Heading to Yellowstone

We left Rock Springs, WY behind looking forward to seeing Yellowstone.  The road there took us through some beautiful country not unlike what we saw in Colorado.  The first section was truly ranch country.  The now familiar cattle, horses and sheep were all around us.  In addition, we passed Alpaca ranches as well.  The road stretched ahead, straight as a ribbon into the horizon.  After about three hours, we stopped to take a rest break and let the girls out of the car.  Where we stopped was just outside the entrance to a very large cattle ranch.  The cattle were very interested in us and came close to the fence for a look.  Charlotte being very curious, moved closer and closer until her nose actually touched the nose of one of the cows through the fence.  When he snorted, she jumped back startled and started to bark.  It was such a funny sight.

I took over driving at that point.  As luck would have it, the landscape began to change and mountains rose before us.  Now, I can drive the RV pretty well, but driving in the mountains still makes me nervous.  The road began to climb upward and we passed a sign warning of steep grades etc. climbing up and over the Teton Pass.  Well of course I made it, but I can tell you that there is a permanent imprint of my hands on the steering wheel!

The southern route into Yellowstone Park is still closed to traffic and would be the normal route through the Teton National Park and on to West Yellowstone.  Our only option was to circle west into Idaho and circle around to West Yellowstone.  All around us the Tetons rose shining in the sun.  Once again, the landscape changed from ranch country to true farmland.  The fields have already been plowed and the delicate green leaves are pushing skyward.  All around, the many shades of green dotted with bright yellow flowers brought memories of home.

We arrived in West Yellowstone after a long drive, longer than we have planned to travel each day.  The little town is the Western Gateway into Yellowstone Park.  We are staying at Grizzly RV Park.  It is quite nice with lots of grass and roomy sites.  In no time at all, we were set up and ready to explore and give the girls exercise.  We back the open forest and there is plenty of room and trails for us to explore.  Savannah recognized the forest from our trip to Show Low the past two years.  She quickly raced into the grasses and trees snuffling along at all the smells.  Charlotte followed her lead and quickly began to smell and explore.  A nice way to end the day.  Tomorrow will be a big day.