After breakfast, we load up the Harleys® and within minutes we pass under the Roosevelt Arch and enter Yellowstone National Park. Today will be a brief introductory glimpse of the park as we will make our way toward the east entrance and exit Yellowstone for the day. We will spend tomorrow evening in Yellowstone and will explore the park, in depth, tomorrow.

The step-like terraces form as heated water moves along the Morris-Mammoth Fault. The hot water carries dissolved calcium and bicarbonate to the surface of the terraces where pressure lessens. Carbon dioxide then escapes as gas and the carbonate combines with calcium to precipitate as travertine.

The Mammoth Terraces are constantly changing shape and color. Springs which were active one to five years ago may be dry and lifeless now, yet activity may later resume. Along with changes of thermal activity come changes in color. Fresh travertine is bright white in color and as it weathers it changes to gray. Bright colored cyanobacteria and algae mats which were dependent upon a stable temperature and a flow of water also change as the microorganisms die creating a stark, bleak landscape.

 Among national parks Yellowstone is first in many ways. It was established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, the example on which parks everywhere are modeled. It is the largest park in the lower 48 states, larger than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined. It has some of the most famous park features, such as Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and freely roaming herds of buffalo. It also includes the nation's largest wildlife preserve, an enormous lake, the Continental Divide, some 10,000 hydrothermal features, and over 1,000 miles of trails. And its diversity of attractions is a match for any location on the planet.

Yellowstone encompasses an area of 3472 square miles, with the central portion of the park essentially a broad, elevated volcanic plateau that lies between 6,500 and 8,500 feet above sea level. Without question Yellowstone is known for the hydrothermal features found throughout the park. The most famous of the hydrothermal features is Old Faithful, whose eruptions have been witnessed by millions. Although there is a popular misconception that the geyser erupts once per hour, in reality it averages an eruption every hour and a half or so.

Continuing our ride through Yellowstone, we exit through the park’s east entrance and proceed to Cody, Wyoming. As we descend from Sylvan Pass, elevation 8541 feet, we join the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, which was designated the “most scenic 52 miles in America” by President Theodore Roosevelt; of note along the route are the many unusual rock formations and the red carved walls of Wapiti Valley. Keep reminding yourself to pay attention to the road and not to become fixated on the scenic beauty of your surroundings.

Cody was founded by Col. William “Buffalo Bill” F. Cody in 1896. Of special interest downtown are the historic buildings from the beginning of the 20^th century. Also, the Buffalo Bill museum displays belongings of the showman, scout and Pony Express rider; along with possessions of Annie Oakley and artifacts of the early West. The exhibits provide an insight into the history of the American cowboy.