[Magdalen] A good idea?

[ROGER STOKES]

Sometimes when you can't decide which of two options is better you can actually choose both. In the end that's what I did with Yellowstone. Having visited the Western side yesterday I decided to do the North today on my way to Billings thinking I could leave by the North-East entrance which the map indicates is on the way to Billings'
I'm glad I did go back for a second bite. The bison were much closer to the road, like grazing right by the edge and sometimes with calves, and closer to places where I could legitimately stop. The topography is also very different, getting an audible "Wow" from me as I was about to start the descent of one canyon. On the way down I noticed that the road was cantilevered out from the rock face in part. It was different but at least as splendid as what I saw yesterday.
On arriving at the North-East exit there is a notice that the road is closed just beyond the next town 4 miles away. Not fancying having to retrace my steps I check it out. They are right - snow right across US 212. Absent appropriate tyres and chains, as well as 4WD, I have to retrace about 40 miles to get on the road to the North entrance. Then there's another 50 miles when I feel I am heading more West than the East I wanted before I get on I-90. 
I arrived at my hotel about 9 hours after setting off this morning. I did get out of the car a few times but it was a lot of driving. Tomorrow's drive to Williston should be quicker, 5hrs 25 according to my satnav/GPS. That's abougt the same time it would have taqken me to get here had I not decided to go to Yellowstone again, but I'm glad I did. I just hope I feel the same in the morning.