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Published: August 22nd 2007
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Travel Trivia
Where are we? Both photos taken in the same area, approx 30 miles in between. Greetings from Wyoming. First thing, I am Squirrel (I am also known as Susan). We are not finding many wi-fi options since we are not traveling on interstate or through big cities (unless unavoidable), so there may be long dry spells from communication with us which is I know is difficult for you all. Thus far Agnes is getting us through the nights and Cliff is getting us through the days (shout out to Lee, favorite nephew in-law for the nod on Big Agnes). We are having a swell time. I am posting two pics with this entry which is the travel trivia for this week. First, where were these two pictures taken? Bonus question: What drink do you get when you combine our favorite morning beverage with left-over wine? Remember to play the game and win a fantastic prize. First correct answer(s) will determine who wins. Saw Devil's Tower Monument yesterday. Pretty impressive (Cannot imagine climbing it; right up your alley Lee). Had a challenging time finding lodging last night (we both felt running water, flush toilet, and a bed would be nice). Lets just say we found "something" which had all of these things, but barely. We backpacked in
to camp on Monday night. First backpacking trip. Wind Cave, south Custer state park. Short (3 1/2 miles), but we saw bison, coyotes, proghorn, and numerous birds. I will say that we passed a pretty distant spot, but Moose felt we could find a better place. And we did. Straight up for a quarter of a mile (seemed much much longer). After I cussed him, I did agree it was a nicer spot. We were just sitting under a tree near our campsite near dusk when we saw a lone pronghorn come up on the hill ahead of us. That was pretty cool. And then a huge bison came lumbering over in front of us (approx 200 feet, we measured it off the next morning). It was a little intimidating and while we have enough sense not to approach animals and we have our grizzly response down pat, we had no idea what to do if the bison charged us. So, we scouted a couple of trees and were prepared to do some tree climbing. Fortunately we were upwind of the bison (and trust me, this was a very good thing cause we were both pretty ripe at this point). The following morning presented some challenges as we had to take two detours to get back due to large numbers of bison blocking our path. So, thats all I have to say for now. Enjoying comments and messages. Keep em coming though I may not be able to respond individually cause while the chai and scones at the current coffee shop and wi-fi stop are delicious, gotta head on out into the wilderness.
Squirrel
Not sure how to top that story. Here's a summary I will call, "Violating the Prime Directive."
First, we traveled 1100 miles in two days when the PD is, "Never drive too much." We have got that under control now. Two, we have been moving almost every day (only stayed more than one night in the same spot once--Custer State Park). The PD is at least 2 days at every stop. We're still working on that. The problem has been many of the places have proved to be less-than-inviting (the crappy hotel in Pipestone, Bad-AssLands, desert eastern WY, etc). And last night was the "perfect location for the next remake of Psycho Motel." So moving has been necessary. How's that for a rationalization? Maybe the PD needs to change, but as many of you know, Flexibility Is Over!! Okay, not really. Overall we're doing well, enjoying great weather (deluge not withstanding), and seeing tons of wildlife. We've seen Prairie Rats and Pronghorn up the wazoo. So far no Moose but we're getting closer! One week to get our act together before John flies in with his big, bad Agnes. May try to do another backpack to cowboy up, as they say here in WY. We're gonna have to get a lot tougher before we tackle Yellowstone. But we'll do it cause that's why were here. I will add to the above story on our backpack that it was awesome to be out, off trail, in the freaking prairie with not a single human object in sight for miles. Man, I love that. Also, a geography note: the Badlands are separate from the Black Hills by about 150 miles. It rained in the Black Hills; no rain ever in the Badlands apparently which is why they're so bad. Ciao!
Moose
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dave
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You went that far to see rats?
Here's hoping you see some mosquitos next! Cause, if you see em, you can nem lil effers. In the spirit of pioneering adventurousness, I walked out to the mailbox to get the mail last night. Then, to work on my endurance, I did it again about an hour later. There wasn't anything new out there though, so that's the last time I endure that torture. Iris has almost a third of her hair left! Godspeed, sloth