Today, I rode through the most beautiful and pristive land I think I have ever seen.  Started off in Cooke City, MT, and rode from 7am-2pm uphill.  Rode up 2 passes - 1st Colter Pass, then Beartooth Pass.  Rode all day with Anna, talking and laughing and philosophising.  Rode 93 miles, up to 11,000 feet.  There was snow everywhere up there on that mountain.  It is July 3rd, and there was snow everywhere.  Anna and I stuck our faces in it.  Actually, it was more like ice, kind of solid rather than soft, so Anna pushed my face down in it.  It was a funny scene.  We thought about hiding out, then hurling snowballs at the unsuspecting others as they rode by.  But we didn't know how far back they were - it was a good ways.  At lunch, everyone kept asking about our biking - a few people even took our pictures.

I can't believe that mountain.  There were meadows and lakes and even a little town - "Top of the World," it was called.  Few cars.  Few people.  It really felt like a different world up there.  The few people or cars that you did see, you would be friendly with, and they with you.  At one point (near "Top of the World" - which, by the way, Anna and I kept screaming at the top of our lungs), we saw a man fishing in the creek.  As we rode by, I yelled out, "Top of the morning, to ya!"  He laughed.  "And to you, too!" he yelled and waved.  

It was quiet up there.  Mountains all around - you could see the whole range.  It was incredible - like looking at a topographical map, only from the sky, from the midst of it.  A different world.  Flowing creeks everywhere.  Mountain goats.  New scenery with every pedal, it seemed.  Breathtaking.  6-7 hours of uphill biking, and every single pedal and breath worth it.  Besides, the downhill was really fun (except when it was scary b/c of really strong side winds that felt as if they'd knock you right off the mountain).  

It's been a good day.  Right now, I'm really tired.  And dinner's ready.  Thank you, dinner crew...