To Firehole then east on I-80

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Tuesday, 5 September, 2017



From Dubois we drove southeast through the Wind River Valley; through hills and meadows, some filled with sage, others cultivated, irrigated and green with alfalfa. This is hay and cattle country, though horses are plentiful, too, and we spotted quite a few pronghorn antelope.

We followed the Chief Washakie Trail to Lander. Then we paralleled the Oregon, Mormon and California Trails, as well as the Overland Stage Route and the Original Pony Express. We crossed the

Continental Divide again at South Pass, elevation 7600+ feet. Seeing these hills, valleys and mountains makes you realize just how tough those early settlers were.

After stopping for a few groceries in Rock Springs, we drove south to Firehole Canyon campground in Flaming Gorge NRA. We do love this campground.



Wed, 6 Sept.

We have decided to head for home. It is too smoky to the north and west and too hot to the south.

After leaving Firehole, we drove back north to I-80, which we took east. It was quite smoky all the way. There are lots of trucks on this interstate. We drove through valleys and up long climbs before leaving Wyoming and entering Nebraska.

We stopped for the night at Oliver Reservoir, which used to be a state recreation area, but now seems to be an orphan. Camping is free, but maintenance is minimal. There are train tracks nearby with lots of long trains passing, but the whistles aren't too bad.



Thurs, 7 Sept.



The smoke lessened as we drove east, but Nebraska goes on forever in its sameness. All I can say is I-80 across Nebraska is extremely tedious.

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Photos

Wyoming
In the area of the trails taken by the early settlers

Wyoming
Trails area

Wyoming
Can you imagine crossing this in a wagon?

Firehole Canyon
from Little Firehole overlook

Firehole Canyon
Bunny

Firehole Canyon
Smoky full moon

Firehole Canyon
From Big Firehole overlook

Wyoming
still smoky

Wyoming
snow fences along the interstate

Wyoming
This sign made us laugh

Archway at Kearney, NE
monument to Nebraska & Platt River roles in westward expansion

Comments

[Jim Tucker]

To Firehole then East on I-80
Hi Charley and Kerry, and thanks for including us in your travels. I'll be hunting in the Sand Hills of Nebraska in late November-early December (Bison). You are correct about the landscape there--so very monotonous. Some early settlers were absolutely awestruck and terribly frightened by it's vastness. The Russian Steppe comes to mind. Be careful on your return, and keep us posted. Jim and Becky