June 21, 2025
Squirrel Meadow Camp - Island Park
It rained overnight, and some of the water froze on the tents, even though we didn't notice it being that cold.
We set off on freshly "groomed" road (full width soft soil /sand and rocks) and met more TD riders. Jason Mouat stopped to make sure we were going to Squirrel Ranch for breakfast. It took him noticing my Ground Effect shirt before we realised we were speaking Kiwi! Jason rode Renegades Muster, opposite end of the field from me, and this is his second TD. He suggested 2nd, and final.
We pulled into Squirrel Ranch, ordered an excellent breakfast, and chatted to 4 South African riders who rolled in, looking a bit jaded. Their goal was 200k/day but they admitted it was harder than they expected. They had failed to load base maps on their navigation devices (that old chestnut!) so only had the route, and no detail. After a quick scoff of pancakes, they set off cheerily for their 9th day of pedaling.
The route took us onto the Yellowstone Branch Rail Trail and we pedalled gently up beside the Warm River. Very pretty.
By the time we arrived in Island Park, the weather was overcast and cooling. Forecast was rain overnight and snow in the morning, so we started searching for an accommodation option, and found the Hideaway Hostel, 17km off our route. Everything else was full, or silly expensive, so it was an easy decision to take the hostel room.
Today's ride: 97 km (60 miles)
Total: 3,043 km (1,890 miles)
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