Day Eight: When you get to a fork in the road, take it.

This day began in Gardiner, MT just outside the north gate of Yellowstone Park (near the Hot Springs). The view from our motel was glorious with the snow capped mountain looming across the valley. As we entered the park, we again saw the HERD of elk just hanging out on the median near the entrance, under trees, all around a cabin, and in the front yard of the medical clinic. They were oblivious to the cars and people. Quite serene.

Our primary goal today was to see Old Faithful since I'm the only one I know who hasn't seen it -- and it did not disappoint. After not seeing many cars on the roads all week, I now know where they all were...at Yellowstone waiting for the Old Faithful show. For this one show, there were people rows deep in a semi-circle to see the "blow." The Ranger said that our show was predicted to go off at 2:47 pm --and he was really close. Prior to "the show," several smaller geyser around the back area teased the crowd with little geysers before Old Faithful did his thing. Son Clayton worked at Yellowstone one summer and loved it. I understand why. Know he was in his element with the fly fishing -- there were fisherman in streams throughout the park. Wanted to jump out and join them. (One of my favorite days of all time was spent with Clayton standing in a trout stream south of Fairplay, CO fly fishing -- during Clayton's four-year sojourn in Breckenridge. Ready to go again!) The views belonged on calender pages....

They are doing road construction work on many sections of the park -- new lodge and inn, upgrades of informational facilities, and roadwork. Lots of roadwork. (For those of you traveling in this area any time soon, there are numerous work delays towards the south entrance to the park. Check with the rangers for updates.) Since we had no definite schedule we decided to head south towards Jackson and the Tetons; we meandered our way towards the south entrance of the park -- and we weren't disappointed. The drive from Yellowstone to Jackson (formerly known as Jackson Hole -- changed the name a couple of years ago...who knew?) was worth the trip. We felt compelled to stop at every "turn out" or "pull out" to take yet another picture and gaze at the majesty of these mountains. (I don't know, Lang, but this drive is almost up there with the Beartooth Scenic Highway.) This truly looks like the Alps.

Okay, I've found another potential home. Jackson, Wyoming. (Somehow it sounds incomplete -- liked Jackson Hole better. The airport is still called Jackson Hole.) What a fun town!! Son James told me to check out the Silver Dollar Bar for Harrison and Calista. :-) I can see the draw for the area. Fun shopping opportunities, restaurants, and lots of local color. The little main square has a huge antler arch. Such atmosphere here.

Since my traveling companion is limited in her walking ability (and not crazy about bars and pubs), we continued south to Pinedale, a small community that is becoming a boom town because of what is under the ground. The Wind River Mountains were to our left all along this drive -- spectacular range. There are few businesses in this town with a population of 1,200. (The "roughnecks" come in on the weekend from the oil and gas fields, so we were told -- a "wild west" experience.) Still, we had our choice of five brand new motels. Having spent several nights at Best Westerns on this trip (with good breakfasts included), we chose this again. We are miles from anywhere but that is fine -- on another adventure tomorrow.

Have to tell you about two guys who pulled up on "bikes" as we were unloading for this evening. We are used to bikers since they are out in legions this summer. These two fellows had gorgeous Harleys and fine leather saddle bags. When they pulled off their helmets, we saw two older gentlemen with white hair (hey, they had hair) just full of life excited about their day's ride. Wish I had taken their picture -- if we see them in the morning, I'll ask them to "pose." Can just imagine the fun they are having.

In talking today, we decided to re-think the previous plans of going to see the Grand Canyon and Santa Fe/Taos (having done this before) and take the fork in the road -- to visit Mesa Verde in Cortez, CO and Durango before turning east towards Oklahoma City. More on that tomorrow.