Bear Necessities

I have just left Yellowstone and we now enter Montana.

My thoughts about Yellowstone are mixed.  It is a beautiful place, and pristine, but I think I expected a lot more and I cannot exaggerate how many tourists were on the road!  I am not sure it is somewhere I would rush back to and I think there are many more beautiful places in the USA.  The volcanic activity (geysers and warm springs) is interesting, but each area was packed and I have seen it before around Naples.

The best parts of Yellowstone were the crystal clear rivers that we washed in and the chance to see bison and black bears (both very close).  Early yesterday morning (before the hoards of traffic started) we came across a mother bear with her cub.  They were beautiful and not threatening in the slightest.  I find it all a bit much when everyone goes on about safety and bears, and tourists carry spray, even though they only go about 5 metres away from their vehicles to take a photo.  I would say a large percentage of the tourists in Yellowstone don't really get out of their cars!  I hate to sound negative, but an honest opinion of the place!

So, the wild state of Montana awaits.  Without any knowledge, I am guessing that a group of East Anglians discovered this place, as its nickname is 'Big Sky Country'!  Even though I am a tourist, it will be nice to leave the honey pot sights behind - particularly when travelling on bicycle.

Right now we are in the town of West Yellowstone and I am getting some repairs done on my bike.  Last night was a rarity, as including ourselves, there were 8 cyclists in the campsite!  There was a lot of chat about bicycle, routes, food on the road, etc.  On that note, I ran out of food in Yellowstone and last night had to scrounge off Laura!  Breakfast has to be my favourite meal, as I am getting sick of pasta and noodles for supper.  Instant oatmeal and a bagel and jam hits the spot!  Today we were also given a cup of coffee by the campsite host - what a luxury.  I am now fully stocked for the road ahead.

All in all, things are going great.  We will be cycling as a group for another 5 or 6 days until Missoula.  Then I will head West to Portland to meet Andrea and the others are going further North.  I am really looking forward to Portland as I have heard a lot of great things about it.  It will also be nice to hit the Pacific soon after.