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Post #1
Time For Another Trip
May 15, 2020
This picture starts our first trip with the fifth wheel: April 14, 2014. We returned on December 24th with enumerable memories: wolves, bears, elk, moose, overflowing rivers, classic Western trout streams, majestic mountains, endless plains, scorching deserts, geysers, mud holes, new breweries, family visits, old friends, and new acquaintances.
On May 24th I leave on another long trip but without Dianne who left us last August after a 3 year battle against ovarian cancer. A “long, strange, trip” lies ahead after over 50 years of Dianne occupying the navigator’s seat.
My pre-coronavirus plan outlined a 4 month trip to British Colombia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Alaska. Now with the Canadian border closed to tourists, I have scaled back my expectations from the Canadian/Alaskan journey to spending the summer in Wyoming and Montana: fly fishing, hiking, visiting new and old breweries, and improving my photography. I’ll just have to wait to see if the Canadian border opens up in time for me to complete a trip through Canada and Alaska, but prospects remain dim.
Below are a few of photos from our first trip. Hopefully, this summer will bring even more marvelous memories.
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Post #2
Badlands National Park
May 27 to June 2, 2020
Badlands National Park
The road trip out from Jacksonville, Florida to the South Dakota Badlands (2000 miles, 3200 KM) proved to be uneventful. The trailer hadn’t been out of its parking space for 18 months. Despite my considerable care in preparing the trailer for this trip, I was rather apprehensive that something would go wrong. Alas!! Everything worked as designed. A big relief!!!
The only curious happening during the trip occurred in the Walmart parking lot in McGegee, Oklahoma. I had pulled in to spend the night. Next to me, a lady driver of a semi-truck was beating her tires with her gloved fist. Very unusual!! I definitely had to see what was going on here. She explained to me, as if I should have known, that by hitting the tires with her fist, she could tell if the tire needed to be inflated. Hmmm! Really!!! Who am I to doubt?
I arrived at the boondocking area of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands late Wednesday afternoon, May 27th. This is a grassland area located on a bluff overlooking the Badlands. With COVID-19 restricting movement, I had wondered if I would be the only RV there. Well, not quite. I was the only one there with about 15 other RV’s stretched along the 1.5 mile (2.4KM) bluff. So much for staying home!
Note: For those not familiar with the term “boondocking,” here’s a short explanation. Boondocking simply means camping outside an established campground without water, electricity, or sewer hookups. No “facilities” at all. It is by far my preferred way to camp in my RV. Boondocking is permitted on much of the Federal land in the West.
I boondocked on a well-know site in the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, adjacent to Badlands National Park. This is the view from my campsite.
A better photo showing the view from camp. The view changed throughout the day from shadows to glaring bright as the sun passed over and the weather varied from overcast to sunny seemingly about 5 times a day.
According to the Park’s literature, the erosion started about 500,000 years ago when two larger rivers began to flow through the area.
The erosion makes The Badlands a sought after spot for fossil hunters. But, I didn’t find any.
View looking south from camp toward the main area of the park. Notice the RV’s boondocking in the upper right corner, the little white rectangular images.
I spent my time walking the trails, admiring the marvelous views at different times of day, and taking photos.
Below are a few photos of the rugged peaks, canyons, pinnacles, and channels of the Badlands. The weather was lousy for photograhy, generally complety overcast. But, occasionally, the sun came through enough to take some photos.
Scenic, South Dakota
Scenic, South Dakota, which lies about 45 miles (70KM) east of Rapid City has to be among the weirdest places I have ever visited. The 2010 census showed a population of 58 people. The town consist of some old, dilapidated buildings, a one pump gas station, a church, and, of course, a post office.
In 2011 the entire town of 12 acres (4.9ha) was purchased by the Phillipine-based Iglesia di Cristo church. According to a local resident I spoke with, the Phillipine church has provided a pastor for the local church since about 2015. There has to be a worthwhile story here but I couldn’t discover what was behind this bizzare purchase.
Post #3
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
North Dakota Badlands
Medora, North Dakota
June 2 to June 5, 2020
The 300 mile (80km) drive from the South Dakota Badlands to the North Dakota Badlands, across lush spring pastures sprinkled with cattle and oil wells, went smoothly. Surprisingly, in this land of constant winds, I have not seen a single wind turbine. I did pass two Ukraine Catholic Churches which I did not expect. Later I discovered that Blefield, ND, a town of 800 people about 15 miles (24km) from the park, hosts the annual Badlands Ukrainian Days in mid-July each year. Very strange indeed! If I’m near Blefield in mid-July, I’m definitely going.
This is a first for me! At the edge of the National Park I stopped at a rest stop to find a buffalo peacefully grazing on the lawn. Apparently, he had wandered out of the park, and showed no interest in returning.
He took some time off from grazing to scratch against a tree.
As I left, he continued to enjoy his newfound pasture. He may still be there!
I couldn’t find any recommendations for a boondocking location so I camped at Buffalo Gap Campground, just outside the National Park, which turned out to be a quite pleasant location. The campground inside the park was still closed due to COVID19. I chose a spot among the bushes and trees to protect myself from the constant wind. At least, with the never-ending wind, the insects were not out to bite me.
I’ve discovered that “Badlands” was a term applied to land not suitable for crops, cattle, or trapping. Sometimes, and more appropriately, referred to a “Bad Earth.”
The principal differences I noticed between North and South Dakota Badlands are:
1) North Dakota Badlands is not as dramatic or majestic and 2) North Dakota Badlands supports much more vegetation, including trees.
That dark spot, below the middle of the photo that sort of looks like a buffalo, is a buffalo. The question is: Why would a buffalo want to stand on a barren, stark ledge where there in nothing to eat?
Here’s a closer look.
Could this be a zen moment for a buffalo?
He certainly looks as if he is in a trance.
This is the view 180 degrees from the spot where I shot photos of the buffalo above, oil wells on the edge of the park. If this weren’t a national park, the oils wells would be where I stood.
Couldn’t resist a couple prairie dog photos, eventhough they didn’t come out well.
Not a happy buffalo!!
A couple of wild horse herds roam the park.
An intriguing cloud formation over the prairie. The photo on the right was shot with a telescopic lens, then converted to black and white.
Post #4
Walmart Parking Lot, Casper, Wyoming
Miracle Mile, North Platte River
Near Alcova, Wyoming
June 5 to June 14, 2020
In the late morning, Friday, June 5th, I left the North Dakota Badlands heading for Sand Creek, a small trout stream, near Beulah, Wyoming, about 220 miles (355 km) distant. Sand Creek is a “spring” creek, i.e., its water source is a spring, and not snow runoff,. This means that the creek can be fished all year round as the water temperature stays fairly constant and the creek does not flood from snow runoff as many rivers do.
I had never fished a spring creek, so was anxious to give it a try, having prepared myself by re-reading John Gierach’s Fly Fishing Small Streams, a 1989 classic. I was more than fully prepared! Ready to go!
There are several camping areas along Sand Creek provided by the State of Wyoming. So all I needed to do was get there, park the trailer, and go fishing. But, upon approaching the first camping area, I saw that about 50 or more cattle had occupied the campsites, but much worse, had occupied the creek, turning it into a brown mess, destroying any fishing possibilities. Good grief!!
On my way out, I passed a fellow fisherman who had been up the road to all the campsites, with the same result: cattle everywhere and a brown creek.
So much for fishing my first spring creek. Unfortunately, I was so irritated that I completely forgot to take photos.
What to do now? I needed a Plan B.
Aha, I thought: Plan B. Devil’s Tower is only about 50 miles (80km) away. I could spend a couple days there taking photos of this unique location (and, as American trivia players know, the first U. S. national monument.) I started toward Devil’s Tower. As soon as I had a cellular signal, I pulled over to check that the monument had opened after being closed due to COVID-19. In luck!!! The park had reopened BUT the campground was still closed. Bummer!!
Why open a remote national monument but keep the campground closed? Doesn’t make sense to me.
I needed a Plan C. Finally I decided to drive to Casper, Wyoming, about 200 miles (320 km) distant to spend the night at the Walmart parking lot and leave the following morning for the Miracle Mile, a well-known trout fishery on the North Platte River.
As I was approaching Casper, the electronic message sign along the highway blinked “Wind gust in excess of 50 mph (80 km). No problem for me as I was turning off the highway headed for Walmart. I arrived at Walmart about 5 pm, Friday evening, just as torrential rain and violent wind gusts blasted across the parking lot. And that’s where I sat (along with several other RV’s caught in the storm) until Sunday about noon: in a bouncing trailer as winds with gusts well in excess of 50 mph (80km) pounded the trailer. So much for Plan C.
Plan D was simply to wait until the weather improved. By about mid-day Sunday, the winds had slowed down, and I leapt at the chance to get out of there. On to the Miracle Mile!!!
“Miracle Mile” generally is a term reserved for a large concentration of car dealerships, but in this case, it refers to a large concentration of large trout along a 6 mile stretch of the North Platte River in the Wyoming high desert. This section of the river is a “tailwater” meaning that it is water released from a nearby dam. Just like a spring creek, the water temperature stays relatively constant and the river does not flood from snow runoff, ideal conditions for trout.
It’s a 60 mile (95 km) drive from Casper to the Miracle Mile with about half being pot-holed pavement or, oftentimes, bumpy dirt road. But, the destination more than compensates the jolting drive.
The road into the Miracle Mile passes through classic Wyoming high desert. This scene may have inspired several cowboy songs, such as “The Lost Highway” and “Home On The Range.”
Note: The road is not as smooth as it looks. Actually, it’s not smooth at all.
Looks like a painting!
To my surprise, very few people were camping in the area. I made camp alongside the river with 3 young guys as neighbors but they left the next morning.
My trailer is visible in the distance by the river. No neighbors.
The Miracle Mile is a popular drift boat river. About 15 to 20 boats would come by each day. Turns out that I had camped at a fishing “hotspot” favored by the guides. The boat on the right is drifting ready to catch trout while the 3 boats to the left are rowing back upstream to drift down once again. This would be repeated for up to 10 times. Those guides work really hard!
This photo was taken out of the rear window of the trailer. The guide is releasing the trout the client just caught. You can’t camp any closer to the river than this.
Notice the geese to the left of the fishermen, enjoying a sunny day.
There were three white pelicans hanging around. I tried to catch them in flight but was never able to.
Early morning coffee alongside the river, to be followed by the morning’s fishing. I never left my campsite to fish. Pure chance that I camped by section of the river with lots of trout.
I would fish in the early morning and early evening. Otherwise, the wind made casting quite difficult. The only constant in Wyoming is wind followed by more wind!!
Notice the speck of white in the mountains, upper left: the last of winter’s snow. The river is at 6,500 feet (2000 meters).
Classic Wyoming high desert fly fishing. So gorgeous.
Notice the tower at the top center of the photo, bringing power out of Kortes Dam.
Twice, after morning fishing, I attempted to photograph a herd of antelope a few miles from camp. This was my first time using a 600mm telescopic lens. The results could only be classified as “failure.” From several hours of searching and taking shots, only a few showed anything but a blur. I have much to learn about using that lens!
After 7 days, I reluctantly decided to leave the Miracle Mile. The wind had gotten worse forcing me to spend nearly the entire day in the trailer. I would head for Sheridan, Wyoming about 200 miles (320 km) to spend the night at Walmart, then proceed the following day to camp near Burgess Junction in the Big Horn Mountains, a lovely forested high mountain area. There I would plan to take hikes and fish the North Tongue River. Hopefully, the wind would not follow me.
After 7 days, I reluctantly decided to leave the Miracle Mile. The wind had gotten worse forcing me to spend nearly the entire day in the trailer. I would head for Sheridan, Wyoming about 200 miles (320 km) to spend the night at Walmart, then proceed the following day to camp near Burgess Junction in the Big Horn Mountains, a lovely forested high mountain area. There I would plan to take hikes and fish the North Tongue River. Hopefully, the wind would not follow me.
Upon arriving at the Sheridan Walmart, I opened the trailer door to find this: The sink had come loose from the counter and (You can’t see it from the photo) the counter had come loose from the cabinet. Oh my!
The next day I replaced the sink and reset the counter, not as simple as it looks. But with the expoxy glue I used to attach the counter to the cabinet, it shouldn’t come off again.
My advice is: Don’t put granite countertops and undermounted sinks in trailer.
Post #5
Northern Bighorn Mountains
Burgess Junction, Wyoming
June 16 to June 25, 2020
The Big Horn Mountains extend about 200 miles (320 km) rising abruptly from the Wyoming prairie. The Big Horns attract all varieties of outdoor , recreation seekers, especially ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts. However, not far behind are the hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, fly fishermen, and pinicking families.
On the afternoon of June 16th I headed UP to the Burgess Junction area of the northern Big Horn Mountains, about 50 miles (80 km) from Sheridan, Wyoming, where I had been staying in the Walmart parking lot the past couple days. I say “UP” because Sheridan, WY sits at about 3700 feet (1130 meters) and to reach the northern Bighorn Mountains the road rises to 8300 feet (2530 meters).
The northern Bighorns had been hit by several days of sporadic, heavy rains with the forecast for more rain. Fearing getting stuck in a remote boondocking site, I decided to stay in a National Forest campground.
The price of $9.75 per day hurt my ego more than my wallet.
I found a quite pleasant campsite along Prune Creek.
Most mornings started with coffee by the campfire.
Even though summer was just a few days away, the mornings were rather chilly, especially for a Floridian, like me. One morning I awoke to my thermometer warning me that it was 33 degrees (1.5 C) outside. I took that as a suggestion to have my coffee inside the trailer.
This squirrel joined me each morning.
First, he would dig down into the mulch around the tree to find something yummy.
Then, he would zip up the tree to enjoy his breakfast, repeating his efforts several times. He provided good entertainment as I enjoyed my morning coffee.
The northern Big Horn Mountains plateau consists of tranquil mountain meadows surrounded by alpine peaks.
Heavy forests surround the meadows.
Easily accessed dirt roads and well-marked hiking trails blanket the entire area making finding magnificent views, such as this one, not difficult.
Facing west, the snow-covered peaks of the Beartooth mountain range of the Rocky Mountains dominate the view, about 125 miles (200 km) away. Yellowstone National Park lies just on the other side.
This view of the Big Horns shows how steeply and suddenly the mountains rise from the prairie. In the late 1800’s, three stagecoach routes ran through the Big Horns, using light coaches called “mud” wagons. How???
South Tongue River
Streams and creeks abound, with abundant trout, mainly brook trout.
Fortunately for the fly fisherman, many streams have effortless access. Unfortunately for the fly fisherman, the trout tend to the small side, averaging only about 10 inches (25 cm).
However, the magnificent location compensates for the meager size of the trout. (I may have to re-think that comment!! Maybe “partially compensates” would be more precise!!)
Big Goose Creek, located about 20 miles (32 km) up a well-maintained dirt road.
South Tongue River along side Prune Creek Campground where I stayed.
I caught several trout in this location using nymph flies (which are sub-surface flies). Then, deciding to be a purist, I switched to dry flies (which float on the surface representing adult insects).
After 2 sessions of about 90 minutes each, I had caught zero trout. The trout would rise to the dry fly, then turn away. The standard response to that behavior is to use a smaller fly, which I kept doing until my rather large, pudgy fingers could hardly hold the tiny thing. Still the trout would come to the surface only to shun the lovely fly.
Good grief!! I need to stop my here on my way home in September to try again.
A marmot looked down upon me from his rocky perch along side the trail. My chance had finally come for some quality wildlife photos.
Of course, by the time I could get my camera ready, he decided to amble away, just showing me his ample rear end while hiding his cute face. So much for my marmot adventure!!
As I was fishing, this moose crossed the nearby road looking for willows to eat. All the moose I saw were skinny, like this one. I guess they will fatten up over the summer and fall.
Sorry that I wasn’t to get a good shot before he hid himself in the roadside willows.
That dark spot among the willows in the lower center of the photo is that big moose. Amazing how easily he could camouflage himself so quickly.
This moose couldn’t decide whether to eat or keep an eye on me!
This moose spent about 45 minutes eating willows along side my campsite. This photo was taken in near darkness from my chair at the campfire.
Deer were always nearby but skittish, making getting decent photos even more difficult.
The purple flowers are lupine and the yellow flowers are arrowleaf balsamroot, both very common.
Shell Creek Falls
Once I saw that a waterfall was not far away, I couldn’t resist an attempt to photograph it. My beginning photography books all had clear instructions on waterfall photography techniques. So, off to the waterfall.
I’ll give myself a C+ for a first attempt. That may be generous considering that I took about 70 photos and this was the best one. Oh well!!
Shell Creek below the waterfall.
“On top of the Bighorn Range in Wyoming, a desolate 9,642 feet high and only reachable during the warm summer months, lies an ancient Native American construction — an 80′ diameter wheel-like pattern made of stones. [Estimated to be 300 to 800 years old.] At the center of the circle is a doughnut-shaped pile of stones, a cairn, connected to the rim by 28 spoke-like lines of stones. Six more stone cairns are arranged around the circle, most large enough to hold a sitting human. The central cairn is about 12 feet in diameter and 2′ high.
If you stand or sit at one cairn looking towards another, you will be pointed to certain places on the distant horizon. These points indicate where the Sun rises or sets on summer solstice and where certain important stars rise.”
solar-center.stanford.edu/AO/bighorn.html
By the end of summer, the fence will be covered with feathers and bright-colored pieces of cloth.
While I found the Medicine Wheel interesting from its historical aspect, I didn’t sense being in a spiritual or “thin” place. As they say, “It just didn’t do it.”
The strangest aspect to me was the structure on top of the nearby hill.
What is that thing?
It is not indicated on any of the maps that I have. Nor does Google maps identify it. Another mystery along side the Medicine Wheel.
I found this retro-RV for sale. Guaranteed never to have a blowout or engine troubles. You’ll just need 2 mules or horses, some oats and hay, and its ready to roll.
After 9 days of roaming the northern Big Horns, it’s time to move on. I am now back in the Walmart parking lot in Sheridan, Wyoming. Tomorrow, June 27, I will head for the Ten Sleep, Wyoming area, at the foot of the southern Big Horn Mountains, about 100 miles (160 km) from my current location.
I expect to boondock at Castle Gardens on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land outside of Ten Sleep, and explore the Middle Fork of the Powder River as well as Ten Sleep Canyon.
Post #6
Southern Bighorn Mountains
Ten Sleep, Wyoming
June 26 to July 6, 2020
I spent a couple days in the Walmart Parking lot in Sheridan, doing the blog and stocking up. But before leaving, I had time for a beer at Smith Alley Brewing on Main St.
I came across this sensational discovery. For those of you who have not been able to save quite enough for that SoHo loft you have been desiring, here’s your solution: a loft in Sheridan, WY.
The sign on the side of the building advertised: City Lofts. In Sheridan?? With a populations of only 17,000, I’m not convinced. The only advantage I can see for this loft over a SoHo loft is that this loft lies within walking distance of 3 breweries and 2 fly shops.
I had decided to spend a few days in the southern Bighorn Mountains between Buffalo and Ten Sleep, Wyoming, about 80 miles (130 km) from Sheridan. Heavy rain accompanied me as I drove up to the 9000 foot (2750 meters) plateau. So, once again, I decided to find a campground rather than risk getting stuck while boondocking.
I easily found a lovely campsite at the National Forest Sitting Bull Campground.
From the campsite I looked across this expansive, serene meadow. Certainly can’t complain about the view.
A skinny doe walked through the camp several times, looking lost and forelorn.
stuck at castle gardens
For the next 2 days there were bits of sunshine but dark clouds were always gathering to provide sporadic drenching rain, then passing on to give false hope of sunshine, then returning to soak me once again.
After a morning of hiking in the off and on rain, unsuccessfully trying to take some photos, I decided to drive down to Castle Gardens Recreation Area at the foot of the mountains, about 25 miles (40 kms) away at the foot of the mountains. I was considering Castle Gardens as camping site to explore the Ten Sleep area. So, this would be a good opportunity to check it out (and to check out Ten Sleep Brewing, the local and only brewery).
Castle Gardens had interesting rock formations but OOPS!!!
Carelessly, as I was turning around after looking at one of the campsites, I backed into a shallow culvert at the side of the road.
With a shovel, I dug for over an hour, using my traction tracks trying to escape, but the tires just spun in the loose sand, digging deeper and deeper.
Finally, I surrendered. I was about about 5 miles (8 kms) from the nearest traveled road and about 8 miles (13 kms) from Ten Sleep. Stranded with no one else in the area and no cellular coverage!!! Good grief!!
Not a good situation at all!!!
Months ago, Preston, my son, had suggested that I get a satellite SOS device since I am now considered “post-senior” (at least by my children) and, being alone much of the time on this trip, I would always be able to call for help. At that time, we were both thinking of medical help. neither of us were thinking of this kind of help: I NEED A TOW TRUCK NOW!!!
On the Garmin InReach sending messages is quite easy, using Bluetooth connection to a cell phone. At about 4 pm I sent Preston a message asking for help getting a tow truck, hoping that he would have his cell phone handy. WHEW!! About 15 minutes later, he replied. I messaged him the information for my FMCA roadside assistance.
About 20 minutes later, he replied that FMCA roadside service informed him that my policy had been canceled in May, which is rather strange since I just purchased the policy in May. With no way to immediately resolve the insurance issue, Preston had FMCA put him in contact with their contracted towing service in the area, Specialty Towing in Thermopolis, WY.
Peston was able to speak directly to Tomo, the tow truck driver. Between them they figured out that the FMCA roadside people had given Specialty Towing the wrong location. With the Garmin InReach providing my precise location, Preston knew exactly (to 1 meter) where I was.
All of this back and forth took about 2 hours. Finally, through Preston’s perseverance and patience, he was able to get Tomo headed on the right track to me. Wow!! What should have been a reasonably simple call for roadside assistance, turned into major confusion!!! Thanks, FMCA roadside service!!! Cancelled policy??? Wrong location??? Good work!!
At least, I was able to enjoy the scenery while Preston did all the work and I waited for the tow truck to arrive. Several deer and rabbits passed by.
At about 7 pm, the tow truck arrived. Tomo and Jake quickly surveyed the situation and set to work.
The only tree within 200 yards (180 meters) happened to be in the prime location to serve as a deadman’s anchor. About time for some “good” luck!!
The pickup easily came out of the culvert. The whole rescue took only about 30 minutes.
Thanks to Preston, Tomo, and Jake that I didn’t have to spend the night in my pickup.
I headed back to camp to relax with a few whiskies.
DRIVE-ABOUT
Constant rain continued the next day in the mountains, so I decided to do a drive-about, visit places in the area that I might not visit if the weather were better. So, back down the mountain I went.
The drive down to Ten Sleep passes through picturesque Ten Sleep Canyon.
With its vertical rock structures, Ten Sleep Canyon is a mecca for rock climbers, with several hundred climbers in the areA.
irst stop was the Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site , well known for a 750 foot (230 meter) sandstone cliff with hundreds of petroglyphs and pictographs (Can’t say that I know the difference.) created hundreds and thousands of years ago.
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The park brochures explain what each design supposedly represents but many are difficult to make out.
What is this? I think that your guess is as good as the experts’.
Not too difficult to date this one, left by vandals in 1919.
ONE ROOM SCHOOLhouse FOR RENT
Just outside of Shell, Wyoming (Population: 83 and one bar) lies a former one room schoolhouse, converted into a 2 bedroom cabin.
For rent on AirBnB at $175 per night.
You don’t need to rush. I doubt that it’s booked up for the season.
greybull
population: 1847
This sign is located just at the entrance to Greybull. Not what I would expect in Wyoming, with one of the highest gun-ownership rates in the nation.
,
Also, I wouldn’t expect this: a disc golf course..
Sadly, I had left my discs in the RV, never imagining to find a disc golf course in rural Wyoming. Just short-sighted thinking (or lack of thinking).
The 18 hole course stretches along the Big Horn River, which this time of year doesn’t have much appeal.
ten sleep brewing
After passing through some uninteresting towns, having the oil changed in the pickup, and buying a few groceries, I ended up back at Ten Sleep Brewing, which sits on a ranch just outside of town.
Could it be cuter? Don’t think so!
Lots of room to enjoy your beer outside.
A view of the Bighorn Mountains from the sitting area.
This is the only brewery I have come across that allows customers to camp at the brewery, showers and porta-potties provided.
The flatbed of this old truck provides the stage for musical events. Note the sanitizer stand at the left.
And the beers are excellent.
This brewery cannot be duplicated!!!
That concluded my drive-about to escape the rain in the Bighorns. Fortunately, the following days were largely the sun’s domain.
days of sunshine
Finally, more or less sunshine for the rest of my stay. I decided to hike up to a fire lookout tower, hopefully, for a magnificent view
Wow! Pretty impressive.
Another impressive view.
Note the white spot on the meadow just about the center (top to bottom) near the right edge of the photo.
That’s an RV boondocking on National Forest land.
This meadow, with Ten Sleep Creek running through it, lies at about 9500 feet (2900 meters). Access is by hiking but only about 1 mile (1.6 kms) from the trailhead. I visited this area 3 times. Only one time did I encounter anyone else, two fly fishermen.
How spectacular can a mountain stream be?
And hungry trout fill the stream. After starving most of the winter, the trout didn’t show a lot of reluctance to come after my fly. I caught (and released) 15 trout on dry flies in about 3 hours, a record for me. These trout have clearly received the same fly fishing education that I have, reacting to flies precisely as the instructional books I have read said they should. Well-behaved trout, for sure!
I attempted to photograph the numerous trout in clear water. A humble first endeavor.
Two trout waiting for my fly!
This area represents the classic “pool” all fly fisherman have read about: deeper water as the stream makes a bend.
I counted 14 trout competing for food in that pool.
When I would throw a pebble into the pool, the trout would scatter for safety. But, they all would return within 30 seconds, which surprised me that they would return so quickly. Apparently, they are more concerned about eating rather than being eaten.
ten sleep
july 4th
population: 260
Fourth of July in a small rural Wyoming town.
The day started with the traditional parade.
Even though Ten Sleep has a population of a few hundred people, well over a thousand spectators were at the parade. Social distancing didn’t seem to be a concern.
The park overflowed with families enjoying the special day.
And, of course, the afternoon brought the rodeo, in Wyoming as traditional as the 4th of July parade. And my favorite event of the day.
What fun to watch the rodeo and the spectators!
Poor guy. About to fall off.
But he hung on to finish the ride. Miracle!!
This is a young lady, in her early teens, entered the junior bull riding event. The only female. She finished her ride!!
The youngest contestant in the rodeo, competing in the PeeWee Barrel Racing.
The oldest contestant in the rodeo, 90 years old, competing in the Team Calf Roping event. God bless him!!
It’s Wyoming. So, the wind had to make an appearance at some point. Unfortunately, the wind arrived in full strength, blowing down sun shelters and sending those wide-brimmed Western hats to oblivion. Fortunately, the arrival came a few minutes before the end of the final event.
You must have been wondering: Ten Sleep. What a strange name. (You were, wern’t you?)
A couple signs in town allege that in the fur trading days it took 20 days or “sleeps” to travel from the Clark Fork River in Montana to the North Platte River in Wyoming, both sites of large Indian trading centers. Ten Sleep lies in the middle, that is, “ten sleeps” into the journey. I’m not vouching for it but that’s what the Chamber of Commerce says.
From here I will travel to Lander, Wyoming to spend a couple days in Lander City Park, where free boondocking is allowed, for laundry and groceries.
After that, I will go to the Pinedale, Wyoming area which has outstanding scenery and fishing.
Oh it’s great to see these photos and your commentary. The fun part is that we see the sunny days and beautiful views without the down times! Starting to feel some of the cool days now in Minnesota – but the colorful trees make up for what is coming next. Continue to ENJOY.
Great photos. Interesting sights. Where are you heading after Idaho?
Enjoying the blog, dialogue, and all the amazing pics!! Jealous of your travels but glad that you are enjoying yourself.
Bob,
I like the trail post. My Preston ancestors came out around 1864 on the Calif. trail.
My first time in Death Valley was 1949. Nice pictures. Glad you are getting around.
Bob Lawrence
Nice tales!
Great photos, great (and informative) commentary! Makes you marvel how pioneers survived, crossing the country in covered wagons. I remember 115 degrees when I visited AZ. You feel like you’re melting.
Another fascinating blog Bob. Great photos – especially lucky on the rainbows.
I love reading your posts! You had a day from hell. Glad you got the black tank emergency worked out. That’s important!! The scenery is beautiful and all the “off the grid” tidbits are so interesting. Be safe out there.
Enjoying your blog. I’d normally be in the Med sailing this time of year, but Covid ended that plan. I am racing as often as I can and won a race in 2 of my last 3 weekends.
Hi Bob, I’m a friend of Tom and Val Cleaver, who put me into your blog. I’m enjoying it. I’m a fly fisherman and fished the Green out of Pinedale many years ago. There were no fly shops in Pinedale back then (1960s), but I had the name of a guy at the meat packing plant who knew about the fishing. I had some memorable fly fishing thanks to his directions. The thing I remember best is a big bend in the river where the rancher had pushed a line of junker cars in as homemade rip-rap. I floated my fly past one of the cars and a big brown swam out through the car’s window to grab it. In the ensuing fight, the fish broke me off by swimming into another car and back out, wrapping the line around the frame! Have fun, Harry Piper
Harry,
I remember Mary and you from Pine Island days. Hope all is well.
I am still learning places to fish here. Tomorrow I am going to the Big Sandy area for hiking and where apparently there are some creeks to be fished. My favorite so far is the airport access to the New Fork River. Not an especially pretty place but has been fruitful.
Good to hear from you. Say hello to Mary.
Thoroughly enjoyed Post#7! My favorite thing – other than the stunning rainbows: the cowboy hats in the background of the rodeo pictures! 😊
I only brought 4 of my Western hats with me. Not enough room for the others.
I WANT TO GO TO TEN SLEEP BREWING!!!!!
Just let me know when you want to go!
Beautiful scenery and great photos Bob! Kudos to Preston for assisting with your rescue after the unfortunate truck mishap. Just read that US/Canada borders will remain closed to non-essential travel until August 21st. You may just get there yet!
When I hear that you have updated the blog, Bob, it’s like Christmas morning for Valerie and me 😊🎄. Thanks for sharing the scenery and your adventures!
We need to try out the disc golf course!
Just give me a date and I will be there..
Kidding aside, I have been thinking of how to route myself back through Greybull to be able to play that course.
7/2/20
Great Bighorn pix. Loved the waterfall. We are hot as hell here—-days that are “feels like 109’.” Enjoy those 33’ mornings.
Re the sink and countertop——was it because of the bouncy ride? Good thing you’re handy!
Definitely from the bumpy ride. The countertop was just held on by silicone, which finally gave way. It’s now installed with expoxy. Should hold.
Loved this post Bob. Loved all the interesting educational tidbits, but loved all the funny comments you made even more. Terre😷
The waterfall and Native American Holy Grounds were particularly impressive. The feathers and ribbons reminded me of what The Cathedral is doing: Prayer Flags hung in park. I’ll email you the one we’re hanging for Diane.
Will you be auditioning for a Wild West Reality Show? Or maybe a cameo on Yellowstone? 😉
Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
☮️
Great pics!!. Especially the waterfall and the moose in camp…would have loved to see that in person! Sawtooths are magnificent!
Bob, I’m loving this!!!
You missed your calling as a writer.
Journey on!!!
So enjoying the blog! Thank you for all the great thoughts on your adventures and the photos. I hope to see that part of the country some day. Stay safe and keep working with that lens. You’ll master it😊
Looks great out West. Enjoying photos. Nice job on sink repair!
Stay safe. Peace ☮️
Looks great out West! Nice job on sink repair.
Stay safe. Peace ☮️
High Plains Drifter comes to mind… beautiful area for sure! Thanks for sharing your journey.
Yes, it does!!
Bob. Yes, great pictures and fun narrative to be able to follow your western travels. I lived for4 years in Northern North Dakota and it was always windy. Nothing to hold it back but a barbed wire fence as they say. Not happy about the cattle in the streams – part of the problem of liberating too much of our public lands for private gain.
You are definitely having an adventure. The camera was a good idea, you are doing a good job with the pictures. Enjoying the blog.
Wind or no wind, Wyoming is beautiful country! Thanks for sharing your adventures and the great photos.
PS – the only Miracle Mile I know is on Long Island – comprised of a line of high priced retail stores anchored by Tiffanys. I only window-shopped there 🙂
Hey. We need to try out the disc golf course!
Are there lots of prairie dogs around? (Is that a silly question?) Love that you’re playing around with your photography- that cloud is amazing!
Lots and lots, referred to as “prairie dog towns.”
Wow! Zen buffalo, Philippine religious town, crazy lady trucker, BEAUTIFUL scenery—quite a ride so far! (Was that buffalo who was staring up at you the Mayor of the little town? Just wondering 🤔) I enjoyed seeing the people in the cloud formation. Stay safe. Peace.
Thank you for taking me on your journey.
Lorraine,
What a nice surprise!! Great to hear from you.
Nice pics. Love the close up of the Buff.
Great photos, great commentary – hopefully great fishing along the way!
PS – Don’t get too close to the buffalo.
So happy you’re off adventuring and that the blog is up and running again, Dad! Looking forward to reading all about it… and watching your photography develop! Love you.
Scenic…….a very weird place! The difference between a tourist and a biker……tourists come to see; bikers come to be seen! 🤣🤣
Bob, I’m impressed! Great words, great pix and great sentiments. Thanks for sharing with us. I’ll remind Bic to get on board.
I’m loving the photos and the commentary! I’m always up for a good adventure and it looks like you have yourself one.
Monica
Fabulous pictures..camera well worth it. Tried to click on one to print out and paint but it didn’t work. Looks like a great trip! Thanks for sharing
We met after church at Southern Grill again this past Sunday Your place is reserved when you return
Have a wonderful trip! Pictures are beautiful! Andy has restored the Flannigan houseboat in the Bahamas. Last month he picked up one of his Crusader Boats. 1985 built. He hopes to take a couple trips with it. We will see
Stay in touch
Andy and Linda
Hi Linda!
Can’t believe the Flannigan houseboat is still cruising on and getting some of Andy’s love and attention. What fun!
Hope you two are well. Please send Andy my hellos!
Jes
Great photos! Living vicariously!
Bob, glad to see you’re already in S.D.
Hi Bob! Great photos. I look forward to following your travels.
cannot wait to see the new memories you will make. Bon voyage!!!!
Hey my friend. This is my 1st look into your blog. It is wonderful to see Diane and her smiling face! I pray that your trip is wonderful and refreshing.
Wayne