July 26, 2003 Pretty parrots and pistol packing floozies

We had to throw in this picture of a woman and her gorgeous parrot, Apollo, out for a fine morning’s stroll past our rig. He was so friendly even Marc got to hold him. Since we’re speaking of pets, we’ll also throw in a picture of our boy Tucker and how he is spending his time this summer. He snoozes atop the cat condo Marc built, which nearly reaches the ceiling of the slide out. We think he has gained about five pounds too!

We entered Yellowstone about 9 A.M. this morning on the bikes with high hopes of investigating Norris Geyser Basin. However, after only about five miles past the entrance point, traffic started to slow then grind to a halt going in our direction. Since there was an available turnout we decided to cool our heels for awhile and wait for the traffic jam to clear. While there we met a nice young couple from Philadelphia driving an old 1932 Ford and pulling a vintage 1950’s era travel trailer. I neglected to get a picture! After visiting for about 45 minutes and finding traffic just as jammed as ever, we decided to turn around. We can come back another time. The cause? An elk jam. 

There are quite a few good gravel roads/snowmobile trails which radiate directly from the town of West Yellowstone so we decided to just do some back country travel on the bikes. We happened upon a “cowboy shoot” so followed the signs to the local shooting range and became eager on lookers. These were a serious group of shooters, right down to the clothes and handlebar mustaches they wear, and how about this young pistol packin’ dance hall girl? 

The scenery was great and the day was warm and beautiful. In case you’ve wondered about those white PCV tubes at the back of both of our bikes—they’re Marc’s tool chest. And he got the chance to open his up and use it, as a hose came lose on his bike and he made a minor roadside repair with bailing wire. 

 The KOA kabin krew 

This is the cabin Marc has worked on while doing his tour of duty. It just sits on a post pier foundation. The cabins come in kit form from a company in Pennsylvania with the logs all pre-cut to fit together like a puzzle. The plans called for this bathroom to be too large and by the time the owner decided he wanted it made smaller it was really too late to change much. The logs are varnished inside and out, as are the wood plank floors, which Marc is working on right now. He enjoys construction, but not for the wages he is paid here. More on that on the final evaluation when we finish.