Eagles, Canyons and Mulies

We went to bed that night after Devil's Tower with tales of snow showers forecasted on our intended route across the Big Horn Mountains. No big deal, we have a 4 wheel drive and me and Stachia are veterans of whiteouts. By the way, if you ever find yourself in Buffalo Wyoming and needing accommodations, the friendly folks at the Super 8 will more than meet your needs. Anyway, after a great night of rest we tackled the mountains. The aforementioned snow shower did not appear, just a few flurries and nothing to worry about. Wyoming weather is extremely unpredictable and changes without notice but this time it behaved itself.
Climbing up out of Buffalo is not that daunting. It's a gradual slope that takes you high into the Big Horns without the terror of switchbacks and hair raising drop-offs. Coming down the other side though is a bit different and the journey into Tensleep Canyon is a treat for those who are not vertically scared.

I have seen Moose and Elk up in the Big Horns but sadly on this trip we didn't see any. But the scenery didn't disappoint and I believe the Squad did just fine with the elevation and switchbacks. I get a little worried when that many women together don't have any complaints. But apparently Wyoming has a way of smoothing things over and new sights and adventures can inspire us to higher levels of being. I'm gonna go with that.
I am the driver so.....never being one to take the direct route, I planned a scenic side trip through what is known as The Gooseberry Creek Badlands. This little lesser known gem is well worth the extra 2 or 3 miles to experience. Although not on a grand scale like the South Dakota Badlands, it has it charms and beauty.

Gooseberry Creek Badlands

Cody Wyoming is now about 100 miles away with some wide open country to travel through. Personally I like the wide open range country but a certain person of the group does not. She doesn't find it appealing as I do and I have to give her some slack because...well...she is from Oregon.
I'm not sure if you know this or not but I am a wildlife guy. If I'm not actively engaged in looking for wildlife, I'm plotting my next trip to look for wildlife. Luckily I'm in Wyoming so wildlife is not a problem to find. While we were hurtling down the highway at racing speed I see a Golden Eagle parked on a fence post. Without regard for my passengers concerns I put the vehicle into "Eagle Mode" and rapidly shut it down. I hear groans of concern from behind me but I ain't got time for that now. I am as well in "Eagle Mode" and no time to be diplomatic. I did however make sure the vehicle was in park before exiting with Nikon in hand.
Most Golden Eagles will tolerate spectators to a certain degree but I was in stealth mode just to be sure. I used the vehicle to shield myself in order to get the shots I wanted. Meanwhile the Menopause Squad rolled down their windows and commenced to loudly admire my target. So much for stealth.
Eagles have excellent vision and hearing but true to form this one was not annoyed by me or the extra noise. I managed to get some good photos before he'd had enough and changed fence posts.

Golden Eagle and a fence post.

Golden Eagle leaving the fence post.

The eagle flew off and I returned to the vehicle and saw all smiles from inside. It's not everyday you get to see a big guy go into stealth mode and stalk an eagle. Returning to my driving duties and just a few miles later we spotted some Mule Deer going up a ravine, so the process of stopping our progress down the highway was repeated but this time we went into "Mule Deer Mode".

Mule Deer

I don't get too excited about Mulies as I do with eagles but it was Nikon worthy and warranted a stop. Ok, on to Cody, rest stop, munchies and finally Yellowstone.
Cody is a modern city with all the amenities one would want or need and I knew from experience that someone or someones on the trip would need a stop for various reasons and items so I managed to keep in mind I was the only rugged individual on this trip and allowed for time to soothe those softer souls on board. Without all the flowery words we made a restroom stop and ate lunch. Keep in mind ladies, Yellowstone is only 50 miles away. 50 miles...
The drive from Cody to the East Entrance is reported to be the most scenic 50 miles in America. While not totally agreeing with that statement it is scenic and comes with its own beauty and charm. After leaving the city the road follows the Shoshone River most of the way. It winds along the river valley giving views and vistas that are spectacular and memorable. Various wildlife species can be seen here including bears, bison, elk, moose, eagles and big horn sheep.

Buffalo Bill Cody Lake

Barb, Tammy and Fern

Tammy and Stachia along the Shoshone River.

Our marrying place.

Happy faces....equals happy driver.

One Arkansawyer and one Oregonian in Wyoming.

We followed the river and found a few stops to get out and experience nature. We also showed the travelers where me and Stachia got married. It was a simple outdoor chapel on a mountainside high above the river. 
Yellowstone is a short 10 miles....let's go ladies...10 miles...

Thanks for following our adventures and the next time.....YELLOWSTONE!!!

The Menopause Squad Plus One Goes West

We started out real early one morning. Late September seems to be my favorite time to go west. I have been on many trips but none as unique as this one. My traveling companions were all women. Four to be exact. Now, before you call me crazy, or think I'm the greatest in the world, I did have moments I thought I  was dying of estrogen poisoning or times that I  remained silent in order to preserve my life. But all in all it was a great trip. Two of the weary travelers, Fern and Barbara, were over 70. This mile stone is not easily reached and I give all tips of the hat to those who achieve it. The other two were more my age, one being my wife, Stachia, and the other being a down to earth gal, Tammy, who was good with whatever we did and wherever we went, she was all in.

We had the brilliant idea of renting a vehicle. It was a very nice rig with all the bells and whistles and room for everyone and everything. Needless to say it was packed, and packed deep. Four women on a two week trip? Can you imagine the clothes? Don't try, it will boggle your mind. 

We got all the shoes, clothes, devices, coolers and various other sundries packed and the trip was on with thoughts of South Dakota on our minds. The Badlands were the first intended target, roughly 750 miles away. Me and The Menopause Squad Plus One was off on the open road.

As luck would have it, the lack of facilities and poorly chosen breakfast nearly struck disaster early in the trip. But the ability for country people to adapt and overcome and a strategically placed vehicle and a deep ditch sure came in handy and a major disaster averted. Enough said, except it wouldn't be the last emergency stop of the trip. I learned when a woman says pull over, she means it.

Then, somewhere in Iowa, the tire pressure light came on....rats!! I located the nearest station with air and pulled in. Topping off the tire, now my task was to locate a fix it shop before it went completely flat. Problems so early? Yes.

After about an hour in the tire shop the offending tire was patched and airtight. Back on the road and in South Dakota at last. Finally headed west the rest of the day was uneventful. Everyone got along and now on to the task of finding suitable accommodations for the evening. 

Wall South Dakota is a great place to layover after a long travel day and its close proximity to The Badlands makes it all the better of a place. The vistas of The Badlands were wonderful that morning and the ones who had never seen it were amazed and the veterans appreciated the chance to see it again and now through the eyes of the newbies. Mule Deer and Big Horn Sheep were the wildlife of the day. It was cool to me, cold to others that morning, so outside ventures were limited. Since The Badlands were an extra to the main event we traveled on.

Someone said "How far is Mount Rushmore." My wife, Stachia, cringed. She is not a fan of Mount Rushmore as it left her underwhelmed the first time she saw it and every time since. But, she being the trooper she is and knowing we had newbies on board, consented to the side trip and coordinates were laid in and a heading plotted.

Not being one to only travel on the Interstates, I knew of a back way through The Badlands that would take us to Rushmore. I want my travel partners to have the best experience possible and back roads, in my humble opinion, are the way to go.....besides, I was driving.

3/4 of The Menopause Squad

Mount Rushmore.

The Plus One

Stachia, The anti Rushmore gal.

George won't be the only one crying on this trip.

With Mount Rushmore behind us (literaly) we headed to one of my favorite lesser known spots in South Dakota called Spearfish Canyon. It's near....wait for it....Spearfish South Dakota.It was about an hour away and on the way to Devil's Tower so, since I'm the driver, we headed there.

Spearfish Canyon was a great hit and a refreshing stop to get out and stretch the legs. The canyon was just beginning to show the fall colors and the Aspens were ablaze with yellows and oranges. There are numerous waterfalls and pullouts along the canyon road and also many sideroads to explore. After a few hours we decided if we were to see Devil's Tower before dark, we needed to get going.











Devil's Tower is a must see if you are in Wyoming. This site has historical significance as well as a sacred place to Native Americans. Of course TMSPO (The Menopause Squad Plus One) has to stop here. It was mid to late afternoon when we arrived and the weather was great. Everyone was in awe of the tower and I knew a side road that gave us a fantastic view. All smiles from the Squad.
We made it to the bottom of the tower and the two more adventurous of the group decided they would hike around the base of the tower. There was about an hour and a half or so left of daylight and one of the two hikers  dislikes the dark to the point of panic. This should be interesting. Off they went and I might also mention the camera and lens I needed to photo the tower close up. So, while the two were hiking, along with my camera and lens, I was left with the remainder of the group. They wondered off and I was left at the base of the tower, cameraless and watching the most amazing light Mother Nature could offer play over the tower, illuminating it in all its glory and splendor. All I could do was admire it.
Well, at least I had my other camera and telephoto lens and I  bade the remainder goodbye with the promise of my return before dark and I went in search of wildlife. Prairie Dogs. That's the wildlife I found. While not the most glamourous in the wildlife category they are fun to watch. Plus, as a bonus I was far enough away from the tower I could get some of that light I mentioned before. Taking advantage of my solitude I went from place to place until near dark. I made my way back to the trailhead and within a few minutes the entire group was reunited. The trip around the tower was a great hike and recommended if you are able.
We gathered together and back into the vehicle and on to Buffalo Wyoming for the night. Big Horn Mountains and Yellowstone tomorrow.

Next the Bighorn Mountains and Yellowstone. Thanks for following the adventures and the stories behind the photos.