Cody, Wyoming

What would Wyoming be without a visit to Cody, a town that I have been most looking forward to seeing? The West. Cody is steeped in western history and made famous by a man that was once the most recognized man in the world. The world! William Frederick Cody, better known to most as Buffalo Bill was a true pioneer of the west who in his lifetime wore many hats; he worked wagon trains, was a solider, part time lawman, a celebrated pony express rider, military scout, buffalo hunter, showman and a famous entrepreneur.
He created the town that bares his name with five things; water, a newspaper, lodging, transportation and visitor traffic. He also created the Cody Canal which later became the Buffalo Bill Dam.(Pictures). In 1902 he build the Irma Hotel and restaurant that he named after his daughter. It is still in the same location and today serves an amazing buffet. The condition of the hotel is startling, considering it’s 108 years of service. Buffalo Bill also built two roads leading into Yellowstone Park and a hotel with $50,000 of his own money. He is credited with starting the modern day rodeo, based on his most popular Rough Rider Rodeo and show that traveled Europe and the United States. He definitely was man of vision, guts, tenacity and the American spirit.
I enjoyed Cody for two days and enjoyed the Buffalo Bill Historic Center which provide 5 museums; Firearms museum with over 12,00 guns and rifles, Plains Indian Peoples, Buffalo Bill & The American West, The Nature of Yellowstone, Western Art with many original Remington paintings and bronzes. Enjoy some photos. TC…

                                    Leaving the Tetons.

                                           On the way.    

                                              Missed Rodeo season.

                                  Original tent camping.

                                                           

THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK, NORTH DAKOTA AND WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK IN SOUTH DAKOTA AND DAY TRIPS TO MOUNT RUSHMOREM AND CRAZY HORSE NATIONAL MONUMENTS IN SOUTH DAKOTA TO FOLLOW.
                                                       

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Leaving Yellowstone through the South entrance and heading to Grand Teton National Park is a short skip and a hop. Basically the two parks are on a contiguous road straight into the Teton Mountain Range and the park, perhaps a 50 mile ride. Along the way, I stopped at Lewis Falls for a few photos. You travel on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Highway, such named because of his donation of a huge amount of the parks land. The government was reluctant to take his offer and it was not for many years that they finally accepted. What were they thinking? A highway was the least that they could do for his generous gift.
You witness the mountain range as you approach the park, but do not really appreciate their splendor until you have the opportunity of seeing them up close. The park has many sights, such as Jenny Lake, Oxbow Bend, Willow Flats, many Bison herds, and various hikes that get you closer to the beauty of the mountains. Despite the weather, which brought cold mornings and nights, and rain which was intermittent, I found the park amazing. The evening Ranger programs, when it was not raining were fun and informative. Colter Bay, one of several campgrounds, was complete with general store, showers, laundry, several eating establishments, visitor center and more.
Bears seem to be a major concern at the park, but I did not see any nor did I hear of any problem with them as a nuisance.  I did have my Bear spray at the ready, that my daughter Lisa insisted I purchase. It did give me peace of mind. Some fellow campers that I spoke with were privileged to see a few Grizzly Bears and Black Bears, but again, they remain elusive to me. I did see a Moose from a distance and the photo below shows a glimpse of her, no antlers. I met two great camping families that shared their outdoor adventures and were equally interested in mine. New friends around the campfire makes for a perfectt end of the day.
The many streams and lakes in the park is a natural calling for fly fisherman.  I was bitten by the bug, or should I say the fly, and now have a new hobby I fear. I tried my cast on the Snake River and I have come to the conclusion that fly fishing is like golf, many play it, but few play it well.  I do find it very relaxing and a little frustrating, but like my search for the Bear, I will continue to search for that perfect cast.

                                                           
Enjoy some views of the Teton Mountain Range and the beauty of the park. TC…

                                          Lake Munk..Cute.

                                                         Glacier                      

                                          Elusive rascal!