Wyoming - Part 2

 As we got out at the sign for Yellowstone, we realized very quickly that we had totally worn the wrong outfits.  In Cody it was 70-80 degrees; at the sign it was 50 and getting colder.  Good thing we had plenty of clothes in the bed of the truck and made a quick change.

Yellowstone was full of amazing wonders.  It is impossible to capture the beauty of the landscape and the majesty of the environmental phenomenons.    Adam and I just kept saying "Wow!"  Every turn brought something else incredible to see. 

Cannon used for controlled avalanches

As we made it down the snow covered mountain, we spotted our first bison.  I started an animal log, little did I know that there would be herds of them impossible to count.  We ended up with uncountable bison, 7 mule deer, lots of elk, and 1 grizzly bear.

We stopped at the general store for some ice and a bathroom break and could not resist trying on some cowboy gear.  My favorite was the felt hat and Adam's favorite was the straw hat.  I kind of felt like Indiana Jones.  We were not ready to commit to full cowboy gear and just a hat looks silly so we didn't buy them.  Plus, Adam thinks I might be a New Mexico cowgirl since I don't like heights, but I don't think they wear felt.  What a predicament.

Saddle up partner

We stopped at all of the attractions, unfortunately they do not allow dogs on the trails so Simon didn't get to experience the wonders of magma.

Bubbling Mud Holes

Unbelievable beauty

I think this steam picture looks really cool.  Plus I got a facial!

The grand finale of our Yellowstone adventure was Old Faithful.  It was really cool to see, but unfortunately it was really overcast so the geyser spray was the same color as the clouds.

We took the southern route which led us to Grand Teton National Park.  TOOOOOO AWESOME!

Pictures just can't capture the gorgeousness of these mountains.  As we were cruising through the park, Adam said "This is the most amazing trip I've ever been on."  I feel the same way.  We feel so lucky to be able to experience all of this greatness.  I couldn't help but sing America the Beautiful the whole way through.  Much to Adam's delight.  (Yeah right)  But purple mountains majesty, for real!

We ended this long day in Jackson Hole, a chic ski town.  Finding hotels or motels that allow dogs has been a bit of a challenge but we finally found one.  It looked a little sketchy but it had a restaurant attached.  Turns out that it was a local hot spot and we had the best dinner and great drinks.

The next morning we did a little exploring of Jackson Hole and bought some souvenir tee shirts.  

Town park arches made of antlers

Wyoming - Part 1

We left South Dakota reveling in the beauty of the Black Hills.  We had no idea what to expect out of Wyoming.

WOW!  Incredible.  Neither of us had ever been here and the Big Horn Mountains were the first real mountains Adam had ever seen.  It was really cool to experience that with him.  

In order to get to Cody, we had to cross the mountain chain.  As we were climbing the mountain, by blood pressure started to rise.  I do not like looking down hundreds of feet and winding through curvy roads.  I know that it is irrational and Adam is not going to run us off the road, but I was scared!

The top of the mountain was covered in snow.  The truck has an outdoor temperature gauge, at the bottom it was 81 and at the top it was 44.  As we drove up, snow was covering the road signs and there were snow mobile tracks everywhere.  

Get back here Simon!

The view from the top

We got into Cody about 7:00, checked into a hotel and walked over to a quaint little Mexican restaurant, La Comida.  After a long day on the road and the roller coaster mountain ride we needed a cold beer and tasty meal.

May I have some chips and salsa please?

After dinner, we walked around town, checked out some sights, took a picture with a bear, and grabbed a night cap at a local saloon.

The next morning I put on my fast pants and enjoyed a morning run.  The scenery was spectacular and the air was clean and crisp.

Good thing I got in some good exercise because before heading out of town we stopped at Irma Hotel-Buffalo Bills Restaurant and indulged in a breakfast buffet that was out of this world.  Adam had 3 heaping plates, all covered in gravy!  The waiters were all dressed in cowboy attire and we topped off the meal with bread pudding.

The Shoshone River led us out of town and to Yellowstone National Park.

At the Buffalo Bill Dam, Adam read all about the history and enjoyed looking at the machinery.

Next Stop Yellowstone!