(Click any image for a larger view)

So today I reaped the reward of yesterday’s hard climb. The morning was cool (ca. 50) and mostly cloudy. My route went through the high country of the Bighorn Mountains for about 10 miles. They have a lot of cattle and sheep up here, which roam free. I actually had to wait at one point while a couple of cows sauntered across the road. (Couldn’t get the camera out fast enough.)

(BTW: Who are you calling loose?)

This is a view just before the descent, typical of the Bighorn high country.

The road then descended, A LOT. The sign said steep descent for 18 miles. Think about some place 18 miles from where you are, and imagine the steepest hill imaginable going there. That meant coasting at speeds from 25 to 35 mph for the better part of an hour. I put on several layers because the wind and cool air was chilling.

The scenery was gorgeous. I’ve never heard of the Shell Canyon before, but the views are magnificent. There’s lots of bedded rocks of various colors eroded into sheer drops. Halfway down there is a steep-sided gorge where the river makes several plunges. The Forest Service has installed a set of walkways that allow fantastic views. I highly recommend a visit to this canyon; it’s worth a trip (about 2 hours from Yellowstone).

As I continued to descend, I was more impressed with yesterday’s climb than before. There was a significant change in altitude! I pitied the po’ fool who had to pedal up. (Oh yeah, that was me.) The science geek in me couldn’t help but think of the potential energy I had banked during the climb, and which I was now cashing in.

The view looking back at the Bighorn Range was impressive.  It’s remarkably more arid on the west than the east.

Ended the day at Greybull (implicit is bull Buffalo).  This was one interesting motel choice. (click it)

Dinner will be at Lisa’s. The chicken fried steak with garlic mashies looks awfully tempting.

Lisa and Ellie arrived in Bozeman today, and they meet me in Cody tomorrow!