Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day

I’ve got a beautiful feeling, everything’s going my way!

Yellowstone, here I am…

And, my welcoming committee…

 

Does this mean I’m half-way between nowhere and somewhere?

Good news, there are camping sites available; better make that a first stop. I know the drill after experiencing Glacier National Park.

This is it, Indian Creek, (generator free, primitive camping, $12/night) just take the road over the bridge and through the woods.  Remember everything’s going my way?  Well…thump, thump, bump, bump, bump. Ahh yes, flat tire on the Aliner.  Hey, not bad…11,000+ miles and this is the first real problem I have encountered; yes, I have a spare.  Weather is beautiful, deer walking by and here I sit roadside changing a tire…awesomeness! (Is that a word?)

Well, since the tire was down to the threads on the inside, I learned a few things…get down and look under the Aliner at the inside of the tires, Judy, not just the outside. Also learned I need a decent jack…Toyota can keep the jap-i-zoid one that came with the Venza.  However,  things could be worse…on the interstate with no jack!

Okay, decision time...campground or tire store…no brainer—tire 2 looks like tire 1 except still has air in it…tire store it is.  Decision two… back to Livingston (at least I know someone), down to Jackson WY (can only imagine the cost) or over to Cody WY (where do I go)…Parks, remember when I said see ya down the road?  Decision made—I’m baaaccckkk! 

Thanks for the referral, Parks.  All Service Tire & Alignment did an awesome job; two new tires, spare back in its rightful place, all in 30 minutes for $130. 

Yes, everything’s going my way!