So who woulda thunk the temp would drop to 37 degrees last night?  Sheridan is only 3,750′ high and it was a nice warm day on Monday.  I did make the bed with both Faribault Mills wool blankets Monday night and kept the windows and pop top screens open.  By 4:00 AM, I realize that I’m totally and completely freezing but all I can muster is to try to keep every part of my body / head under the wool covers.  By 5:45 AM I cannot stand it any longer and get up.  My fingers are all white (thanks Dad for the Raynaud’s Syndrome) and I can barely slide on the pants that are still wet from the shower last night.  All good.  I’ve got a conference call with a client at 8:00 AM, so I decide to get out of Dodge and find a unique place for the call.  (See photo of the Westy in scenic turnaround)

Left Sheridan heading west (photo casting a long shadow on the road in front of me) till US HWY 14 that cuts through the Bighorn National Forest. Spectacular drive and views that got even better when I turned onto US HWY 14 Alt. This was a bit more serious driving and at times I never left 2nd gear climbing to 9,400′.  The way down was crazy with 4 – 10% and 1 – 8% downhill grades over 15 miles.  Add in the switchbacks both up and down and the 2,500′ drop offs on the way down, it was a good time!  (photo of route that you are required to memorize if towing a vehicle).

Made it to Red Lodge MT this afternoon and getting ready for a major climb on the 62 mile Beartooth Highway connecting Red Lodge and Cooke City MT.  Supposed to be a simply spectacular ride and one that ends at the Yellowstone northeast entrance gate. From there it’s onto a fly fishing outfitter to chat streams for Wednesday afternoon and Thursday.

See a few photos of Dave, the farmer.  His stand was along the road and I picked up some great veggies and melon for the next couple days.

Will write a separate post about a fellow I met yesterday.   Ed Carpenter.  US Air Force during Viet Nam days and a genuinely fine human being.

My best – Gary