Day Six

Departed our hotel at 8:28am and our first stop was the NAPA auto parts store. Yes, our Minnie had a problem. Not a major one, just a light bulb burned out in her front right headlight. And, the good news was that the stop was only a couple of miles out of our way and the bill was under $20. Now, we have to find time to change it. Our next stop was the Wyoming Visitor's Center and a kind lady, Judy, gave us a history lesson, a map, and some encouragement to enjoy this great state. It is the smallest in population, around 500,000, but ninth largest in area. K took the first shift driving and we let her drive all the way to our next stop, Devils Tower. We arrived there at 11:05am and after checking in and getting the passport stamped we were fortunate enough to hear a ranger talk about those who climb the 600 feet of sheer cliff. We actually watched at least six climbers. It is an awesome sight.

Lunch was at the base of the tower in a nice park surrounded by colonies of very friendly prairie dogs who willingly posed for pictures. What fun to watch them. At 1:20pm we were off down the mountain, okay hill (elev. 4250ft) and on our way to Sheridan, Wyoming. I was a very timid driver heading up and down the various hills and curves on the way to I-90, but taking my time I made it and then revved up to 74mph on the interstate.

We arrived in Sheridan at 4:15pm with plans to get some groceries, wine, change a light bulb, and grab some pizza for dinner. Didn't quite happen that way. At our first stop, the wine store, we found a flat rear left tire as we were about to leave. Ooops. Call AAA and wait. The irony was that our hotel was, literally, across the street. K and I went and checked in while R waited. We planned on quite a wait since it was Labor Day. God was with us - the tire was changed and ready for us to go in about 45 minutes. Way to go AAA. I located a grocery store and, after unloading the van, R went and bought the few picnic supplies we needed. Next it was off to the Pizza parlor advertised in the room literature. Ooops again. It was closed, but again God was with us and we found a great Mexican restaurant right across the street and, they had the best ever Margarita. Never did get that bulb changed. Travelled some 290 miles today.

K and I were both suffering from some flu-bug and early to bed was in order. 9:15pm. zzzzzzzz.