June 4

Today we drove 130 miles east to visit the first national monument in the U.S. - Devil's Tower. Devil's Tower is an igneous rock that is shaped like a giant tree trunk. It is 1267 ft. from the river's edge to the top. From it's base to the top is 867 ft. Indian lore says that seven sisters were play in the forest when a large bear began chasing them. They climbed on a tree stump which began to rise into the air. The bear came to kill them, but they were beyond its reach. It reared against the tree and scored the bark all around with its claws. The seven sisters were borne into the sky, and they became the stars of the Big Dipper. The tower does look like a giant tree stump that has been clawed by a bear. We drove up to the base of the tower and walked a 1.3 mile trail around the base. 10 people were in the process of climbing the tower. We could see them about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way up. They looked like ants.

We are currently camped at Deer Park campground in Buffalo, Wyoming. The park is aptly named. Jenna saw 4 deer behind our trailer this morning. One of the pictures shows the deer. I saw a large wild turkey just below our campsite - I don't know why they didn't choose Turkey Park as a name. Also pictured is another snow-capped mountain that we can see from our back window. Below Devil's Tower was a large prairie dog town. I got a picture of a mama and several pups. She started chattering as I approached and the babies shot toward their hole. Also pictured are two shots of Devil's Tower - one from the highway a couple of miles away and another closer up. As we came back to Buffalo we passed a strip mine where they get all that coal you see on the long trains back in Texas. Several trains were lined up - some loaded - ready for the trip south.

Tomorrow we plan to leave here by 7:00 A.M. for the 400 mile drive to Great Falls. That is the starting point for our trip to Alaska. We will be in Great Falls until Wednesday, June 8. They wanted everyone to arrive a few days early for safely inspections, orientation, and to get acquainted with our fellow carivaners. If we have time, we hope to drive up to Glacier National Park. They say it is the most beautiful national park. It will have to go some to beat Grand Teton and Bryce Canyon.

Until next time, Happy Trails!!