There is no question that the weather is changing. It was cooler this morning and barely any blue sky. With rain predicted for tomorrow and 1-3 inches of snow on Sunday I knew that today was my last chance to get out for a ride for a few days but I had to get a few things out of the way first.
Getting some laundry underway followed by doing the grocery shopping came first and a good thing to do early. Then I worked on my mosaic a bit, getting it grouted. Then it was up to Zimmerman Park with the dog for a 2-3 mile run. A bit more work on the mosaic came next and I think it’s proceeding nicely. I am doing “the Four Season” on the foundation wall on the north side of my garage with 5-feet devoted to each season. I’ve had winter done for a while and now have spring completed.
We dig some fertilizing and weed killing application at the other house ahead of the incoming rain and then it was time to ride.
I wanted a different direction that heading south and I wanted to be back in an hour and half so I headed off to Pompey’s Pillar. The park is closed this time of year but walk-ins are allowed. My plan was to ride out there, check out the picnic area adjacent to the gate and then ride back.
I went through Billings Heights, avoiding Main Street by taking Bitterroot which turns out is under construction. I had to detour on Hawthorne for a ways but eventually got out to Mary Street and headed on past Dover Park. Hwy 312 to Pompey’s is about 30 miles and straight a road as you will find. There was not much traffic and I just relaxed and cruised until about 5 miles from Pompey’s when a strong cross wind from the north came up. The temperature dropped from 66 to 60 degrees and it really looked like fall.
I pulled into the picnic area and park the bike. It’s pretty small but covered by large trees. I guess this is a place hunters use because there was a sign for hunter check in and a notice that hunting wasn’t allowed until November 1st to protect public safety. OK.
I took advantage of the stop to put my thermal liner in my jacket and change out to my heavier gloves. Then I shot some pictures.
That’s Pompey’s Pillar in the center background of that bottom photo.
I headed back but turned a quarter mile along the way onto Bundy Road. There is a bridge across the Yellowstone River here and a chance to see Pompey’s Pillar from the west, from outside the park. With fall colors around, I wanted to take a look.
Looking west on the river.
Here’s the old bridge.
And, of course, some motorcycle pictures.
The ride back was quick and I got home before Friday afternoon traffic became an issue.
About 75 miles today.
No comments:
Post a Comment