DAY 22: Beaver Creek Campground to Grant Village (Yellowstone NP, Wyoming): "Doing what tourists do in Yellowstone National Park"

June 20, 2016

DAILY STATS

Mileage: 81.54

Average Speed: 11.5mph

Maximum Speed: 36.2mph

I woke up today ready to conquer the madness that is summertime in Yellowstone National Park. I'd heard bad things about cycling there (narrow shoulders, bad drivers, etc), so I was a little apprehensive.

Both Jeff and Greg took some time to pray for me and bless me as I continue my journey. I'm not a particularly religious guy, but to know that these two men (who were but strangers to me 12 hours before) were compelled to give me such a send-off was truly meaningful.

So, blessed and content, I hit the road. Along the way to the park entrance, I convened with several Canadians making their ways back to Ontario.

The ride leading up to the West Yellowstone entrance.

We stopped at a bakery to fuel up before hitting the park.

Always fun to check off a new national park and state!

The ride into Yellowstone started off beautiful and just kept getting better. I wound my way through the Madison River Valley before turning south towards the famous thermal features.

With only a few hours in the park, I had to prioritize the features I could see. I was awed by the first little one I saw by the side of the road and had to stop.

Stuff like this just lines the roadside here! It's amazing!

I walked around the Grand Prismatic Spring, several small geysers, some bubbling mud pits, and fumaroles. The crowds were huge, but I didn't mind too much. The scenery kept me occupied.

Just outside of the Grand Prismatic Spring. You could feel the heat every time the wind switched directions.

The famous Grand Prismatic Spring. So many colors!

Another spring. It looks like it would be great for snorkeling, but alas it was nearlush boiling.

My final stop was at Old Faithful. I grabbed some ice cream and mingled until the next eruption. It was imy restive, and I felt oddly patriotic.

Strawberry ice cream on a long warm day is always a good choice.

Given the waning light, I high tailed it over the continental divide twice before descending into Grant Village. While I was technically still in the park, I wish I had more time to explore the park's other sections and to see more wildlife. I guess it gives me reason to come back!

I was also pleasantly surprised with the cycling in the park. In spite of the crowds, it wasn't as bad as I expected. Tomorrow I head to Jackson, Wyoming via Grand Teton National Park.

Today's ride: 82 miles (132 km)
Total: 1,450 miles (2,334 km)

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