July 7, 2003-The Fun Begins

We wanted to leave early because it is 532 miles from Denver to Jackson, without detours.  And, of course, we were traveling with a the three K's so stops along the way would be required.  Assuming 60 MPH, nine hours of driving plus stops for food, toilet and emergencies.  Our route: I-25 North, I-80 West at Cheyenne, US 191 North at Rock Springs.  I'm intrigued with the notion of stopping at South Pass, a key crossing over the Rockies for trappers and traveler's of the Oregon Trail.  The problem is it would require a 40 mile detour off US 191 at Farson, northeast on Wyoming 28.  South Pass isn't on the map below but it's approximately half-way between Farson and Lander.

As is obvious from the map, it's from National Geographic.  Wonderful maps of the States and countries are available.  They print in black and white  beautifully.  We've used them often for K1 and her social studies class.  One of my more useful finds on the Internet. We stopped at the Wymoing state line for a photo-op, and at Elk Mountain (between Cheyenne and Wyoming) for another photo-op.  The crossing over the Medicine Bow range is gentle at this spot and it is quite beautiful. We made good time to Laramie, an average of 70 MPH.  Breakfast in Laramie was good.  The wife took the wheel for the trip from Laramie to Rock Springs.  She was able to push our speed up to 72 MPH and we stopped for lunch.  The restaurant was very chilly and the food was adequate. I was behind the wheel again.  We took the detour to South Pass, missed the road to the crossing, and ended up in South Pass City, a state of Wyoming historical town, one of the early gold rush towns.  OK, but not South Pass. Instead of returning to Farson and US 191 we went to Lander US 287 and backtracked at Moran.  A mistake.  It added, I think an hour to the drive.  We arrived late, had a swim, late dinner and went to bed.

July 8, 2003

Our Fabulous Jackson Vacation