The Tower and More

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Day 9. Tuesday September 8, 2009

We enjoyed a quiet, cool night at our campground in Sundance, Wyoming. During the night I pulled up a blanket for comfort and warmth. How delightful, compared to the hot weather during our first week on the road.

Today was a relaxing, non-travel day. However our plans included a day trip to the Devils Tower about 26 miles north of Sundance.

The clouds hung so low and wet, we actually turned back from a false start. Returning to town, we purchased a screwdriver at a small hardware store for a repair in Uncle Joe. And I purchased a windshield squeegee-scrubber at an auto supply store to help clean the front cap of the rig.

We have been ridding the states of Montana and Wyoming of highway bugs, both on the windshield of The Beast and especially on the front cap of the 5th wheel trailer. I want to send a bug riddance bill to the highway departments. How much should I charge per pound?

In the later morning, we were back in The Beast on the way to the Tower. Both the fog and drizzle were thicker. The wipers and fog lamps on The Beast were on. We were driven by hope and a chance that the weather might improve.

After spending an hour at the visitor’s center at the Devils Tower, we took a couple of pictures of the fog shrouded pinnacle. Disappointed, but hopeful, we drove north to Hulett for lunch at a deli. The sandwiches were big, and delicious. We ate half for lunch and bagged the rest to take back to camp for dinner.

“Hey, let’s go back to the Tower?”

There was a hint of improvement as we showed the gate keeper our Golden Age Passport for the second time.

The Tower top was still topped with mist and fog, but was it as thick as before?

Since it was still very cool, we left Shadman in charge of The Beast and we set off on a walk around of the base of the Tower; a 1.3 mile walk. During our walk around, the mist and fog lifted and we captured some marvelous photos of Devils Tower.

More to come.

Paddy

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Photos

Campsite in Sundancce
We are at the Mountain View RV Park in Sundance, Wyoming.

Devil's Tower in Mist
When we arrived at the Tower, it was shrouded in mist.

Long View of Devils Tower
Clarity at day's end.

Comments

[Julie Knaake]

Mist
Devil's Tower in Mist is awesome. We did not get to see it with mist.

[Pat]

Super Photos of Devil's Tower
Hi dear Neighbors, Sounds like you're having a marvelous trip. Your photos along the way give us an opportunity for a vicarious trip too! All is well on the homefront. I watered the impatiens. Most were doing well, one was a bit dry. We've had quite a bit of rain here all weekend and yesterday too. Of course I missed our walk yesterday, Nancy. However, I did spend time reading your blog and have really enjoyed hearing about your adventures and what's for dinner. Nice place setting. Just like a fancy restaurant! The beast must "eat" a lot of gas, but what it could eat, namely bugs, it doesn't. So, those pounds of bugs can be left in a pile near the campsite for the bug-eating birds! Happy trails to you three, Pat

[Elli]

What a nice view you've got!

[Bryan]

Patience
Timing is everything, and we all know how patient photographers have to be to get the right shot. The last one posted is a gem. Thanks for sharing. And happy trails as you continue your journey.

[Terry]

You Bagged a Shot!
Who sez you're not persistent? Way to hang in there. Photographers must have patience...and the time to develop patience. Thanks for the shots of the devil.