Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Day 24

West Yellowstone, MT to Grant’s Village inside Yellowstone, WY

Miles:
Elevation:
Time:

Total miles: 1,010.71
Total Elevation: 44,534
Total Time: 103 hours 1 minute

Today’s events have forever changed our lives.

Continuing our journey in the Uhaul truck we secured on Saturday in Dillon, MT, we are grateful to the sage advice of Larry Volkening, a Montana local and lifelong cyclist. Transporting the bikes in the Uhaul has preserved both our bodies/health as well as our bikes/equipment. ‘Preserve the assets’ and Safety first’.
We are traveling the path we rode in 2023 and laugh as we reminisce the curves and views as if it was just yesterday. Our destination is Grant’s Village where we shared one of the most memorable evenings having dinner overlooking the lake albeit a somewhat cafeteria style venue.
We were up at 5 and at the park entrance by 5:30 am as we are told we are most likely to see animals early. And they were right!!
Just minutes inside the park, we see crane like birds near the river grazing. And next, a big, lumbering bison walked along the highway as if no cars were present.
The river had a mystical aura as steam arose due to very cold temperatures. The waterfalls, river, geysers and geologic formations were breathtaking!!
By midday, we checked into our campsite and set up the tent before exploring the area. The air was chilly with threats of rain. We prayed the weather wouldn’t repeat Sunday’s forecast. Off to the village to people watch and an afternoon cup of coffee, then to Lake House Restaurant for dinner. It was 5 PM and we wanted to eat so we could get settled into camp before dark. The same table we shared in 2023 was available. Such sweet, sweet memories from two years ago. And then the restaurant filled with the most lively, energetic multigenerational family! Filling in the tables nearby, the matriarch of the group quickly came over to say hello. Within minutes, we were sharing stories…we had been here two years ago, where each of us had come from and then she shared a most amazing miracle. At 62 years old, she was a heart transplant recipient and this vacation with three generations was a celebration! One would never know as she was vibrant with beautiful , bright eyes. What an amazing gift to us to bear witness to her life. And her message-don’t wait to live. As quickly as they arrived, they ate and disappeared into the horizon. We were left only with the memory.
We quietly made our way to camp feeling immensely blessed for our lives, all of you and the amazing experiences each day brings.
The tent was covered with a light veil of raindrops and it was going to be a cold night at 7,770 foot elevation. We are strong and will make it through the night.
Tomorrow will be the next best day ever!