Day-24 .. Thermopolis & Wind River Canyon

Did I mention that it's almost MAY and it's still ...  brrrr !

These guys joined us for breakfast :

We're ready to explore.    On to Hot Springs State Park.   I didn't bring my swim trunks !   Doggone it, it would've been so relaxing to melt in the hot springs.   The railroad used to bring people here for this.   They'd stay for a month at at a time.   My body, that's been driving for 24 days, could use some melt time.

see the steam rising in the background ?

'tatonka' !

Funny story about the next picture.   We drove back through downtown and were stopped at the only stop light when I looked over my shoulder and saw a good picture opportunity.   I hopped out and asked Jim to drive around the block.   I wanted to show the dinosaur silohuetted against the sky.   I sat down on the ground and twisted around to frame the shot.   A lady came running up and asked if I was OK.   I jumped up and said I was just taking a picture.   She had a day pack on and spoke with a heavy accent.   I asked if she was Scandinavian.   She said "No, I'm German."   We had a good laugh and chatted a little more before she continued on her walk.

On to the AMAZING Wind River Canyon. 

the canyon walls drop surprises now & again ..  yikes !

At the southern end of the canyon are tunnels on each side for trains and cars :

state park at the southern end of canyon, liked this sign

Came back home for lunch and a nap .. whoa, did I say nap? yes!  just what I needed after all of this gawking and neck craning.   After a rest we headed back downtown to see a few more sights.   I liked this street sign :

Across from this sign was a statue of a cowboy and a list of livestock brands :

Then it was on to Merlin's Hide Out.   A neat store of fur and leather products and buffalo robes.   He has provided several of his products for use in Hollywood movies.  Take a peek at their website:  merlinshideout.com

One more stop.   Drove out to Bridger Crossing.   Historical sign :

A treat for Jim and Carol was a Western Meadowlark singing it's lovely song!   A good day.   Delicious meals by Carol, interesting facts and history information by Jim, and a funny encounter on my rear end.   And, to top it off, I get to watch playoff hockey, Colorado Avalanche vs San Jose Sharks as I write this blog post.    Hope you're enjoying some of our sightseeing.