Every time I have gone up and over a mountain, I have found that the descent is an entirely new and different experience. Yes, it is so true, the creation is vast and constantly changing from one switchback to the next, from one vista to the next one, from one precipice to another.

The Beartooth highway is no different in this regard. While the north side ascent was along a canyon cut by the water flowing down the mountain along the creeks and streams; the south side is nothing like that.

Instead, the south side is a series of snow packs melting into a pond which then flows into another pond, then larger ones most all the way down the wide slightly slopped south side of the Beartooth mountains.

Later, the small creeks accumulate into large creeks, then rivers and flow down into the much larger rivers feeding the head waters of the Lamar, Buffalo, Hellroaring and other rivers.

What is most amazing about this highway is that there is a very long stretch that is above the treeline, the longest I have seen in a long time.

If and when you travel these Steps Afield, make sure you stop to smell the wildflowers.

During this very long descent, I find many ponds along the highway, that I begin looking for a nice one to stop at and take a bucket bath. There are so many that it is hard to choose from. I do find a perfect one, get out my bucket and find a nice rock to stand on to dip the bucket in the clear water.

Despite the water being fresh melt from the snow pack, it is amazingly warm, well, at least to me.