Leaving South Dakota, but still on I 90 headed west we entered Wyoming. Got to say, I was looking forward to this state and it did not let me down at all. Fact it was far more than I expected. I'd say if you get up north, this one is a must see. A little bit of everything here.
We stopped in Gillette and Sheridian One had a big rodeo going on and we enjoyed that. Just above Sheridian, we turned on ro RT 14 and took the lower route rather than the upper. From there we moved on to the Big Horn National Forest. Somewhere in this area is a Wildhorse area and we did manage to see 7 of them running across the open spaces. That was a treat for Jane and I. Still on RT 14 we headed to Cody. That was of real interest to me, as it has one of the best collection of guys you will find anywhere at the Bufflao Museum Center. As luck would have it we got there the day that they opened the new Indian center downstairs and if we purchased tickets that day, the next day we could come back for free and do it all over. We were all over that, Did I mention the word FREE....Free or paying, it was well worth the time spent in both places. They also had alive birds of prey that you could get right up close and personal with. Eagles, all kinds of them with a legal handler and tons of information. We really enjoyed that entire place. All kinds of stuff on display like stage coaches, stuff from Annie Oakley and much much more of the big names I heard about as a boy.
From Buffalo Bills, we headed to Yellowstone National Park. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it exceeded it many times over.
We stayed at Fishing Bridge Campground right in the park but really only slept there. We were up early and back late everyday. There were two loops you could take from Fishing Bridge, both were 100 mile loops. There is so much to see on those loops that it is hard to makke it the 100 miles a day. You are inside a giant volcano that blew up long ago but is still very active. There are all kinds of hiking trails to go on to see mud pots, bubbling springs, giesiers, all kinds of things we never saw or expected. They have wooded boardwalks over most of this stuff so you don't get burned. In among all this is all kinds of wildlife like buffalo, Elk, deer, Wolves, I only saw one wolf but it really was beautiful and running at a slow gate, and bear and plenty of small game also. There are all kinds of waterfalls and scenic overlooks, great trout streams you can fish in with flyrod etc. I was in heaven there as was my wife also. The next loop takes you further north right up on the Montana border. Many move to campgrounds up that way in Mammonth.
Once again, its all beautiful. The surprise for us, it was now June 9, we woke up the next morning preparing to go north and into Montanna but what a surprise. 6 inchs of new snow and more on the way. Decisions decisions. We decided after talking to a few other folks that there was more snow north of us and one fella coming up from Jackson Hole, told us nothing down that way, so we tossed a coin and off to Jackson Hole we headed. What a beautiful ride....We saw 8 moose in a meadow all bed down but not far off the road, 4 in one group, 5 in the other.... Beautiful mountain streams and waterfalls all along here. Plenty of stops to make. it would be awesome on a bike, car, covered wagon or any other way. About mid afternoon we arrived at the Grand Tetons. Absolutely beautiful Kelly. That area has much to see and you could spend a lot of time there. They have whats left of a glacier on the back side and just really beautiful scenery. Jackson Hole is just beyond it and worth a stop. I personally liked the Big Elk Refuge right in Jackson and the Welcome center there. If you ride around that area, the homes are really beautiful and big bucks. Mostly well to do movie stars or other people of means. Some really beautiful horse ranches there and dude ranches also. These are working ranches but they will let you ride with them. Well, at this point I had to start looking the calender as I was supposed to meet up with friends in Oregon and Washington State and we had really been dragging our feet seeing things that others told us about that were not on our travel plans. Our travel plans kinda went this way. If your eyes spring open in the morning, TRAVEL....We are easy to please. At this point we looked at the map and decided we should cross over into Idaho on RT 28. BEAUTIFUL DRIVE.
I wanted to mention...I'm not sure of your age, but if your 62 or older, do get the FREE, dam I love that word, Golden Age Passport for A FREE Lifetime Admission Permit. Where there are fee's they reduce them by 50 percent or better in campgrounds, caves, Mt Saint Helen's etc. The first National park you come to they will issue it to you with proof of age. Saves a lot of money and all the National Parks are really beautiful.
You will see lots of bike riders in these areas. Many have trailers on the bikes, most tent camp weather permitting. Lots of couples just enjoying the open road. Many, carry their bikes in trailers, some open, some closed and just take them out when they are in areas they like. Makes it easier for the older ones not wanting all the time on the bike, easier to travel in bad weather and you can bring more of your stuff. Thats my problem, I have lots of stuff I like to bring, like GPS, Fishing Gear, Detectors, Camera gear, tripods, Laptop, ham radio etc.
This portion of the trip was across Northern Wyoming and down the western side... I enjoyed seeing antelope, pronghorns, mountain sheep with the big curley horns, parrie dogs, non of this is back easy so it was a thrill for us....
Well, thats Wyoming on that trip...... Will continue on tomorrow........
George-CT
