Well, unfortunately vacation had to come to an end. We’re now back in Cincinnati and back into the routine. The only nice things about returning was seeing our dog and being able to bike again. I know I gave a basically day to day report of our vacation activities, so this post will focus on some quick thoughts about our destinations and some interesting things we saw or did along the way.
Southern Montana: Big Sky and the surrounding ranches on the highways are definitely the place to go to really get away to the backcountry. We had no cell reception for most of our time up here, and the general pace of life seemed slow and relaxing. I’m sure Big Sky buzzes in the winter with activity, though.
Yellowstone: I had heard going in that this would be a disappointment. However, the only disappointment I had was with Old Faithful, which I kind of expected. The terrain changes constantly as you travel the roads in the park…mountains, canyons, rivers, forests, lakes…it’s all there, along with the geothermal features. Don’t go see Old Faithful to base your judgment of Yellowstone on. Yes, the traffic is slow…but you’re there to sightsee for God’s sake…relax.
Grand Tetons: Although much smaller than Yellowstone, the Tetons offer more hiking (at least publicized) and is more “user friendly” with better information at the ranger stations and less traffic. Also, the mountains themselves are spectacular. Also, the ski resorts on the south end are well developed and give ample opportunity to take it to the mountains (w/o having to hike the whole way). There are also bike trails throughout much of the park…very nice.
Traffic: Since the roads get torn up in the winter, they seem to do a good deal of road construction in the summer throughout the region. This does get old when many highways are cut down to 1 lane (total). If I lived in NW Wyoming…I’d have to bike commute, everywhere.
Behind the numbers:
Total miles hiked—36.3 miles
Total elevation covered in hikes—10,000+ ft (8,000 on long hike, seen below)
Our day hike summary
Total distinctive wild animal species identified (by us amateurs): 12, bald eagle, osprey, large crow (scientific name), moose, grizzly bear, pica, snake, pronghorn, mule deer, beaver, coyote, and elk.
Distinctive state license plates spotted: 47 + 3 canadian provinces (Alberta, BC, and Ontario)…we only missed West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Delaware
That’s about all I got…on more triathlon related subjects (it’s been rare of late, I know), I am just under 2 weeks out from Steelhead 70.3, my first A race of the season. I start the official taper after tomorrow evening’s med-long run. I’m sure in my taper boredom I’ll write up my race plan. Also, I got a used Hed Jet 90 that should arrive tomorrow…my first race wheel. Now I just need a Jet 60 or a trispoke for up front and a wheelcover…at some point.
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