Well, none of those but a black bear did make a hasty exit out of Lonesomehurst XG where I am staying w/ a fluctuating group of old Spokane friends.
Group plan was big ride yesterday up Mile Creek then down Targhee creek. Paul Z., Tom and Kelly, and Mars equipped ourselves w/ bear spray then pedaled up Mile Creek to Targhee peak then down Targhee creek. First part of trail was on CDT which is almost sidewalk smooth. Mountain scenery. Climbed 3857′ topping out @ 10,000′. We did not see anything to discharge our pepper spray on. The descent down targhee creek was not CDT maintained, just horse hoof chewed.
The climb up Mile creek used a bunch of climbing switchback turns then eased up into alpine area.
We broke for scenery enjoyment @ the pass and looking forward to our friend gravity to return us to the shuttle rig:
Sweet bike was instrumental in getting me up and back down. Gotta love the seat dropper in spite of the added 2 pounds of weight. No weight weenie, just comfort and control.
My senior pass reduces the cost of a campsite by 50%. I am staying 4 days here.
Yesterday after the ride we hung out @ the XG and our campsites are right on the lake shore. We watched cormorants and pelicans and run of the mill Canadian geese live their life on the water. Two days ago a local golden eagle shared himself w/ us.
On the descent yesterday I stuffed my front wheel onto a small rock that pitched me forward that jammed my arm back that connected to the shoulder which brought almost vomiting pain. I was able to lift my hand back onto the handle bar and continue the descent. Pain and loss of range of motion set in after I quit using it. I am looking forward to how my shoulder will be fixed starting this Mon @ 2:00PM back in Spokane.
Today is a recuperation day.
Several days ago I checked my blood pressure and pulse before getting out of bed. Pulse was 43bpm.
West Yellowstone is just a big sprawling tourist trap. Build a national scenic treasure and the tourist shops spring up. Count the T shirt stores. See the overweight people scarfing fried food. The park is not Wi-Fi by their choice. Cool. Kids actually look outside the parents car windows.
I arrived in W Yell on Sunday. I found the XG and reserved a site. I went for a short ride on the CDT heading S from Targhee pass. The trail is heart propelled engines. I saw this which struck me as an indication of trail users:
The fire in Sun Valley is over 100,000 acres which has burned over most of the close in trails. Lightening caused. Man aided by altering nature. I read insurance companies are hiring their own fire engines to protect the insured multimillion $ houses.
Off to shores of Hepgen Lake.