Tuesday, October 16, 2001

Hello from Lovell, Wyoming!

Start time: 0715

Start odometer: 19144

Weather: Clear sky, beautiful sunrise, 27 degrees F.

It was another great day for a drive! I was able to get some miles behind me, and meet more nice people along the way. After driving over the beautiful Big Horn Mountains enroute to Yellowstone, I stopped in the town of Lovell, Wyoming to get park road information. I spoke with a lady from the Big Horn National Forest Office who was able to assist me. She then suggested a side trip north of town into the Big Horn National Recreation Area. I decided to acquire accommodations in Lovell, then visit the Recreation Area.

Another night of talking with new friends, so only have time for highlights. Will update with more information soon...

Highlights:

Got an early start, able to see a very pretty sunrise
First stop, Devils Tower. Quote an impressive sight! Hiked around base of tower, saw mule deer and prairie dogs.
Met Pat working at the Visitor Center gift shop. Had a great conversation about travel, current events, the Park Service, and much else.
Continued drive towards the west, seeing landscape change from rolling hills to mountains. Along the way saw coal mining, oil pumps, and ranches.
Some construction along the way, had two occurrences where travel required following a pilot car. Got into conversations with the construction workers while waiting, learned different perspective of the area and future plans.
Highway 14 and Alternate 14 provided dramatic views while driving through the mountains. Temperature dropped from 63 to 36 degrees, with high level clouds moving in. Highest part of the drive was Observation Point, at 9430 feet.
Arrived in Lovell, met lady from Forest Service. After checking into the hotel, drove into the Big Horn National Recreation Area.
Stopped at overlook to see Big Horn Sheep along side of road, and Big Horn Canyon.
While at the overlook, had the good fortune to meet Matt and Linda from Middlebury, Indiana. They were on a return visit to the area. It was their final night of the visit, as they had to head back home tomorrow. I am fortunate again to meet more people that help make this an excellent trip.
After another interesting conversation, I walked around the parking area, taking pictures of the canyon and Bighorn Lake.
After a spectacular sunset, I continued to the end of the road that travels through the park.
I returned to Lovell, parked the car at the motel, and walked to a restaurant suggested by the lady at the Forest Service office.
Got to see Matt and Linda again, as they were also having supper at the restaurant. Talked for quite some time about many topics, and will remember to listen if the Notre Dame game is cancelled this weekend, and start watching No. 6 closer on Sundays!
Tomorrow, plans are to see Yellowstone! Thanks for visiting!

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One more view of the Arrowhead Motel.	An early distant view of Devil's Tower!	A story about the Tower.
I took the trail that circles the Devil's Tower.	Panel describing how the tower is slowly falling apart.