July 9th 2023 – Billings, MT

We stayed with Ron and Anne for Independence Day. Apparently the 4th of July isn’t a big day in SLC. The Mormons rather focus on the 24th where they celebrate Pioneer Day (also known as Pie and Beer Day).In the morning Ron and Anne took us to Park City to see the parade. It was fun. At night we watched the fireworks over SLC from the balcony. 

The next day we resumed our journey north. Before we left SLC we stopped by a Cricket store to get US sim cards for our phones. It makes life easier to be connected.We stayed in the mountains all day. The riding was good. We crossed into Wyoming early in the afternoon, visited Idaho briefly and then returned to Wyoming.We stopped for dinner in Afton and wild camped a bit further north by Salt River in Strawberry Valley.

Breakfast was consumed in Jackson at the town square.
The Teton Mountains greeted us as we left town and soon we reached Yellowstone National Park.Late in the afternoon we stopped by Old Faithful Inn to enjoy a free shower – thank you iOverlander!
We stayed the night at Bridge Bay Camp.

After a good night’s sleep we meandered our way to the western part of the park. and hugged its border all the way up to Bozeman. The old part of town is very charming. Late in the afternoon we were greeted by Robert in Emigrant. We had taken him up on his tent space offer. As always it was a pleasure to meet a fellow advrider inmate. In the evening we were joined by Omar – a Saudi couch surfer who had lived and studied the last 4 years in Eugene, OR and now spent his summer break exploring the country.
Robert was a wonderful host and we enjoyed the company!

The plan for the day was to visit the park again and exit via the Beartooth Highway. The weather forecast for Beartooth Pass threatened snow and thunderstorms in the afternoon. We wanted to leave Emigrant early to avoid getting caught up in bad weather, but before we hit the road we invited Robert for a delicious breakfast at the bakery/cafe next door. We were joined by another Robert – our host’s good friend – who despite being in his nineties had a sharp wit and an easy smile.

The day’s ride was nothing short of spectacular. Besides the breathtaking scenery and amazing roads we were blessed with big herds of elk and bison. To top it off we also saw a black and a brown bear. Right before the pass we watched some Yellow-bellied marmots playing among the rocks beside the road.

We made it through with only a few spots of rain and are now staying with a friend in Billings.