Day 22 ~ Bastille Day.

Happy Bastille Day!!! I turn 50 today. That is a mind blowing realization. Whoa. And I've been traveling for 22 days.

I don't feel fifty at all. I planned going for a hike today, however, after a run and packing for the Tetons the day got away from me. Nonetheless I decided to take drive down I-80 just to see what I might come across along the way. I stopped at the visitors center where I ended up talking to a very sweet lady. I told her about my travel so far and she suggested I take a drive up the Snowy Range, a scenic drive into the Snowy Range mountains.

The road up to the scenic byway wasn't very interesting. And unfortunately I had forgotten my camera. I did have my camera phone though. The ascent is pretty significant climbing up to the range. Breathtaking views! The overlook tower was beautiful. I was shocked how cold it felt when I got out of the car, and the wind, again the wind whipping around. A granite marker is dedicated to passengers who perished there in 1955. Jim verified, thank goodness for Dr. Google, it was a DC-4; at the time of the accident it was the worst air disaster.

I noticed a sign 10,300 feet. I got out to take in the view. The air was cold, and exhilarating! Was it the beauty of nature? Or the high altitude, lack of air, my body wondering what the heck I was doing? I was really digging it though. Awesome feeling being there.  I came upon Mirror Lake. The name was befitting. I was indeed a mirror. Snowy Range was reflected in the lake like a mirror. Snow was piled at the edge of roadway. Now that was a first making snowballs on my birthday in the middle of July! I walked around the lake a while and found a trail that warned of attempting after 3 PM. I want to come back and hike it sometime though. Beautiful place.

At the visitors center I learned about Saratoga Springs. I saw a sign for it so I decided to check it out. I drove down the dirt road that led away from the scenic byway back to I-80 to Saratoga Springs. The road eventually becomes gravel then paved; not too bad really. I drove through Saratoga Springs a small western town that ends at the hot spring complete with an Sporting Goods/Cafe. The iced drinks advertised on the sandwich board near the road looked inviting. I parked at the springs, that appeared to be a pool. It was packed! I followed the path to the springs, not quite what I had imagined. The hot spring was a stream. There were a few ladies bathing in the spring when I got there, but not really anything spectacular, so hopped in my car and headed out. I stopped by the sporting goods place looked around, bought some hiking pants, got an iced coffee and headed back to Cheyenne.

I wasn't expecting a party or cake, or any celebration. I was looking forward to the Grand Tetons. Jamie kept texting me asking me where I was it never dawned on me why. When I got back to her house she had dinner and cake and presents. What a great surprise. We had dinner then dug into some cake, which Bean loved!!! Jamie bought be a great tripod, the one I had been eyeing, but never dreamed anyone would get for me. I was so surprised and elated!!!  And more memory cards, as I was filling them up rather quickly.

It was a great day. A beautiful relaxing drive and walk around Snowy Range and a great time with my girls. I really couldn't ask for more...