Month: May 2012

Entering Yellowstone by the southern gate, we encountered more and more snow along the side of the road. At times, the two lane road cut through drifts higher than our minivan. This was a striking first impression. And, we soon discovered why we had entered the land of fire and ice and everything in between. There were lakes still frozen. In certain parts of the park we didn’t need to look for fumaroles and vents and geysers, they were around every bend in the road, so numerous that many aren’t even noted. Yes, it made sense to be driving an Odyssey.

Yes, moose love to munch on bushes and stand in the water while they slop it up like crazy.

The scenery doesn’t disappoint. The mountains just jut out of the plain, dominating the view. At times they look like they must be a set from an old MGM movie. And, Hidden Falls thunders out of nowhere. These are our contribution to heroic Teton photography.

The Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale, Wyoming, was a real treat. As it turns out, the actual mountain men were clean shaven and not savage looking brutes. How do you think some of them were able to marry into respectable Native American families? They were just trying to make a living the hard way. Unfortunately, their success and ruin rode on the fortunes of the beaver pelt trade. When the fashion changed to silk hats, they were a thing of the past.

If you want to have a snow ball fight in the middle of May, head to the summit of Signal Mountain. By the way, there is really good cell phone reception up there. That and some amazing views.  

A big part of coming out west and to the national parks is an opportunity to see wildlife. I guess they were attracted to our camera or something, because our expectations were wildly exceeded! You’ll recognize most of them. The show off bird is a dusky grouse.

For terrific collections of barbed wire (see photo) and straight razors, check out the Laramie Plains Museum in the old Ivinson mansion. The organization that rescued the place has done a fantastic job at restoration and attracting donations of artifacts, perhaps a few too many. Our docent shared the story of how 600 sheep were massacred by cattle interests. Even more grim, later in Rock Springs we read up on the massacre of Chinese scab miners by white miners never brought to justice (but treated as local heroes) and a local outlaw who was lynched and flayed. Egad. On to Jackson Hole!

Our thanks to Cousin John for being alert (and actually reading this little blog). If anyone from Montana (or who knew anything at all about geography) had read our post on the big sky country, they would have been horrified to have us call Wyoming by their sacred designation!

Thanks, John!

It really is true. Wyoming is big sky country. It’s striking; and absolutely beautiful. Reminds Ken of Mongolia, except the roads are better. Wind is the coming big industry here. Plenty of it. Antelope are here and there off the highway. The weather may not hold for tomorrow when we head to Jackson and Signal Mountain. The windmills line the ancient ridges channeling the spirits of long ago dancers to bring rain to land that struggles to be green.

After learning how they make their pork green chili at the Copper Kitchen in La Junta, we found a different inspiration in the newly created neighborhood around the Denver airport (Grandma needed to fly back east for another graduation). Looks like nothing is more than three years old as they gobble up ranch land to house us travelers. The Thai Chili & Sushi offered a nice change of pace with some competent food, if odd decor. While the Copper Kitchen sent us on our way with God’s blessings for a safe journey, TC&S provided a more ambiguous message at the end of our meal.