23 MAR 2001
By Joe Hartney
Leg 5 couldn't have gone smoother if we planned every moment. We started
off on another warm sunny day, had mostly good weather and enjoyed yet
another beautiful area of Yellowstone. My only regret is that we did not
see the elusive wolves that we keep crossing paths with.
Day 1 — Its good to be back. Starting a 10 day trip never felt so good.
Mostly because of the less than stellar experience I had in town, I'm just
happy to be out in the woods. It's like Neil Diamond says, "Don't know that
I will but until I can find me a girl whose staying, won't play games around
me, I'll be what I am, a solitary man." Most of the time, I think there's
more to life than just the mountains. However the simple and predictable
nature of life in the mountains is hard to beat after spending time back in
society.
"I've come to the important conclusion that Neil Diamond is
my co-pilot, and not just when I'm driving.
"
Day 2 — We awoke to clouds and snow and decided to spend the day in camp. I
feel like I'm finally relaxing into the 'wilderness mentality.' It's taken
quite some time, but I feel it now. No distractions, just simple living.
Day 3 — Got moving today and passed our last exit point. We are perched on
the edge of the Pelican Valley, a virtual wildlife zoo. The park is closed
to motorized vehicles now and feels very deserted. It's pretty cool having
an entire National Park to ourselves.
Day 4 — Camped in the Pelican Valley with an amazing view of hot springs,
bison and coyotes. It just doesn't get any better than this.
Day 5 — Climbed over a small pass today toward the Lamar River. The area is
mostly burned from the fires and thus provides excellent views.
Day 6 — We descended to the Lamar River as the intense sun heated up the day
to summer-like temperatures. I'm kicking myself for not bringing the
Hawaiian shirt on this leg, but spring has definitely sprung.
Day 7 — As luck would have it, we have ended up in Cooke City, Montana on
St. Patrick's Day. One heck of a town and a great place to pay homage to
our forefathers. I've come to the important conclusion that Neil Diamond is
my co-pilot, and not just when I'm driving.
[ Top ]
