Beartooth Pass here we come

Tues June 30.09

Leaving Cody behind us, we headed northwest on the Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy towards Beartooth pass. Another day of incredible views of vast valleys, lush meadows, rock crags, canyons, majestic snow capped mountains .....very humbling .

Its difficult to describe the overwhelming----sensations you experience on a bike trip like this. Every sense is alerted with the smells of the pine and evergreen forest, the subtle changes in temperature, the cool fresh breeze,the 360 degree view of the mountains. You become part of the experience...much better than looking through the side window of a minivan..LOL.

We reached the west summit of Beartooth Pass after noon and before the rain hit. On our way back we stopped at a crystal mountain lake for our 2009 signature picture.



Heading back down the mountain we encountered an amazing waterfall...screech....get the camera Bren.



Early end to the day in Cooke City, Montana as it is the last stop before Yellowstone Park tomorrow to see Yogi and Boo Boo bear. Fortunately for us it was happy hour at the Miner Saloon with beer for $1.00 and the best pizza we have ever had.

Monday's Blog

Another scenic drive west from Sheridan to Cody, up and over Big Horn Montain range -elevation 8450 with snow capped peaks. Stumbled across Shell Falls, a beautiful waterfall tumbling 120 ft down into Shell Creek, which wound its way alongside the road to the bottom of the canyon.



Travelling through the canyon was akin to what one would expect to see driving to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Dramatic rock cuts winding through canyons to a mountain fed river. Heading towards Cody we happened onto the hamlet of Shell, population of 50!!!! Other than the post office and gas station, the local watering hole boasting beer and burgers was...closed cause it was Monday.



So what else is a hot thirsty biker with a trailer full of cold beer to do, but make themselves at home on the patio. Out came the peanuts...on came the tunes...and down went the beer! After enjoying the lovely sun filled afternoon, the owner came out, smiling and telling us to "tear it up"



Only in small town USA!

On into Cody we finaly found a place to stay and headed to Irma's saloon, the historical hotel built by Buffalo BILL Cody in 1903 during the height of his wild west show. Cody is still the host of these wild west shows nightly.



Off to the Cody Nites Rodeo with event riders coming from all over the Us. What a blast...the best part of the rodeo was watching the young kids compete. Unfortunately we are missing the annual PRCA rodeo Juky 1-5th. Maybe next time.



Back to the motel for outside patio party and foolishness.