We started out at 9:30 am from Rawlins. Decided to eat a hearty breakfast since it did not look like there was much between Rawlins and Gillette (Wyoming), our planned trek of about 300 miles for the day. Still snow on the ground in places and in the Best Western parking lot, even though the air was really heating up.
We opted to take a short cut on State 287 and 220 north on up to Casper and it was a truly stunning drive. We could not get our photos to describe the amazing vistas. The vastness and the beauty of the red soil and rock formations. “Wow” was said many times by both of us. It really was inspiring and uplifting. Many miles of desolation and very few other cars, but we just loved it.
Fred consulted Fodor’s Montana/Wyoming/Black Hills guide and found Poor Boys Steakhouse in Casper for a beefy Monday Lunch Special Blue Cheese Burger. So much for eating hearty at breakfast. I would go back in a second. Really good beef. Light dinner tonight for sure.
Lots of Pronghorn Antelope and a few Mule Deer all along our route today. We thought we saw some Elk, but were not sure.
It was a very windy drive. Most folks we talked to said this is typical. When we stopped at Independence Rock “Register of the Desert” it was amazingly windy, the trees were really bending. Really bad hair day every day in Wyoming.
The rock is a landmark shaped like a giant turtle and is more than a mile around. The early Mormons carved their names into it as they traveled on foot to Salt Lake City ferrying hand carts. If there did not make it to Independence Rock by July 4 (hence the name), they wouldn’t make it to SLC before winter.
We finally hit 80 degree weather later in the day at Buffalo and Gillette and finally spotted trees with beginnings of fall color. And the fall color is the main reason we are making the trek. I hope this is a good sign of more to come as we get into MN.
PS Gillette foodie tip: We both had excellent entres at The Chop House on Gillette Ave, which is the main street of old Gillette. Fred had a sirloin steak and I had Chicken Marsala. This was definitely a heavy calorie day. I was sure we would not find good food in any of the small cities. Both Casper and Gillette proved us wrong.
2 comments:
Hello, my friends. Just a note to say how much I am enjoying reading of your adventures...and how much I enjoy reading good writing! Glad to know you're having a great time. Continue to drive and be safe. Look forward to the Day 4 installment. Love you both, Ginger
Thanks for setting up this blog so we can stay in touch. I can see that you are having a delightful trip so far! I love the photos and am looking forward to more, especially of the fall foliage. Enjoy your adventures and take care of yourselves! Miss you! Love, Margy
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