August 22, 2017 - Cody, Wyoming to Yellowstone NP

The alarm went off at 6 this morning and we were on the road by 6:15 heading to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park where we were meeting friends, Phil and Marcia, and Phil’s brother, John, and his wife, June. We opted to head for the north entrance so we didn’t have to drive as far through the park, hoping to save some time. The sun was coming up as we left Cody behind. There are fires off to the west so the sky is a bit hazy.

It took us up Hwy 120 to Hwy 296, the Chief Joseph Highway. The scenery was beautiful, but it was, as the Beatles sang, “a long and winding road!”

There was no line when we arrived at the Yellowstone entrance and were on our way to Mammoth Hot Springs campground. We were finally able to get some cell phone service and found out that Phil and Marcia had arrived and we had a campsite for the night! YEAH! Our 128 mile drive took us over 3-1/2 hours!

We passed several herds of buffalo as we traversed the Lamar Valley area from the entrance to Tower Junction.

Some of the big boys were heading toward us down the road!

After settling in, we all headed back up to the Visitor’s center and then walked around the Mammoth geologic sites. No matter how many times we visit Yellowstone, we still love the beauty of this area.

We stopped at the general store for ice cream before heading back to the campground. Tobey washed the bikes and got the chains lubed. My bike had a flat, so he repaired that, too! I’m not riding with the guys to Glacier, but I did take a spin around the campground.  

I’m fixing a heavy carb dinner to get the guys ready for their ride in the morning.