Cody, Wyoming

I know for experienced western drivers a pass of less than 10,000 ft is a piece of cake. Even aside from the elevation itself, which is weird, it was the first time our mount, now christened "Josephine" had taken us over such a high pass.  This one is a pass in the Bighorn Mountains. It's evidence that we can get over the pass into Yellowstone at 8,500 ft.

But I digress, I am writing this morning from a nice little KOA campground in Cody. We got here late last night having spent Sunday crossing the State from east to west. 

We spent some time on Saturday exploring the Badlands.

All of this travel in South Dakota and Wyoming is new to Barbara. The last time I did the Badlands drive was in the 80's on a motorcycle. It was over 100° then, but Saturday was quite nice with the overcast.

The green grass against the stone is a beautiful look.

Still a scary place, even on a cool day.

We did the obligatory stop at Wall Drug after the drive, but apparently no digital record.

Sunday, our morning departure from Rapid City was delayed because of an awol cat. We could see Chloe in the high grass behind the RV, er ... Josephine, but there was a cyclone fence between us. 

We went to the pancake breakfast hoping she would come back while we were eating. She was still out at the edge of the woods enjoying the birds, when we came back. Barbara talked her in finally and we were on our way.

We got off the interstate just after Sturgis and headed north on the Devils Tower loop. Gorgeous views and then the tower itself awaited us. 

If you look closely at the picture above you can see the prayer flags of the Native Americans. It is a sacred place to them and a favorite with climbers. 

The climbers take a voluntary break in June in respect. As it was July 1st there were a lot of climbers on it for opening day.

We got free entrance with Barbara's Park Pass but we were warned that parking was quite limited on top, particularly for large vehicles like ours. 

In fact, the primo spot was available. It was right next to the entrance to the trail that circumnavigates the tower.

View from Devil's Tower

There is a ski hill in the distance. This is Meadowlark Lake, we stopped at as we traveled on US16.

On watch

Coming out of the Bighorn Mountains.

We are ready to disappear for a week in Yellowstone now. Happy 4th of July to everyone.