirt. 

We went in search of food (by then it was just after 11:00). After heading toward several eateries, only to find them closed, we found a bakery (Mountain Mama). I had a quiche and a pastry (of course). We went back to the city park to use the restrooms, and text Jordan to let him know we were heading to the entrance gate for Yellowstone. We wanted to go through the gate together because Doug’s Golden Pass would get us in for free. Jordan arrived, and we headed in (after photos, of course). 



Going in to Yellowstone!!

We had 14 miles to Madison Campground, our destination for the day. We continued to see Bison on Road signs (one even had flashing lights), but no bison. 

About a mile and a half into the park, we crossed into Wyoming. 

Not much of a sign, but we’ll take it! State number 5!

There were numerous pullouts to see wildlife…like bison. We didn’t see any (bison or anything else)…beautiful scenery though. 

The Madison River

Haynes Rock 

We arrived at the campground before 2:00. Of course it’s full, but all the campgrounds have Hiker/Biker areas. It costs $9.40 per person. Doug is half off with his Pass. The H/B area is right behind the registration office. 

Our tents. 

There are three other cyclists here besides Doug, Jordan, and I. Martin and Oscar, father and son, are from Berlin. Martin has been cycling for 4 months. His son, Oscar, joined him today (flew into West Yellowstone). Martin has been in the park (going from campground to campground) for 3 1/2 weeks. He seems to know everyone in the park! He is a very outgoing person, and fun to talk to. The other cyclist is Anya, from Belgium. She hasn’t been here for long, and she has just 5 1/2 weeks to get to Minneapolis. She’s confident she can do it, but says she doesn’t do many miles each day. 

The typical rainstorm came through around 5:45. Fortunately, there is a covered area, as we were just finishing cooking our dinners. It blew over, and we were able to wash up. Later it rained again, but not for long. The sun came out, to Doug and I went for a walk to the river. 

Could be bison here!

Evidence of bison. 

No bison

That’s not a bison…that’s Jordan setting up his chair. 

Still no bison. 

That’s not a bison…that’s a duck. 

Beautiful river…but no bison. 

Alas, we have seen no bison (or much wildlife of any sort). Perhaps tomorrow when we head toward Grant Village…








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