Friday, July 8, 2016
Cody, Wyoming
We have Internet at our current spot, so I can get caught up soon :-))
The river is strong and healthy above the dam at Buffalo Bill Reservoir, with unique and interesting canyon walls. We stop first at Horseshoe Day Use Area.
Guess what Bill does?
See him doing it? |
Bet you guessed correctly :-) |
Tessa and I walk among the trees, tall grass, and wildflowers. Colorful lichen dress up the otherwise plain boulders along the water. We don't go too far as there are lots of Beware of Bear signs here.
The canyon tops are like shelves with knick-knacks of odd shaped items collected by giant children. Many seem like they could topple over with just a slight breeze, others look like misplaced puzzle pieces.
Then there's "this guy" |
with the split personality. |
Bill finishes "playing with" the fish, Tessa and I manage to avoid bears, and we continue down the highway. Our next stop is the Firefighters Memorial dedicated to the 15 men who lost their lives fighting the Blackwater Fire in August 1937.
The memorial includes a 12 mile trail ending at a rocky knoll where Ranger Post led firefighters to safety |
It is a lovely spot along the river |
The Rex Hale Campground is a wonderful surprise in this forested river valley. It includes a few larger electric sites and several dry camp sites of varying sizes. There are vault toilets, water spigots, a camp host, and a dump station. The views are spectacular. We will remember this when we return to the area.
We make a few more stops to enjoy the river and its surrounds, then make our way back to town.
Alien keeping an eye on us |
Between the reservoir and town is this valley of many colors |
As so many have told us, this is truly a beautiful area with a lot to see and do. Our next visit will definitely be longer!
For now, we move on to Montana in the morning - another new state for us.
The best of both worlds: fishing peacefully (maybe a little too peacefully) for Bill and a walk through the surrounding area for you and Tessa. Those are some pretty photos too. Glad you had your good camera :-) LOL
ReplyDeleteIt really was fun and different for both of us. Never forgetting it again!!!
DeleteLove seeing Bill deep in his element:) All those little hoodoo things are always such fun to see. It is hard to believe they actually stay up there in high wind. Another fun, beautiful day in paradise:) Enjoy Montana!
ReplyDeleteHe is a happy guy! So far we love it :-)
DeleteYou are definitely getting around to some great places. Montana is a big place. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteMontana is proving to be big in many ways!
DeleteThe flowers, the lichens, the area, just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThought those lichen were really cool :-) You're in some beautiful country in CO too!!
DeleteI’d be doubly alert with Tessa in Griz territory. Love your close ups of the grasses, lichens and flowers there. Art work of the first order. Great description of the canyon tops as a collection of giant knick knacks. Really glad to know about the Rex Hale campground. Thanks much.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherry :-) I'm always amazed at the beauty at ground level - as I know you "get". Along with Rex Hale, add the campground at Lewis and Clark Caverns in MT - you guys will love it! Although Tessa is great off-leash, we keep her connected in bear country.
DeleteThe lichens and moss are so pretty! They always catch my eye, but unlike you, I just can't get a decent capture...beautiful photos Jodee! Loved the picture of Bill in his waders!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gay, I was so lucky with the light. He says the water's still really cold :-)
DeleteI guessed right! Fishing! (Haha!) Wonderful photo of Bill in his happy place. I'm always fascinated by lichen, too—it's so beautiful and colorful, and I always appreciate those "macro" photos. Such a perfect description of the canyon tops "like shelves with oddly shaped knick-knacks." Very creative. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurel :-))) It was an inspiring place!
DeleteAmazing contrast of grasses and sculptured rock. Crazy tree! So much to see in this country it would take several lifetimes. You pick and choose well. Now adding more to my 200 year list.
ReplyDelete:-)))) at least 200! Like so many before us we keep wishing we had traveled more and sooner.
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