Yellowstone National Park

27 August - Drove 294.5 miles (473 kms) from Hamilton to Yellowstone via Bozeman (nice town - University centred). Stopped at a park where you can see Grizzlies up close. These are bears that have been rescued from captivity. Sheena and Brutus were kept in a very small cage in someones backyard till they were rescued. They certainly seem happy in their new home. Stayed in a RV park in Livingston on the edge of Yellowstone. Pricey but good restrooms for a change.

28 August - Drove 102.2 Miles (165 kms) to stay in the actual Yellowstone Park. Stopped at Gardiner for supplies and saw some amazing scenery at Calcite Springs Overlook - great canyon with rushing river at the base. So spectacular I felt like an intruder even being there. The weather remains very warm - t shirts and shorts and sandals. In Yellowstone there are signs everywhere warning you about bears and our campsite was very remote...only a few vans around and no power. It was so dark that when I did a loo trip (way too far to go) the darkness seemed to suck up the light from the torch and yes...I was damned scared. Lee was too scared to even attempt the trip (mwahahaha)  and once again utilised the back wheel. Hope that one doesn't drop off lol. We kept hearing noises all night and couldn't believe we were actually whispering lol. Like being on a kids camp and telling ghost stories.

29 August - Went on a lake cruise on Lake Yellowstone. Very interesting - the ranger told us the history of the park and some stories about the early days when people went up there in stage coaches - must have been tough  - however when they got there there was a very posh hotel waiting for them. Built late last century it must have been an unenviable task getting all the supplies to build it up there - it is huge. We saw a bald eagle too - brilliant. We went to see Old Faithful geyser which apparently "blows it's top " every 93 minutes. Our timing was perfect - we parked the car and walked to the viewing site and off it went!! Great sight. In the afternoon we drove 266.4 miles (428 kms) through Grand Teton National Park - absolutely spectacular mountains. They almost look 2 dimensional and like a movie backdrop. On through Wyoming and into cowboy country.  Spectacular countryside and looks like every Western Movie you have ever seen. Was waiting for John Wayne to come riding over the hills in pursuit of war painted Indians.- whilst driving a herd of cattle across swollen  cricks!! lol Stayed the night in a Motel 6 in Riverton.

30 August - Big day - 426.4 miles (686 kms) through Wyoming and into South Dakota. The Wyoming we saw today was very flat and mainly agricultural. The roads were very good but reminded me a bit of driving over the Hay Plains - if you know what I mean. As soon as we got into South Dakota the terrain changed - became hilly and lots of trees - beautiful quaint houses. I think I'm going to like South Dakota. Tonight we are in an RV park that is sort of tiered up a mountain and the restrooms are like little log cabins. Love it. Going to be cold tonight to so that will be a nice change. For you western movie fans we are in Deadwood and will be visiting Boot Hill tomorrow. Bugs #518