Day 1 - Wyoming bound

Up bright and early!!! Mom was up before 6 AM and I shortly there after. I was filled will excitement about getting underway. I love traveling in the car for long distances. It is amazing to see how the terrain modulates into something that appears more drastic or subtle depending on the direction chosen. I am constantly amazed by the glory of our God and the majesty of His creation.
Packing the car was an intriguing puzzle. For the life of us, we could not envision the correct choreography for loading the hatchback, carrier, bikes and people. But, left to his own devices, Dad masterfully filled every nook and we all managed to feel our individual spaces were sufficiently roomy.

Initially, to Dad's dismay, mom and I chose to stop in Ft. Collins to peruse our first quilt shop and eat lunch. Destination driven, that seemed to create a bit of a sour taste in the man's mouth. But... he graciously made the stop, which gave him an opportunity to drive the car and feel the drag of the additional appendages attached to the vehicle. I think we will get our routine down soon.

Entering Big Sky Country, the eyes were pleasantly treated with the unique configurations of the Wyoming buttes and mesas. Ranch country abounded with each curve of the road. The ribbon of highway spanned as far as the eye could see and it seemed as if we were going to drive off the end of the Earth. Highway closure gates and snow fences were regular interjections throughout the scene indicating that rough winters are a common form of existence for the natives. Imagine the winters here and how one would have to spend his/her time. It is almost as if God is bidding His people to participate in private retreats with Him through the harshest part of the year. How is it possible for One to imagine such unique and stark beauty and then successfully mold it into that vision?

We arrived at the Covered Wagon Inn at around 4:30 PM. That indicated that we took 7 hours to cover 4 and 1/2 hours of distance. The hotel did not give the impression of potentially having modern amenities, but we were pleasantly surprised.

Each room was equipped with a souvenir fly swatter, flat screen TV, microwave and fridge. Once we unloaded the menagerie of bags, two bikes, a cooler and the family, we set our sights on a local restaurant and then drove around town. With a population of about 1400 people, we saw downtown and the suburbs in about a 15 minute span. The quaint shops and homes were a refreshing sight and increased my pangs to get a house in a small town. Maybe one day.

The above hotel decor rings of the great outdoors and the facility encourages occupants to avail themselves of the mentioned environs. The courtyard of the hotel contained Adirondack chairs, hammocks, picnic tables and geraniums. The suggestion made by such offerings did draw people out of their rooms and into the natural setting.

Mom and Dad were in PJs by 7:30, so I went for a brief walk before settling into documentation mode.

Great first stop and first day. We are still on good terms and looking forward to further explorations. Tomorrow we head to South Dakota where the bison are as big as my car and saunter close enough to make such a comparison.

May God bless your day!