The photo above was taken by the bartender of the Stockade, a country themed restaurant/bar in downtown Deadwood. This was taken at our destination for the night, but more of that later in the blog.
We left Sheridan a little late in the morning, in part due to an inexplicably poor nights sleep. I woke up gasping for breath several times, most likely something to do with allergies and the elevation. After a quick fill up for the cheapest price this trip ($3.45 per gallon) and purchase of a few supplies we were on our way.
Eastern Wyoming is to me the archetypical ranching country. Rolling hills, lush green fields, streams lined with cottonwoods and aspen. This part of Wyoming is also home to gas and oil fields. We passed dozens of wells and whatever the step between field and refinery is.
Our off the road adventure for the day was to leave the highway at route 14 and make a twenty-five mile trip north to Devils Tower. As nature adventures go this one was top drawer.
The tower itself is stunning and the park service has made it possible to hike around the rock fall at its base on a well developed path of about a mile and a half. Although the temperature reached 91 in the parking lot, Gloria and I made the whole trek using photo breaks to catch our breath.
If you are ever within a couple hundred miles of this place, make the trip-- it's worth it. On the way out we stopped at a prairie dog colony which was also entertaining.
On the way back to Deadwood we were delayed while a rockfall was removed from the highway. That makes two of these and three snow closures. Of course Montana seems to eat roads as a spring treat, but the big sky state is behind us.
Deadwood is a gambling Mecca, with cowboy bars and gift shops tied for second most compelling attractions. Live music, gunfight reenactments, actors in costume (or were those tourists?) complete the scene perfectly. Mike, if you are planning a trip this far east, I understand the opportunities for serious poker are substantial.
Tomorrow we have planned a short hop to Wall, SD another town that makes a big deal about being authentically western, but emphasizes food and gifts rather than gambling. We plan to spend the day recharging our batteries (it is only about a hundred miles away) and getting ready for a couple of longer jumps east.
We are missing all our new and old friends and family, but having a ball. Great country, great people, long roads!
Stay with us, there are a few more adventures scheduled along the way.
2 comments:
Great shot of Devil's Tower. Looks like the return trip is a winner so far.
Great pictures and commentary....I especially like the cowboy hats!
I haven't had the opportunity to read the entire blog yet, but I plan to.
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