We could have shortened our driving time by entering Yellowstone at the East entrance. But I, Rob, was intent on entering the Park at the North entrance through the Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner, Montana. Also, I determined that the roads from that direction into the park were better for driving an RV towing a car (truck, in our case). We drove through a corner of Wyoming and into Montana to Billings. We camped at the Billings KOA on banks of the Yellowstone River. One thing different about this campground is that they cooked and served steak and ribs outside. At dinner, we met Mike and Mary, also headed to Yellowstone, from Jacksonville, Illinois. I had never heard of Jacksonville, Illinois before this trip. The men we met in Mexico, Missouri during the eclipse were also from that town. Mike and Mary had been to Glacier 17 times. Mike told us the places to eat, drink, and hike in Glacier. This is their first time visiting the park in a camper.
It’s 96° in Lodge Grass, Montana 4 p.m., on the way to 98. There has been no rain out here for three months.
When we first experienced the big sky views of South Dakota, we were surprised by how hazy it was there. It looked like the Smoky Mountains in July, but I knew the humidity was very low. I found that the reported air quality was unhealthy – particulate matter. That was our first encounter with the forest fire smoke that would plague us for more than a week.
Looks like a pretty fancy KOA.