I spent the night in Billings Montana last night. I was so tired by mid afternoon, and then after I counted up the hours on my fingers that I had been driving, which was 10, I decided against trying to set up a tent and stayed at a motel instead. It had stopped raining for a while so I could have camped, but I was both physically and mentally exhausted at that point. You will be thrilled to learn (as I was) that this motel was clean! Nary a hair in the tub to be seen. AND it was 30 bucks cheaper than the last one. A win-win situation.
The motel also provided a Continental breakfast. Not a great one, mind you, but there was coffee and toast so that was enough. I had a great chat with an older couple from Wyoming. It started out with her asking me if I was there to go to the hospital. That confused me, but then she explained that there was a hospital right across the street, apparently the best in the state and surrounding states, so most of the people staying in the motel were there for the hospital. I explained where I was from, although I could tell they had no idea where that was. She was there to see a doctor in the morning and then they were picking up a truckload of potatoes and taking them back home to Wyoming to sell. Apparently Billings has the best red potatoes also!
I headed off towards Yellowstone National Park, through the Beartooth pass. It is supposedly beautiful through there, and it is all switchbacks up through the mountains. But, and this may shock you, it was raining. And very very foggy. Every once in a while you could see a little bit but I know I missed some great scenery. That was very disappointing.
Yellowstone is absolutely beautiful. It remains very cloudy but the sun has peeked through a couple of times. Have seen lots of buffalo and some sort of elk or something. And I finally got out hiking! !! I bought a bear bell at Mountain Equipment Co-op in Winnipeg so I attached that to my pack and I brought my bear spray with me. Dad gave me the bear spray a few years ago and made me promise to take it hiking with me. He always emphasized the fact that it could be used for 2 legged animals also. I only went for 1 1/2 hours but it was nice to get out. I am staying in Mammoth spring in the park and there are lots of hot springs all over, especially on the trail I went on. I have set up my tent and it is likely going to be a chilly night but I have lots of blankets and warm clothes. I plan on going on down through the park tomorrow, hopefully to see Old Faithful and then I will decide what and where I am going next.
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