Day 65 July 26th Yellowstone Wildlife

Canyon Campground Yellowstone NP WY to Gardiner MT 40 miles (2,841)

Today I entered Montana through the North entrance/exit to Yellowstone National Park. But first I picked up some food at the Yellowstone General Store in Canyon Village near where I camped last night. These two couples from California were sitting at a table outside the store and agreed to gang up on anyone who so much has looked at my bicycle sideways:

From left: Gray, Laura, John and Annie. When I came out of the store they informed me that they had fought off four people. We Californians have to stick together!

Today the only four-legged type of wildlife I experienced was one lone buffalo, a herd of tiny buffalo (they were very far away) and several itsy bitsy elk (they were very very far away).

However, I experienced quite a bit of the two-legged type of wildlife - specifically the type that drives motorized vehicles. Much of today's route was along Yellowstone's Grand Loop Road, much of which has no shoulder. It was decidedly unsafe for cyclists being passed by impatient two-legged wildlife. I was safe when I was being passed by patient and cautious motorists. There was one particular motorist in a large delivery truck that stands out as the most dangerous. I truly believe he tried to take me out by making it look like an "accident". I had been warned several weeks ago by my Warm Showers host, Eli, not to ride through Yellowstone. However, since his warning, I ran into several cyclists who urged me to experience Yellowstone by bicycle, stating that they didn't think it was "all that bad". All I can say is that I am glad I did it - I would not have wanted to miss yesterday's ride. But, at the same time, I would never recommend it to anyone.

A view from an overlook where I met John and Aiden - two cyclists riding a 100 mile Loop through Yellowstone today:

John (right) is on a cross country trip by car with his bicycle. He drives from one riding opportunity to another. Two days ago he rode a bicycle race up Mount Evans - the highest mountain in Colorado; then drove to Utah where he rode yesterday. After yesterday's ride he drove to Montana where he began today's 100 mile route through the northern part of Yellowstone. He obviously is in excellent shape. When I complimented him on his accomplishments, he replied, "Don't congratulate ME - you're the badass!"  I must admit, being complimented (that is a compliment, right?) by someone who did what John has done in the last three days made me feel good and energized me for much of the rest of today's ride. Don't worry, I'm not getting a big head. Every day I am tired and worn out. There is something in every day's ride that humbles and reminds me that I'm really not in that great of shape and that I am old.

About five miles from my destination I came to the Mammoth area of Yellowstone. Here I met Mitchell outside the visitors center:

Mitchell is on an a trip visiting numerous national parks throughout the western United States. He hikes over 15 miles a day with elevation gains often in the thousands of feet. He lives in Hawaii and is earning a PhD in astronomy. His three roommates are also PhD candidates in astronomy. That explains his purchase of a Monopoly game - the Yellowstone National Park version. His roommates were unable to join him on this journey, so he's taking back the most obnoxious thing he could think of - to rub it in their faces. The book on rocks, minerals and gems is for his 8-year-old sister who wants to become a scientist like her older brother; except she likes geology.