We left Yogi and Sandy early Thursday morning and within 45 minutes the HI Oil Light was back on. Same light/problem we encountered at the start of our trip from Jackson. Now that we understood the problem, we contacted a Valvoline Shop in Wood River, along the Columbia Gorge, and within 10 minutes the problem was resolved – one half quart (not two quarts like last time) had to be drained.

The drive up the Columbia Gorge and ultimately to Spokane, Washington was stunning. We spent the night along the Spokane River at the Riverside State Park (another State Park winner) where we watched calm water become Class 3 rapids. The sound of the water made for great sleeping. The next morning Otto and I explored the Park and hiked eight miles.

The next day we drove over two very steep passes. While going over the second pass it started to hail and snow. We battled the elements and ended up in Garrison, Montana where it snowed overnight. Temperatures were in the teens BUT Stargazer’s heat worked and within 15 minutes of waking up, we were warm and toasty.

Next stop Bozeman, Montana. A growing city with many young people. We visited the University of Montana State’s Museum of the Rockies. Great planetarium show followed by very educational exhibits on Montana geology, dinosaurs and Native Americans. I have been reading The Brief History of the Earth by Andrew H. Knoll, so the museum helped me better understand what I have been reading.

We do not go out to eat often, but we decided to try a local craft beer joint. Not a good decision – poor service, mediocre food, and funny tasting beer. We drowned our sorrows by visiting a local Yogurt Shop where Otto was also treated to some delicious vanilla yogurt.

The next morning, we were up early and made our way to Yellowstone National Park. We entered from the west, an excellent decision, and were treated to: many bison on and off the side of the road (Otto watched the bison from Melinda’s lap and wanted to join them for a play date), elk and mule deer; a pack of wolves (less than 50 feet from us) eating a kill and then howling; hot springs, geysers (including Old Faithful), mud pots, and steam vents; an incredible canyon; not as much snow as Lassen Volcanic National Park, but still lots; and three very cool waterfalls. Although the Park was not fully open, we saw more than we expected for one day.

We ended up in Livingston, Montana at the best private RV Campground of the trip. We will sleep well tonight!