The morning started simply enough.  Packing the car and heading out on the next leg of our journey from West Yellowstone to Sheridan, WY by way of Little Bighorn Battlefield. 

We decided that, to save time, we would cut through Yellowstone and take the North Entrance via Gardiner to Highway 89, which would bring us back to I-90.  My reasoning was that I did not want to take either of the available passes over the Bighorn Mountains, plus if we took Highway 14 through Cody we would have to backtrack to Little Bighorn.

So, we set off toward our next destination.  I was already familiar with some of the route through the park, and the lady who checked us out of the KOA assured me that the roads north were “fine” and I would be okay driving them.

Yeah, well, she’s a liar and I want to pinch her nose!

For those familiar with the park you probably know what I, She Who is Afraid of Heights, encountered.  At first the roads are just fine, a slow steady climb toward the north end of the park.  We saw Reindeer and Bison, and nearly ran over an errant chipmunk.  I even got up the nerve to stop and photograph a gorgeous waterfall from a scenic overlook  that was VERY high.  Then, as we approached Mammoth, I began to get nervous.  We passed through a gate that indicated road closures in winter.  My stomach began to twist as I was certainly dreading what I knew was inevitable. 

Yeah, well I had no idea…

As we crested the top and began to descend toward Mammoth the air became noticeably cooler.  We rounded a curve and I nearly lost my cookies.  We had to be about 8,000 feet up and there was a freaking bridge glued to the side of the mountain.  I had to now drive over said freaking bridge.  Thus began my slow and steady traverse of one of the highest passes in Yellowstone.  Here I am thinking I have avoided Beartooth and Bighorn, yet I find myself driving one of the scariest roads I have ever been on in my 38 years.  By the time we reached the halfway down point at Mammoth Hot Springs I was shaking.  But, I did it, and I made it, I conquered my fear.  I still want to throttle the lady who said to take the road, but I am proud of myself for seeing it through.

Terrifying mountain roads aside, we also stopped at Little Bighorn Battlefield today.  I got a few pictures and was in awe of what that place must have looked like in 1876.  Because I am Cherokee I have mixed emotions in such places.  We also saw Wild Mustangs while visiting the location – that was very cool!  No rattler sightings thank the gods!

Now we are safely tucked in at the Sheridan Bighorn KOA.  Mountain passes are behind me and this makes me happy for two reasons: (1) gas mileage should improve; and (2) no more 8,000 foot drops!!!!