Into Thin Air in the Rockies

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November 13th 2006

Published: November 14th 2006

October 21 - November 9, 2006 Billings, Mont. - near Grand Junction, Colo. 23,699 miles to date 1,315 miles this leg We were gasping for air Nov. 7, and not just because we’d spent two weeks at altitude. But because the preliminary election results showed a flip-flop of party power in both the U.S. House and Senate, and we could hardly believe so many voters had come to their senses. One of ... Read Full Entry

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Shelly & Jeff Randall

Waltzing Matilda

We are a writer/photographer and a land-use planner from Port Townsend, Wash., who quit our jobs to take a year-long "sabbatical" for the 12 months of 2006. Our travel vehicle was a Volkswagen Westfalia camper-van named Matilda, after the Australian phrase (and song) "Waltzing Matilda" -- meaning to hit the road with your possessions slung in a bag over your shoulder. We were glad not to be wandering on foot like those Aussie swagmen! We had a memorable trip waltzing around the U.S. and Canada, learning as much as we could about this vast and diverse continent we call home. So glad we di... full info

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Saratoga Hot Springs

We soaked in two free, public mineral hot springs in Wyoming: one in Thermopolis and this one in Saratoga. How great is that!

Ice on the River

We actually camped overnight in Matilda next to a river that was carrying patches of ice downstream the next morning! This is the North Platte in southern Wyoming, laced with doilies of ice.

Herding Duty

A fairly typical Wyoming rangeland scene that I captured out the car window as we traveled on Route 287 mid-state.

Wyoming Cattle

The beasts the cowboys have to round up if they stray too far...

Wyoming Sky

Wyoming is all about wind, clouds and sky, anchored by mountains. This scene was shot near Laramie. Notice the snow fencing in foreground.

Foosball Table

On display at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyo., was this unique foosball table with U.S. Cavalry soldiers competing against the Indians.

Jeff & George

In Billings, Mont., we spent quality time with Jeff's high school classmate George and his family.

Pompeys Pillar

The Jeff-n-George photo was taken atop this rock formation along the Yellowstone River, dubbed Pompeys Pillar by William Clark when his 1806 expedition passed by.

Austin & Jared

George's kids Austin (up) & Jared (down) on a faultline running through Billings. Wife/mother Serena is in the background.

Billings Bluffs

These are the impressive bluffs that line Billings, the largest town in Montana. Jared is poised to descend one of the staircases cut into the rock.

George & the Uke

George's professional guitar background led him to easily pick up Jeff's new ukelele and make it sing.

George's Motorcycle

Jeff was thrilled to be able to take a ride on George's Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan motorcycle. Their suburban home in the background.

Wind River Range Sunset

This is an unretouched sunset over the Wind River Range from our friends' Riverton, Wyo., front yard. Yes, with the ghouls and ghosties up for Halloween.

Cowgal & Hoedowner

We had to dress up for Halloween, so Shelly borrowed a long duster and hat, and with a stick horse was a COWGAL. Jeff wore overalls and a straw hat and by plucking his banjo showed himself to be a HOEDOWNER. Notice the Western Supply horse above our heads.

Halloween Hosts

Our Halloween hosts were Dan (inflatable baby), Kelli (inflatable chef), their kids Grover (cow), Charli (Tigger) & Eme (dragon in the stroller). Grandparents Kayce & Grover (Sr.).

Riverton Kids

And here are the kids out of costume, playing on their slide: Grover, 4, Charli, upside down and 2-1/2, and little Emerson ("Eme"), 1-1/2.

Cody to Riverton, Wyo.

The approach from Cody to Riverton, Wyo., is full of views like these. The road is one of the most scenic we've encountered.

Wind River Canyon

The road winds on through the Wind River Canyon, a narrow gorge that shares the river ledge with a railroad track.

Dubois Cabins

Dubois, Wyo., is the next Jackson Hole, they say, and these mostly second and third homes up in the hills seem to lend credence to that.

The Ramshorns

The Ramshorn mountains above the Wind River valley near Dubois, Wyo. Some of these peaks are 12-13,000 feet high.

Wyoming Waiter

No, not all Wyoming waiters look like this one, but this was the fellow who served us at the Wild West-themed Dubois murder mystery dinner!

14th November 2006

Lorraine Price
non-member comment

Shelly and Jeff, after your visit here a few months ago, I too have enjoyed reading your various escapades and adventures. I have similar thoughts as you, regarding the political situation in this country. I'm crossing my fingers things are going to get better! You must be getting close to home now. All the best during the remainder of your travels. P.S. David is happy at Cal Poly, SLO, as is Drew at NU, and Leah is merrily marching and riding. All the best.

16th November 2006

Audrey
non-member comment

Y'all are making me homesick for the Colorado Rockies. Luke and I are taking Evelyn that way for the holidays at the end of December to meet all of her grandparents and her great-grandma, plus paying tribute to her great-grandpa's memory. I am sooo looking forward to having you meet Evelyn and to play some olde time tunes with you guys again. Hope you are bringing back some "new" ones for us to learn. :-)

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