So, I would have to say that the last few days in Yellowstone have contained some of the most miserable times of the whole trip. It rained and it was very, very cold.
Yesterday, after enduring another punishing morning and afternoon of very bad weather and very high altitude, I was at about 8150 Ft and I was pushing my bike up an 8% slope that went 4 miles. Then the sun came out. I stopped and laid on a fallen log in the woods in the sun. It was the peace I needed. The day went from a hard struggle to me wanting to be no place else. I slept and caught my breath. When I woke, I realized that when the log I was laying on fell it cleared a place for hundreds of tiny saplings. They were about 2 feet high, nice little trees. You know, at least one of those sapling will live several times longer than I, high in the mountains of Yellowstone with a beautiful panorama of its neighbors. I on the other hand, get to travel.
This morning, I bought some new rain gear. All Columbia. So, while I was watching a herd of bison slowly move across the mountain meadow, babies frolicking in the wildflower and it started to sleet and rain I was warm and dry. It was an amazing storm. I know it is one of those child like things; standing in the rain. It was another of those magic moments.
Last night, I went to a fireside chat with the rangers. It was about the Yellowstone back country. It was wonderful. Great pictures.
After I am done with lunch, I am heading to the highest altitude yet. 8500+ Ft. Should be a good ride. I am at about 8000 right now.