Wyoming - October

Sunset at I-84 off ramp to Poverty Flats Road. On my way to Wyoming.

After three weeks of working with Casey on his construction project, we finished up and I packed my clothes; said my goodbyes, kissed my Mom and left Rawlins headed toward home on

Fishing after work in the Little Snake River.

Hwy 287 at 10AM on Friday Oct 17. With typical sunny and cool; yet comfortable High Divide fall weather I barely started my journey toward home before stopping to photograph a symbol of the arid west – an abandoned wind mill, stopped again to explore an interesting rock outcrop. At Muddy Gap, which is a jumble of decrepit buildings on one side of the highway and a poor excuse for a mini-mart on the opposite shoulder, the highway bends NW towards home. Inside the store, I looked around, bought a jug of water and asked about the posted job opening. Apparently they are serious about hiring some help so I immediately jumped back in the pick-up truck headed north. Not far away is the historical area of Split Rock. Acknowledged by a stone marker, the area appears to be a rock climbers paradise; although, without any climbing equipment I sped on past, promising myself a return trip. A few miles further on I pulled off the highway again to watch some Wild horses, take more pictures, and then continue several miles to an overlook of

The shadow of a "jet trail " in the atsmosphere above the Wind River Basin.

the immense Wind River Basin, alongside Hwy 135.

Holy WHATEVER!!!..................................................................................................................................

If this place doesn’t take your breath away, you suck!

Down in the Basin, I stopped for coffee in the wonderful town of Riverton and exited the area through the Wind River Canyon. The canyon is a deep, steep slice through 500 million years of Wyoming geological history and a dream come true for a rock hound. I have been to this canyon once before. During that visit I drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic, while gawking at the immense canyon walls and almost killed a family of four in a VW Bus. This very canyon, where those people got a clear view of “the end of the rainbow” while veering out of my path is the same spot where my wife, and I simultaneously shit our pants, while gett'n religion.! All that excitement while casually driving thru the extinction of Dinosaurs at 55mph! And although this return trip was inspired by John McPhee’s book Annuals of a Former World, I kept my attention to the road . Wow this place is something…..Anyone born near hear must be a geologist…. it’s got to be the law!! I took lots of pictures, touched lots of rocks and continued on in the dwindling daylight toward a motel in Deer Lodge, Montana. Nestled in a beautiful mountain valley, the twinkling lights of town magically entice as one descends from the heights along the twisting mountain highway. Day one ended with me comfortably nestled in a cozy room not the least bit exhausted as my day involved very little exercise and an over abundance of panoramic stimulation. In the morning I grabbed a cup of coffee from an charming woman at the local Kiosk and drove Highway 78 north through beautiful ranch scenery back-up by mountains dusted with early season snow.

Absorbing the views I continued enjoyably on my way to Livingston, Montana. I drove through the town, simply because I had not been there before and I stopped at a Fly Fishing sport store. After renting the required equipment, I spent the day along the banks of the Yellowstone River teaching myself the art of fly fishing. Unexpectedly I had to relearn some of my forgotten skills—I practiced and eventually perfected my ducking techniques, which involve more than just a head drop. One must actually bend the knees using considerable abandon, and at full throttle. I also practiced searching through the weeds and dead tree climbing. All of which culminated in a wonderful day in one of this nations most scenic areas. No fish! On the road late in the day I spent a comfortable night in Missoula. Starbuck after three weeks! Yeah! Great coffee to start my day; although, yesterdays Kiosk Coffee was pretty good. ( The lady was so attractive).

Montana is draped in fall colors and the drive toward home was very enjoyable. Cottonwoods and Tamarack showing off seasonal colors