2667 Miles Day 4

Thursday night as we laid in the tent we heard animals forging around in the woods. The campsite owner warned us of the mountain lions in the area, but assured us there were enough deer to keep them satisfied enough to avoid humans, but just to be safe not to walk around at night. So when the sounds intensified and snorting started we became concerned. Sean thought it may be a black bear, a critter we can coexist with; however, the mountain lion visions danced in my heads late into the night. I was thankful to see the sunrise and the tent, and me, intact. We saw a large herd of mule deer in the morning and figured that is what we heard, or at least we can convince ourselves of that. Friday morning Sean went for a rode ride in the mountains and I stayed at the campsite to put on the finish touches of a journal article due Monday. We left by lunch and traveled almost 400 miles through Wyoming into Montana. The trip on HWY 90 proved to be a challenge. The wind was gusting up to 50mph as we drove 75mph (the state speed limit). Outside of Sheridan, Wyoming the far left bike rack was ripped off the car. Luckily the bike fell off the back and we were able to pull off the road. Thankfully it was Sean's mountain bike and neither of our road bikes. The bike was unharmed; however, there is a dent in the car and now new cargo in the VW. We stopped in Sheridan and the bike shop called Yakima. There will be a new rack waiting for us in Haily, ID when we stop to see friends. Until then we have no extra space in the car and have to maneuver around a dirty mountain bike to get food. All of this adventure has taken a tool on us and we decided to get a hotel room. I know, I know. I am no longer in my 20s and can handle the gypsy lifestyle as I once could. We found a $45 room in Roundup, Wyoming. This is a little ghost town, but the accommodations are nice. We even have wireless Internet! The manager has 2 golden retrievers that made us miss our woofs. Check out the room, it's so 1970's! I know Caroline is the only one who could truly appreciate the character. I have given in and am happy to have a King size bed, a bathtub, and may even shave and blow dry my hair! The domesticated life has taken over. The other occupants of the Hotel pass the time sitting outside their rooms in plastic chairs provided by the hotel. Tomorrow we have a long drive to Glacier National Park. We have to arrive early to get a campsite. Let's hope we make it!