AK Trip - Day Four - Tuesday, June 19th,

We left Riverton, WY at 6:15 am riding in a chilly 45-degree temp. The temp stayed cool until mid-afternoon and then climbed to the upper seventies. Our route led us in a steady climb up 9,000 ft into the breathtaking Teton Mountains. Nothing beats the view from the seat of a motorcycle! I was also amazed that the ride smelled like you were riding through a Christmas tree. I have ridden in pine trees many times before but never with quiet that same smell.

While climbing between 8500 and 9000 ft we came across a five-mile section where the pavement ends. The highway dept. had simply removed the road and were routing traffic onto wet dirt, mud and some gravel. That made for an interesting ride on Ted’s Wing. Fortunately the V Strom was right at home.

One other interesting thing happened today. While riding up one of the mountains I had a small bird fly up off the side of the road and hit the stem of my left mirror. The bird simply exploded all over my cb radio and my left jacket sleeve. I doubt it ever knew what happened. Oddly, that's the second time I have had a bird commit suicide in a similar manner.

Hwy 26 (West Yellowstone Hwy) winds through the Teton Mountains and directly into the southern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. We entered there and went straight to Old Faithful where we found droves of tourists. We collected our NP stamp and left while over 500 people lined Old Faithful waiting for it to erupt. Not my idea of fun!

We followed The Grand Loop up the western side of Yellowstone, visiting Mammoth Hot Springs and exiting at Gardiner, MT. Tonight we’re staying in Belgrade, MT a suburb of Bozeman, MT.

As of today we have ridden 1805 fun filled miles. Tomorrow we ride to Glacier NP and the next day we cross into Canada. I continue to find excellent Wi FI coverage on this trip. I'm sure there will be days when I don't have Internet access or we simply arrive at the motel too late.

Ted and I appreciate all the comments and well wishes we are receiving. I hope you will continue.

"Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart."
~Confucius~