Steve and I did our duty and watched Old Faithful, which is still Faithful after the earthquake in the 80's. The earthquake changed to geyser to more often be bigger blasts less frequently. We also happened to catch the Bee Hive geyser we thought was more impressive (could be that we were right next to it). The lodge was an unexpected pleasure. I had some expectations I just about other timber construction that I have seen before, but the tall space created inside with almost a scaffolding feel to the stairs leading up to a roof-top observation platform was very cool.
The next morning split up with him traveling south to the Great Tetons and I choosing the east exist of the park. The ride out was sunny, curvy and a view of the lake and post forest forest fire trees. The trees were bleached into silver and black contrast without the thick second growth of pine trees we saw in other parts of the park.
I had a strong feeling of curiosity about where my path would lead now that I didn't have a set destination or timeline. Wyoming kept drawing me back over and over again to the present with the rock formations, canyons and wonderfully fun roads. While taking a little break and paring down my layers from the cold morning, I found a historical marker explaining that the local site had a artifact history dating back 10k years. And after walking down to the stream to fill my water bottle (filtered of course) I could see why the choice made over and over again was always that this was a pretty nice spot. It was one of those moments where you feel the historical import of the place seep into you.
By random process of GPS and iphone I ended up on gavel/dirt road that couldn't have been more fun. The knobby tires on the bike got a chance to come out to play as I navigated the twists and switchbacks. I need more practice riding on gravel/dirt - with a lighter bike.
I pushed into the evening and went slow up and around Mt Rushmore with a full moon looking down on my terror of kamikaze-deer. The rock felt different than anywhere else I had seen so far - more raw and hard. Again the geology of the land became the conversation in my head (other than reminding myself that the deer are trying to kill me).
Coming down out of the Mtns the lights of Rapid City seem to span to the horizon, but I came realize later I was seeing lights for multiple towns and an air force base. Rapid City was a nice relaxing place and I ended up spending a couple nights there. Being on the road is forcing me to be a little more forward in starting conversations with people, which is good both for my own growth but also I love those experiences of connecting with people even for just a short moment.
I had been warned and thought that I was prepared, but after the high of Wyoming and the start of South Dakota the plains were rough. My plan was to open myself up into the space around me, but the winds failed GPS wanderings made for a rough couple days. Seemingly endless fields of dead sunflowers (all curled over the same direction) and dry brown corn do make the vibrant greens, yellows and oranges of the fall leaves pop into a semblance of frozen fireworks.
Last night brought me to Saint Louis to watch the presidential debate with Lisa and her sister's family. I'm going to be here for a couple days so maybe I can get some pictures posted and do a little programming on the laptop.
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