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!!!