The Worst Section So Far

Morning breakfast: Banana soup.

We left our idyllic camping spot and headed for the Teton Mountains. They looked beautiful to the east/southeast. We rolled through fields of wheat, onions, and potatoes.  And then we hit it. The worst stinking road yet.

Rocks the size of my fist were strewn everywhere.  You couldn't avoid them. This made for a very bumpy,  uncomfortable ride.  And since we were climbing, it required more effort to get over the rocks. (Why they just didn't spread chip rock like everyone else, is beyond me). Then underneath the boulders the road was very dry and dusty. Car and trucks would create BILLOWS of dust that would cover us. Some would slow, but most barreled through. Then to add insult to injury, the horse flies were terrible and would not leave us alone. Just when I thought they were more interested in catching a draft or landing a ride on my panniers, one would land on my backside and bite me. Dirty buggers!

When we finally climbed high enough in the pines to lose the horse flies, the mosquitoes took over. They were surprisingly fast in their effort to catch us and stick their giant proboscis into any flesh they could find. My ankles are still itchy.

We passed a lake along the way called Indian Lake. It was big and almost totally covered in lily pads. I'd never seen anything like it.

Finally at Grassy Lake Reservoir, near the nadir of our climb over the northern Tetons, we got some respite from the insects.  We paused to eat.

The ride down the eastern slopes was pleasant. First, it was downhill,  which is always a huge plus, but the condition of the road was much improved and the flora was nicer - although we did ride through a section of the big Yellowstone fire. (We are only a few miles from the park).

We passed Glade Creek, which incidentally is the name of my daughter's blog.  I snapped a photo for you sweety.

All the campsites along the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Parkway, beautiful campsites,  were closed. And why were they closed, you ask? The Sequester.  Yes, our stupid government has decided to bring in piles of chip rock and barriers to block access to campsites on land that was donated. All because budgets weren't increased.  It's a farce and a travesty. So much waste in government.  So many places to cut. And they close campsites.  Imbicles!

We pulled in to Flag Ranch Resort (hardly a resort) to find accommodations for the night. All that was available was a box cabin - no  electricity or sinks - $70, more than most motels we've stayed at along the way.  But we were extremely glad to be in a dry spot when it started to hail, coating the ground,  and then downpour until there were rivers flowing around our cabin.

We ate chile, salad,  hamburger w fries, and then apple pie ala mode. We were hungry.

Then we headed for the showers. No soap or towels (we're conserving on weight). But we managed. First shower in 3 days.

So we are now in Wyoming, only a few miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone. We are going to take a detour into Jackson tomorrow and hopefully upload all these blogs I've stored up, do some r&r, and enjoy the sites.