Day 7 - West Yellowstone, MT to Cody, WY

Left about 7:20 and after a stop for coffee headed for the park. For those of you familiar with the park the first part of the day took us to Madison, Norris, Canyon Village and Tower Roosevelt toward the Northeast Entrance. For those not familiar with the park, go visit because it’s great. After Tower Roosevelt we drove through the Lamar Valley, following the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek. Along the way were several large herds of buffalo off in the distance and several loners right beside the road. Do buffalo shun? Anyway, had enough buffalo photos so just kept driving while the others stopped. Ok, I did stop for just one.

After leaving the park there are two choices: Beartooth Scenic Highway or Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. No choice really. So with Barb clinging to the grab bar (ineffective, but makes her feel safer) we started up Highway 212 and the Beartooth. If you haven’t driven this road and you are in the neighborhood, do it. Absolutely the best views you will ever see. Not enough places to pull off and enjoy the views. Narrow roads, one hairpin turn after another (19 by count) and a high point of 11,000 feet. Did I mention narrow roads?

Stopped at a Subway in Red Lodge, Montana for lunch. Interesting town. Wasn’t expecting much, but it turned out to be a nice little town on Rock Creek. Lots of old brick buildings and a history of bootleg liquor when the depression forced mines to close.

Highways 308, 72 and 120 took us to Cody, Wyoming for an overnight.

Up early tomorrow for a long drive across Wyoming to Rapid City, South Dakota. 233 miles today.