We're Heading to the Cowboy State - Wyoming!

July 27, 2017

A little getaway to the Cowboy State of Wyoming

We haven’t taken a trip in the Mini-Moose & Caboose for quite some time.  Life seemed to get in the way of our travels, and preoccupation with other things in Summit County Colorado kept us off the road.  But, we’re back for a short trip that we have been planning for a few months.  We both love Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and decided to spend about a month in the area.  We’re heading out of Colorado and making our way up through Wyoming.

A Few Facts About Wyoming

- There’s roughly six residents per square mile.  If I ventured a guess I would say there are more antelope per square mile than people.

- Wyoming is home to 2 national parks – Yellowstone and Grand Teton; 2 national monuments – Devil’s Tower and Fossil Butte; 2 national recreations areas – Bighorn Canyon and Flaming Gorge; and a dozen state parks.

- There are miles of blue-ribbon tail waters: The Miracle Mile and Grey Reef are brimming with trophy-sized rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.

- Oh yes, the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse passes through the entire state from West to East, with its center line crossing over Jackson Hole, Dubois, and Casper.  The scoop is that Jackson expects 100,000 people to descend on the town for the eclipse.  When August 21^st rolls around you will not find us in Jackson Hole with 100,000 of our best friends. 

We are going to embark on a trip that will take us into several of the parks and recreation areas mentioned above.  So, let’s get started and see where this sweet adventure takes us.

July 28, 2017

Sinks Canyon State Park

Lander, WY

After a few hours of counting antelope scattered across the rolling sagebrush landscape of Wyoming we arrive at Sinks Canyon State Park and find a great campsite at Popo Agie Campground (Pronounced Puh-POE-zha).  This park has been on my radar for the last few years.  We just never seem to make it up this direction, so I’m really happy to finally call it home for a couple of nights.

The canyon is named for the geologic formation, “The Sinks”, where the river disappears into a limestone cavern.  It emerges again 2 hours later in a pool nearly a ½ mile downstream at “The Rise”.  Check it out at the link to the park above.

July 29, 2017

Sinks Canyon State Park

Lander, WY

Our First Real Day of Adventure Starts Now

Sinks Canyon is situated on County Road 131 a few miles southwest of Lander.  The staff at the visitor center recommend some good fishing spots farther into the backcountry on the Loop Road (CR 131), which is a 70-mile round trip scenic drive.

The Popo Agie River before the switchbacks

We work our way up the switchbacks and several miles later come to Frye Lake (Elev. 8513) where the campground is filled with 5^th wheels and a multitude of ATVs of all sizes – from tiny tot versions to the super-sized ATVs.  We’re looking for a little peace and quiet, so this is not our kind of place!  A quick drive through and we’re back on the road. 

Onward to Worthen Meadows Reservoir turn off (Elev. 8793) where the road turns to a rough and washboard 19-mile one lane gravel road with turn outs for meeting other vehicles.  Soon we pass Fiddler’s Lake (Elev. 9411).  Along the way we come across a group of folks preparing for a 6-day trek with lamas as their pack animals.  Cute.

City slicker style backpacking with a chef and staff waiting at the new camp each night.  Now that's roughing it!

We drop down in elevation and come to the Little Popo Agie River (pronounced Puh-POE-zha) where Jack takes a look at the fishing possibilities.  It seems to meet all his criteria so off he goes, leaving me to meander about the countryside taking pictures. 

The Little Popo Agie River from the one-lane bridge

The fishing hole where IT HAPPENED

Less than 2 hours later our perfect day turns to not-so-perfect.

Jack is wading through the tall grass along the river bank, fly fishing rod in hand, when he catches his foot between two hidden felled trees.  He puts his hand out to catch himself and falls into a sharp branch poking up.  One look and I know it’s going to require stitches.  An hour later we drive into the parking lot at the ER in Lander.  A couple more hours – and 9 stitches later – we’re on our way back to Sinks Canyon.  May as well get that little mishap that always seems to happen out of the way early in the trip.  I guess you can say it’s all part of the adventure.  Next stop – Grand Teton National Park!