Moorcroft, Wyoming

We finally left Montana today, after 15 days and 2,000+ miles in that state alone. What a beautiful place! Both of us marveled at the diversity in geography, and the awesome beauty that presented itself in so many ways.

But now, on to Wyoming! We drove through Sheridan, which looked like a great mix between the real "Old West" and modern urban sprawl. I would have liked to explore a bit, but we had a long drive today, so we toured the main drag, stocked up on some necessities, and headed east.

One note: festive banners hung LOW over main thoroughfares make driving a large fifth-wheel a bit anxiety-provoking. I believe we left Sheridan's buntings intact.

We are staying in Moorcroft, Wyoming, 32 miles south of Devils Tower National Monument.  The "RV Park" is actually nothing more than 4 spaces behind a small courtyard motel. But it's only for one night, and we are here.

We just returned home from walking Mandy the dog to the little community park. It is by the train tracks, and a long coal train roared through. We didn't realize that the Gillette, WY area has so much coal mining. (Note: we also didn't know that the area around Garryowen, MT grows a lot of sugar beets. It's wonderful the useful things you learn!)

We drove up to Devil's Tower for an early evening hike.  The drive up there was through some beautiful country, and the park surrounding the tower itself is gorgeous.  I think it's time to let the photos do the talking....

The walk up to the Tower, beautiful!

The Belle Fourche River Valley

The lucky couple

Our first glimpse of Devil's Tower

Through the woods

Up close

Signs regarding the local wildlife were a little disconcerting

But found out that we were really okay, and well under control.

Side note: In 1977, Jack invited me to go see "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." If you are familiar with this movie, the ultimate communication with the alien beings landing on Devil's Tower is through a series of 5 musical notes....need I say more?

On to Mount Rushmore and a reunion with my wonderful brother and his wife!! Yay!