August 7, 2015 – Sun, 80 degrees

Miles Today: 57

Miles to Date: 5,352

States to Date: 21

Today was a dream cycle touring day. I woke without an alarm, enjoyed eggs and English muffins with my warmshowers host, and stopped by the Gardiner Market for a few supplies. So many of my Boston friends have been commenting on the hot, humid weather back home, I couldn’t help but document the perfect morning temperature here.

Fifty-five miles along the Yellowstone River to Livingston. The first twenty miles on US 89 descended a meandering canyon. I really loved the vertical rock formations on Devil’s Slide. The next thirty miles followed East River Road, a lightly travelled byway through aptly named Paradise Valley. Throughout the valley, the particular yellow that gives the region its name shows through on the bluffs. The two roads joined for the final descent into Livingston.

After navigating the usual ugliness where US 89 meets I-90, I cycled north to downtown Livingston, a hip little city with lots of galleries, coffee shops and boutiques. I wonder who frequents these places, but they all seem to thrive. I had an exquisite lunch at Chadz, topped off by a cinnamon bun at the Bodega Bakery. Downtown goes on siesta about three, so I took at writing break at the library; a classic Carnegie building with a truly pleasant addition.

I pedaled to the outside of town to my warmshowers host. We had a bit of miscommunication, and Eric only offered camping Thankfully the night was beautiful and his yard lush. My second night of sleeping outdoors was terrific.