On the Road, Wyoming

The best thing to remember when on the road is to enjoy the journey. Here are some unexpected things found along the way. The Oregon Trail! I did not realize this cut across my path.  First rule of road travel: stop at roadside markers since you might learn something.









And here it is. The actual Oregon Trail. And I stood on it. American history is amazing, and it was inspiring to think this trail saw the largest internal emigration of settlers in our history. Folks moved west to provide a better life for their families. Including some of yours. Click here for a brief historical description. Francis Parkman's first person account of his journey on the Oregon Trail is a classic. Ponder this fact: these ruts were laid down on this Wyoming, high desert prairie over 100 years ago but are still distinct.

You know you have made a transition from the southwest to the north when the rivers you cross have water in them. Some waters have more significance than others. So when I saw the road sign with this river's name I spun around quickly to get a closer look. This is the Green River, approximately 50 miles from it's headwaters in the Wind River Range. It winds through Wyoming to Utah where it joins the Colorado River. Find more information on the Green and it's importance here.

The Teton's! I knew they were nearby but did not realize the road passed right by them. This is a future destination, and I think I can climb these. Exum Mountain Guides has a long and proud history of first ascents as well as training for and leading summit attempts. There have been many notable rescues here as well. Here is a brief account of a famous rescue needed when a climbing party of 12 suffered a lightning strike near the summit. Side note: I heard numerous easterners calling these "the Teatins," with the emphasis on "Tea." Hmm.

 Here is my gratuitous buffalo shot. They are big and they are everywhere. Why is there so much haze in this, and most, of these pictures? Since you asked...

Fires. Wildfires and more wildfires. Smoke from lightning-caused wildfires was in the air from central Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and western Utah. As of this writing there are reportedly over 40 active fires being worked. While returning home I actually saw one begin - a nearby hillside was struck by lightning about 60 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.

Yellowstone is not immune. This sunset shot was taken 100 yards from my camp on Yellowstone Lake. This 200 acre fire is burning on the south side of the lake and is working it's way north. Wildland firefighters are monitoring it but letting it burn.









While I gravitate towards scenic shots, I did meet people on this trip as well.  Two 20 somethings in a coffee shop in Blanding traveling the west trying to figure out their lives. It was not going so well, but they will figure it out.  A retired lady in the Yellowstone campground whose husband had suffered a heart attack the day before and was airlifted to Idaho Falls. She was worried because, while his stent surgery was successful, he never let her drive the truck they were in before. She, and he, are fine now. A guy from Bozeman on a solo road trip whose job it was to collect bugs and send them to labs for research. Huh; a professional bug hunter. Three kids from Albuquerque about to bungee jump off Navajo Bridge (426 feet,) but who were more interested in wandering around the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry and the Paria, while talking about Edward Abbey and hiking in the Grand Canyon.  These kids were the best. I met quite a few people with interesting stories, but will continue to concentrate on the outdoor images.