Popo Agie Falls

We had some winds Sunday night and our thin blood was adjusting to the cooler temps of the north, but we slept well. Monday morning we were deciding what to do, we didn't have to drive anywhere and we had all this newfound, unfamiliar freedom?! A hike of course, but which one? After talking to the hosts of the tiny campground we decided to go up to the falls. We were told we could take our suits and slide down like the local kids did if we wanted, but were forewarned that it takes the EMT's awhile to get up there should someone get hurt.

So we got our water and our backpacks and took off in the direction of the falls. We take backpacks because I've read numerous articles and a few books on backpacking, hiking, SAR's, etc., and I've read enough to know I would much prefer to be safe than sorry. But hiking in the altitude, with a pack was an unnecessary reminder of the ahem...pounds that I've gained and that my body just ain't what it used to be, my ticker included. But it was a very pretty, enjoyable hike. Brian jumped at the first snake. I snickered. I jumped at the second snake. That's Karma. I stopped along the way and took photos here & there. We also saw lots of new moms hiking with their tiny newborns, which was impressive.

Big Rock

The falls were pretty big and it was a good resting point. We looked and looked and did not see even one place that looked even remotely sane to slide down. Maybe we would have had to go further up? There were several trails that led off. I followed one of them up a ways and came to a remote opening that was full of large, unfamiliar animal droppings. I left.

This was the valley between Sinks Canyon and the small, quaint town Lander. It was very gorgeous & green, with the mountains as a backdrop. The photo hardly does it justice, but it gives you an idea.

By the end of the five mile hike I was tired. But it was the happy, dead on your feet tired. So I sat at the picnic table listening to the soothing sound of the lake while I threw together our big, yummy 7-Layer salad.

The Great Wide Open

Chandra arrived Friday, May 28th. She came as my sister of course, but was childless, and came for all intended purposes to child-sit and be the fun, cool aunt who takes the kids to the pool every day and plays lots of Mario and Blokus, and to eat ice cream, drum sticks and sweets. Thanks so much! And thanks Nate for driving all the way to the Hoosier state solo.

Brian and I took a break from work, chaos & kids and headed north & west. We drove up through Amarillo and the many, flat endless miles 287 entails. I do enjoy watching the wind turbines along the route though. (Pic below was taken Sept. 2007 when Morgan & I made a trip to Colorado. He was 6 months old and didn't fuss the entire 14 hours, and we only made one stop, which was long. For those who are unsure, it's rather exceptional for a nursing baby at that age.)

The Saturday we left was a very hot, smoldering Texas day and one of our Trailer tires (pop-up) peeled right off. It wasn't long at all and Brian got the spare on. I did have to stand along the road in my neon green shirt and wave all the thoughtless morons over. Keep in mind this was the flat stretch of nothing but fields, highway and blue sky with absolutely no oncoming traffic.

We stayed Saturday night at Brian & Keely's & got to see Samuel, his friend Justin, and Poe. Slept great and enjoyed a good breakfast of cake, fresh fruit, eggs n' veggies and Sam's Elk sausage - relaxing and visiting before hitting the road late morning. I also cherished what I knew would be on of my few showers on the trip.

Sunday we took our time, taking in the different scenery. Those who know Brian are familiar with his hyper side. (...the man can't sit still) But he relaxed more than I've ever seen on this trip which was nice for both of us. Anyway, we drove through Cheyenne & thought it was a pretty and clean city, at least what we saw. Wyoming's scenery constantly changes - ever few miles there's something different to photograph.

On we continued through Wyoming to our first campground which was Sinks Canyon. The sinks are where the water mysteriously disappears into the rocky mountainside, and then shoots out someplace else. It's a tiny campground at the edge of Shoshone Nat'l. Forest/Bridger-Teton National Forest, with a very pretty composition of the Rocky Mountains, cliffs that the rock climbers love, lush valley and enough sagebrush that you're constantly reminded to watch for rattlers. Our site was at the base of the mountains, with a gushing river and great mountain views. It was a great beginning to an awesome trip.