Day 12, July 18-- Back to civilization

Here she is, Old Faithful. We actually saw her yesterday, along with everybody and their best friend. Quite the tourist attraction, I'd say. We knocked all of our Yellowstone sights out yesterday (including a mama and baby grizzly), except the elusive moose. We spent the dusk-to-twilight hours cruising around their favorite hang-outs, using the Mike Villanti moose call (with the windows up, because actually trying to call animals here is illegal), but still, no dice.

When we returned to camp, we learned two valuable lessons: moose are camera-shy, and always close the rain fly--even if it really doesn't look like rain. I guess that was a novice camper move, but after a night in a slightly damp, campfire-and-bathroom-hand-dryer dried sleeping bag, I can safely say NEVER AGAIN.

So, with all of the wonders of the US's first national park under our belts, we bid adieu to Yellowstone this morning. We have decided since it has been 6 days since a shower, and we are a little in need of life's comforts, we are going to stay in a motel in Missoula, MT., on our way to our next camping adventure, Glacier National Park.

We just stopped for Montana-classic pork chop sandwiches at Pork Chop John's in Butte. Quite tasty! Did you know that Evel Knievel was born and raised in Butte? Yeah, me neither! And the trip rolls on...

One other interesting bit: we have been keeping watch of license plates, and are only in need of 3 more: D.C., Delaware, and Louisiana! The unofficial Soul Power tally is going at a slower pace...