2010 Fall Tour to Red Lodge, Montana

Beartooth Pass, Anderson’s way

 

Beartooth Pass and the Chief Joseph Highway have been called two of the most scenic roads in America. After this trip, I can understand why!

We began our journey at the Visitor Center in Jackson early Friday morning. Check in and safety briefings were given before heading out to our first stop at snowy Lewis Falls. The weather wasn’t the best, but after a delicious lunch at the Lake Hotel in Yellowstone, our spirits were lifted. We began the next leg of the tour weaving our way through a few bison as we headed over Sylvan Pass to the first overnight stop in Cody. Before dinner, some members visited the Buffalo Bill Museum for a journey back to the “Old West”.

A delicious dinner was served at Wyoming’s Rib & Chop House where event hats were passed out by Scot. Everyone was inspired by the superb scenery of the day and excited about the journey that lay ahead. We departed Cody on Saturday heading up the Chief Joseph Highway. We had time for a few photo stops with blue skies prevailing. However, the wind was blowing at hurricane strength near the 10,947 ft summit, so we quickly headed for the town of Red Lodge and a bite to eat. Driving back over Beartooth Pass was absolutely stunning as we climbed up the switch backs to the alpine summit. What a spectacular view!

On our way to the Lake Hotel we passed a group of historic cars making their way over the summit. My, how things have changed! Other interesting sightings were grizzlies, antelope, numerous bison plus a club member changing his flat tire. Since the flat occurred next to a deer enjoying the afternoon sun, Patricia manned the camera while Greg changed the tire. Sounds fair to me! As for the deer; he just waited for them to finish so he could continue to enjoy the pleasant weather.

It seemed like we had been eating the entire trip so we decided to have a wine and cheese cocktail party in the lobby of the historic Lake Hotel instead of dinner. The piano playing in the background added to the ambiance of the evening. Some sorry old guy was further embarrassed by celebrating his 60th birthday with a surprise cake and song from sneaky fellow club members.

After a peaceful night’s sleep, everyone made their final run back to Jackson passing by Lewis and Jackson Lake. The scenery, people, cars along with Scot’s planning made for a journey everyone will cherish forever. Pictures by Lou Hochheiser & Greg Wallace.

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