Yellowstone Adventure Cody to Cooke City

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Yellowstone Day 10, To Cooke CityThis is possibly my hardest day ever. We climbed over 2400 metres over 77 miles. We had two mountain ranges to go over plus other hard intermediate climbs. The first climb took us up to the top of Chief Joseph pass where the view was absolutely breath taking. Here we had some cheeky chipmunks hunting for food. The incredible hairpin descent from here lasted about 6 miles and soon converted into another climb - damn it. the climbs would not be so bad on a road bike but a fully laden touring bike creates a totally different perspective on such challenges. Even so It was a good day in brilliant weather and whilst I saw little local wildlife others saw Pronghorn Deer and large birds of prey. I saw Clarkson Nutcracker, which feeds on pine nuts, and was quite interesting but flew off as I pressed the shutter. that's the way isn't it? The Alpine Hotel is very nice with good cabins and we had a very good meal at the Miners Saloon across the road. The first rider in was at 4pm. I arrived next at 5pm and the last was in by 6.30. A great effort, especially since there was only one place for refreshments on the way at 57 miles in Crandall. Water was a big issue. I drank two bottles of 750ml up to Crandall and two afterwards but only after rationing myself. Three bottles next time. This would have been a really hard ride if the weather had been poor. Short report since I am exhausted.Stats. 77 m. Ave 9.7 mph. Ascent. 2406 m. Elev. 2323 m. Max elev 2461 m. Temp max 22 deg. Sunny.

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