Day 71: Dillon, MT

Since my last post, we have seen some amazing places. We spent the 4th of July at Colter Bay in Teton National Park where there is a spectacular view of Jackson Lake with the Tetons towering over the lake on the other side. The ride through Teton Park is beautiful with lots of wild flowers, tall trees and wildlife. I took a detour off the route to visit Jackson Hole Ski Resort where I ate lunch at the base of the ski slopes then took a pleasant bike path to Jackson. We had a rest day in Jackson and I met up with a college buddy to hang out for the day.

Leaving Jackson, we had quite a climb over Teton Pass with an incline of 9% for 5.5 miles. It was much more difficult than Hoosier Pass but still does not compare to the roller coaster of the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains. Crossing mountain passes are always rewarding with a steep downhill on the other side. Rick's inner tube blew out on the way down from his breaks over heating the rim.

Shortly after Teton Pass we entered Idaho. It was really pretty with green rolling hills and mountains in the distance. At first I was surprised at how green everything seemed, but then noticed they were constantly watering their fields of potatoes. We were in Idaho for two days and entered Montana at West Yellowstone where we took two rest days. We did not bike through the park because the tourists in their RVs would have run us over. My mom and sister flew up to visit me and tour Yellowstone. Driving through the park is a good way to see a lot, but was difficult to fully enjoy from within the car. Old Faithful and "Artist's Point" were highlights in addition to the buffalo herds, moose, bald eagles, etc. I had a woundedful time with mom and Sheridan and they enjoyed camping with us and meeting the rest of the gang.

In other news, a mosquito found itself inside of my tent the other night and landed on the screen lining of the tent. I flicked him with my finger and all the blood inside of him that he had sucked out of the local mammals splatered and stained the inside of my tent.

This was a taken at a beautiful pond east of Jackson Hole. The peaks and their reflection in the water took my breath away when I first saw the pond.

There's still snow...
(picture taken east of Jackson Hole)

Jackson Lake with the Tetons in the background

Teton National Park

Teton National Park

Teton National Park

a moose

When you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, this is the only guy around to talk to.

I am assuming these are the famous potatoes of Idaho. (near Ashton, ID)

A roadside field of yellow (near Ashton, ID)

yet another border

Old Faithful - Faithful to the clock, it erupts every 90 minutes.

Everyone who comes to Yellowstone sits on the edge of their seat to watch Old Faithful.

The runoff from the thermal pools in Yellowstone often look like martian soil. (My sister Sheridan)

A view from "Artist's Point" in Yellowstone

Pretending to be tough...

tough guy

Earthquake Lake is west of Yellowstone and was formed from an earthquake when a part of the mountain fell across the Madison River forming a dam.

I don't know what this is all about but thought it was picture-worthy. The truck is spray painted to say "No Trespassing". (West of Ennis, MT)

This bright field of flowers welcomed me into Ennis, MT.

Virginia City, MT

Real taffy (Virginia City)

Come as you are and tie up your horse to the post. (Nevada City)

Nevada City, MT

All the farmers wave (between Virginia City and Nevada City)

This one is for you sister.

Pete visits an oasis lemonade stand (Sheridan, MT)