May 31, Day 25,Old Faithful, Wyoming, 31 miles

After an obligatory assault on the food related items at the hotel's free breakfast area, I put on my game face and made my way to the Yellowstone Park entrance where I has the privilege of paying  $12.00 just to ride my bike through the park. The ranger at the kiosk warned me about two storm systems coming through today, the second one, in the rangers own words, was, "hum dinger." Rain and lightning during the morning hours, followed by some clearing into the afternoon, then a serious system from the south(right where i was headed) was expected by mid afternoon that was slated to bring heavy amounts of rain and huge hail storms. Tornado warnings were also being issued in the north east portions of Wyoming and Montana. Yikes.

The first 8 miles into the park was relatively peaceful and I was now in Wyoming. I got to see some elk and a few Bison blocked me from getting through for a few minutes until they were satisfied that I was inconvenienced enough for them. Then the lightning started. Lightning so close my heart nearly defribrillated every time it cracked. I checked to make my tires were made of rubber and steadfastly move on. Then the rain came. Light and drizzly at first, then hard and heavy. I was gradually climbing and at around 7200 feet  the temperature starting dropping. The rain was cold also and I started feeling the first bit of body chill working its way in. I knew that did not bode well considering I had 70 miles yet to ride and another 1300 feet of elevation.

Old Faithful getting ready

At 30 miles the rain had stopped and I arrived at the exit to Old Faithful and the lodges there. I failed to get a room at either of the lodges there in spite of my repeated efforts over the prior week. They get booked a year in advance. I wondered however, if the inclement weather might force some to reconsider their visit to Yellowstone and cancel their reservations. Long shot I know but I promised my wife the day before that I would try.  Soaking wet and grungy beyond description, I waltzed into the opulent lobby of the Yellowstone Inn and stood next to tourists from all over the world who were checking out of their rooms. I sloshed up the counter when my turn came asked the host if they had a last minute opening. They did! I'll never complain about my wife nagging me again!

Good fortune saved me today from what would have been an ugly experience. I unpacked my panniers from the bike and stored them at the concierge because I could not check in for many hours yet. I walked outside just minutes before Old Faithful was due to go off and caught the event on my GoPro camera. I had a Bison burger for lunch and then on to the laundry room to clean the sopping wet clothes. The Snow Lodge behind the Inn had pay by usage WiFi and that is why you have this and the last blog!

had a burger made outta him for lunch

Tomorrow I head to the cabin where they graciously accommodated my reservation change. Now lets just hope the weather clears up some.

Everyday an adventure...................I'm too old for this.