Through the Rockies in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana

We started today in Pinedale, Wyoming and headed north on US 191 toward Jackson, riding on gorgeous sweeping mountain roads.

The Hogback River criss-crossed the highway and then we rode through the narrow canyon and steep cliffs carved out by the river.

We then turned onto WY 22 which twists and winds over Teton Pass that tops out at 8431'. There were a lot of vehicles traveling both directions on the highway which meant riding more slowly and giving us more time to look at the scenery.

We then rode straight throgh Teton Valley on ID 32, marveling at the bright gold fields of grain as far as we could see.

We've had clear skies since we left Colorado three days ago but today the effects from the numerous wildfires in Oregon made everything a bit hazy, especially the usually clear long views to the mountains.

The landscape changed agaiin as we rode through Island Park on US 20N, passing fields of pine trees, dirt roads that snaked off the highway toward camping areas, and distant views of mountains.

We then turned onto US 287 North, riding along the Madison River and then stopped for a few minutes to walk around downtown Ennis MT and sit at a shady picnic table before riding the last few miles to Three Forks.

Merriweather Lewis named the Madison in 1805 after then US Secretary of State Madison, who succeeded Thomas Jefferson as President.

We're staying at the Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks. Built in 1910 and recently refurbished, it's a grand old 3-story hotel with a large, inviting covered front porch. After riding 290 miles today, we're ready for an easy evening before meeting up with our kids tomorrow at Flathead Lake.