Back in the Saddle

We started out this morning heading back toward the heat of the midwest. Can you tell I would like to keep suffering int he cool dry air of the northwest?

We headed north and drove through Yellowstone from  "West Yellowstone" to the East and into Cody Wyoming.

We grabbed a bite at the cafe in west Yellowstone - pancakes! and then headed into the park. It was an overcast day and crowded. Cool enough that no ac was needed. Except for some buffalo the animals were in hiding. Can't blame them!

 found this in the park

When we reached the East side of the loop in the park the lake was astounding. The park has so many personalities. It is rugged on the West but the lake is almost haunting.

It was cool and dark and deep. And looked like it held too many secrets to give up in one lifetime. The silvered trees that stand watch over the waves - held no birds or animals. They just swayed slightly in the breeze. I call them the Bones of the Forest. They are a graveyard to the trees that once stood so proudly. The lake almost felt like the Northeast US. There were only about 4 boats on it. Quiet by Yellowstone terms.

 Two different falls we came across as we headed toward the East Gate of the park.

We saw the "perfect" truck - at least by my standards - and it was red. It was fixed up with cubby holes and packed to travel a long ways.

 Slowly we wound our way around and exited the park. Within just a few miles we found another new world.  The rock formations were almost alien. Another planet could have formed them. I thought of Edgar Rice Burroughs science fiction when I saw them. Spires reaching into the sky. Rocks that were rubbed and worn away by years of water - the soft washed away the hard stands tall.

 The sand here was almost black like that on Hawaii. It sifted through your hands like silk. The sound of the water and the smell of the sage was intoxicating.

Ok, I fell down on my listing - this is before you reach Cody and I am sure it has a story - a good excuse to come back through and find out!

By the time we reached Cody Wyoming, I felt like I had traveled through worlds.  Cody is quite a little town. The west end is mostly new - keep driving. The old downtown is quaint and active. We ate at Irma's. Bill Cody's youngest daughter's place. Buffalo burgers and Irma potatoes. Good and not overcooked. The decor and atmosphere is worth going in for!

This town is a place we would like to come back to and walk the whole street!

 We said goodbye to Wyoming and headed back towards the midwest. Over the mountains and through the woods and spend our last night in Gillette, Wyoming. Dark rain clouds were hanging in the rear view mirror.

Until we meet again! - Found this old photo today - this family traveled to Yellowstone Park in 1924. I think it was us from a different time!

 And . . . this was the weather today in our backyard. Yep, it hit 109.2 with a heat index of 122.3.

How Far Would You Drive for a Margarita?

I would love to hear just how far you have driven for a margarita. Today, we drove about 375 miles round trip for the makings. Well, for the tequilla. It is a long story. You see, we ran out of tequila and well, it is 4th of July - in Idaho. No liquor sales. None in Montana either. But, Wyoming - now that is a different case. So, we found tequila at Old Faithful store in Yellowstone. Who knew?

Actually, Bill and Vicki have been showing us some of the most beautiful areas of the country. Everyday we have seen another great place that it would be nice to have weeks to explore.

No matter which direction we have driven they are all beautiful.

  Sunday we spent in Jackson Hole, Wyoming enjoying a fantastic lunch of elk burgers. Visiting and spent the day with a great group of pets! And people!

"And then the cowboy said to the rabbi . . . "

 "Come on dogs, just try to take this ball"

 And, Lander - who I short changed with a wiggle in the focus! A beautiful water dog - who does not like water!

This was the view as we ate -

Monday we went to an Army Navy Surplus here in Idaho Falls. We could have spent days there. Each day has lead to another place that we want to go back and visit again.

Tonight we set off a few fireworks in the back yard to celebrate 4th of July!

 Afton guarding his bones

 You woke me for this?

 Shadow with his new hair cut

 Butterfly on Delphinium in B&V backyard - Idaho Falls

Leaving tomorrow in the morning heading for Kansas City!