Really really short day today, 140km in total!
We rode a little way through the top north west corner of Yellowstone National Park which whet our appetitute for a full days riding through the park tomorrow.
Along the way, we made a stop in a town called 'Big Sky' which seemed like a freshly built equivalent of an Australian 'AV Jennings Community'.
There was a golf course, a new 'town centre' and lots of construction going on everywhere.
Everything was the same and looked some guy with a pony tail designed the whole thing to sell off the plan to other guys with pony tails and a trophy wives. The houses were nice and everything, but it was just a bit obscene. We didn't stay long and rode back out to the highway.
We continued along highway which ran parallel to the Gallatin river almost the whole way. We passed log home after log home and at one stage about 10 rubber boats going down the rapids!
It was lovely riding once again, and I was hoping to see some more wildlife, including Buffalo, but the only thing we saw was a Doe wading across the river.
We saw a lot of other animals in the river, but these ones were wearing waders and were waving around fishing rods. I really wanted to bring my fly rod with me and do some fishing, but there was just no space. Plus I forgot to get it from the farm when I went down there :)
Were arrived in West Yellowstone before check-in again, and spent time wandering around the town centre. In our riding gear. Looking like CHUMPS. People stare for some reason. I'm hoping it's because we look fresh off the Mad Max set, but it's more likely because I have a dead bugs splattered on my forehead or something....
Seeing the people fishing had put a bee in my bonnet, we had already spoken about renting a cabin somewhere where we could have a few days off. We have ridden over 5000km already, and although we're taking it easy, it's still taking it's toll. It would be nice to have a few days off and do a bit of fishing, maybe grill a few Trout or Bison steaks and relax.
This being our conversation as we wandered the town, I managed to drag Megan through each of the 5 fishing shops, and after a time left the store with a new travel rod combo and a few dry flies!
I'm having a bit of buyers remorse, as the rod is the same size and weight as I have at home, but I had to buy something that would (a) Fit on the bike, (b) was turn key and included everything I needed including a hard case and reel, line, backing etc etc and (c) Cost as little as possible. Anyways I'm sure the remorse will fade if I manage to get a fish. It is a little larger than I wanted broken down - it splits into 4 pieces, there was a 5 piece rod that would have packed on the bike much better, but it wasn't turn key and I would have spent twice as much money kitting it out with a reel, line and case.
So were currently trying to find a cabin to rent for a few days... in peak season.... with zero notice.... It's not looking good.
Anyways - riding through Yellowstone proper to Jackson tomorrow! I hope to do some fishing either on the way or when we get to Jackson...
We rode a little way through the top north west corner of Yellowstone National Park which whet our appetitute for a full days riding through the park tomorrow.
Along the way, we made a stop in a town called 'Big Sky' which seemed like a freshly built equivalent of an Australian 'AV Jennings Community'.
There was a golf course, a new 'town centre' and lots of construction going on everywhere.
Everything was the same and looked some guy with a pony tail designed the whole thing to sell off the plan to other guys with pony tails and a trophy wives. The houses were nice and everything, but it was just a bit obscene. We didn't stay long and rode back out to the highway.
We continued along highway which ran parallel to the Gallatin river almost the whole way. We passed log home after log home and at one stage about 10 rubber boats going down the rapids!
It was lovely riding once again, and I was hoping to see some more wildlife, including Buffalo, but the only thing we saw was a Doe wading across the river.
We saw a lot of other animals in the river, but these ones were wearing waders and were waving around fishing rods. I really wanted to bring my fly rod with me and do some fishing, but there was just no space. Plus I forgot to get it from the farm when I went down there :)
Were arrived in West Yellowstone before check-in again, and spent time wandering around the town centre. In our riding gear. Looking like CHUMPS. People stare for some reason. I'm hoping it's because we look fresh off the Mad Max set, but it's more likely because I have a dead bugs splattered on my forehead or something....
Seeing the people fishing had put a bee in my bonnet, we had already spoken about renting a cabin somewhere where we could have a few days off. We have ridden over 5000km already, and although we're taking it easy, it's still taking it's toll. It would be nice to have a few days off and do a bit of fishing, maybe grill a few Trout or Bison steaks and relax.
This being our conversation as we wandered the town, I managed to drag Megan through each of the 5 fishing shops, and after a time left the store with a new travel rod combo and a few dry flies!
I'm having a bit of buyers remorse, as the rod is the same size and weight as I have at home, but I had to buy something that would (a) Fit on the bike, (b) was turn key and included everything I needed including a hard case and reel, line, backing etc etc and (c) Cost as little as possible. Anyways I'm sure the remorse will fade if I manage to get a fish. It is a little larger than I wanted broken down - it splits into 4 pieces, there was a 5 piece rod that would have packed on the bike much better, but it wasn't turn key and I would have spent twice as much money kitting it out with a reel, line and case.
So were currently trying to find a cabin to rent for a few days... in peak season.... with zero notice.... It's not looking good.
Anyways - riding through Yellowstone proper to Jackson tomorrow! I hope to do some fishing either on the way or when we get to Jackson...
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| Boats in the Rapids |
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| One of the Polaris side by side I have mentioned a lot. Tempted to rent one! |
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| Punctured by a bear bite - seen in one of the outfitters shops on the bear spray stand. |
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| The 5 weight 4 piece fly rod all packed up and ready to put on the bike. |
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| Whats in the case - L to R - Reel with backing floating line, leader and tippet. An Assortment of dry flies Fly Floatant Gel Spare Tippet Line Spare Tapered Leaders 4 Piece Rod Hard Case with space for reel. |
Will want to see some fishing footage if you get to use your new equip.
ReplyDeleteWe've been trying to find a place to stay where we can rest for a few days and do some fishing, but everything is booked out! We have changed our route a fair bit, and are now going to try and find a Log Cabin in Colorado for a few days. Hoping to do a few days fishing then. Its hard because we never have a firm itinerary for more than a few days. Doesn't help its around the 4th of July - lots of people taking holidays...
DeleteBig Sky is the place I was telling you about where that guy was building the 'Earthship' houses out of tyres and bottles etc.
ReplyDelete