Day 10 cont.: “In Search of the Greybull”

Tonight, we find ourselves in Greybull, Wyoming. Where does the name come from? Legend has it that there was an albino bison who roamed the plains here. His unique appearance was considered a sacred omen by the local Indians. He was able to elude the white hunter for decades and eventually succumbed to old age- thus the name Greybull.

It has been a long day of driving- 5 hours. The kids are getting used to being nomads. In fact the TV didn’t come on at all today. They enjoyed their new games from the Baders and discovered Bubblicious Grape Bubble Gum. That was a full hour of entertainment. Seriously.

As for the drive, I am almost (I said almost) speechless at what a dramatic change in scenery we saw today. We left beautiful South Dakota and hit the flat eastern side of Wyoming. Lots of grass and lots of wind. Then those mountains, blanketed in snow crept up on the horizon. We slowly ascend the mountain, switchback after switchback. We start to see trees. We look down on the grasslands we’ve just covered- bathed in sunlight. Then patches of snow. Next, we come across a pond that is partially frozen over. Then the ground is covered in snow and Dave pulls over to let the kids see the snow. Carter kicks with joy at the sight- it must be good if my brother and sisters are this excited! The girls chuck snowballs. Jack freaks out and throws a fit. Dave goes to pick him up and sinks down to his knees in the snow. Is it June?

We get back in the motorhome and pass a sign that says we are at an elevation of 8549 ft. We’re above the clouds at this point. As we continue on, deer jump at our passing on the side of the road. I’ve decided at this point that God is just showing off!

Our descent is another series of switchbacks and steep grades. The mountains start to look more jagged and break down to canyons. Small creeks run down the bottom- becoming larger as one canyon break joins up with the next. Soon, there is a mini rapid flowing alongside the highway. We’re surrounded by tall canyon walls. The walls give way to hills and plateaus. Everything is very green and then the sides of the hills are the most intense red earth you’ve ever seen. We see an antique truck, painted purple, parked in front of a red barn, against the reddish orange side of the hill and the effect is stunning. We’re visually over stimulated. It’s hard to believe this has all been in one day.

We, again, crawl into bed and crash. But not before uploading our photos and writings. We’ve been in an internet/ cell phone black hole, but it seems that Greybull is Wi-fi ready, so hopefully we’ll be more up to date! It is so cool that you are all following along on our adventure with us and makes us feel pretty special! We have the most awesomest family and friends!