Surprisingly good times in Wyoming

8/11 Pools at Thermolopis

Zach has fond childhood memories of this place so we had to stop. It’s toted as the “world’s largest hot springs” I was always wary in his descriptions, but then we got there and I was beyond impressed. The pools are scrubbed clean every evening and the whole place was immaculately cared for. We all jumped off the hi-dive several times, rode some slides, soaked in the hot pools and steam room and enjoyed the first real pool day of the whole summer. There were very few people there so it was easy to stay a safe distance from others. If you’re ever through this part of Wyoming, definitely stop in Thermopolis and spend a few hours soaking in the pools!

8/12 Sinks and the Popo Agie River Trail Lander, Wyoming

We got to Lander, Wy this morning, a short drive from Thermopolis. We were looking for a park to stop in where we’d have full cell service in order to find our next camping spot. This was almost intuitive, but we went to the city park where people appeared to be camping so we walked around and decided we could do the same. The town was very friendly and inviting so why not give it a try.

After getting set up we drove up Sinks canyon to the State Park. There’s a pretty interesting geological feature in this park where the Popo Agie River disappears into an underground canyon system with rock fissures, then reappears about a 1/4 mile down the road. So we lingered in these two places for a bit to learn more, then drive up the road a few more miles to a hiking spot. We’d also heard rumors of a waterfall where you could slide and jump into the river so we were on the lookout. This hike was pretty strenuous, rocky, and uphill but the river views were worth the work. We arrived at the biggest waterfall feature thinking, no way anyone could swim here. The trail veered up further still, so we continued on and lo and behold, here was the slide. Four guys were there so we watched them take the plunge. We said the kids could do it too but nobody took the offer, instead we went just a little way back down to put or feet in the river sans swimming. Natalie and I had worn water friendly shoes and Zach took his shoes off. Camden was monkeying around the rocks which were quite slippery, even the dry ones. So his tennis shoe and sock got a bath. We stayed at this spot awhile to let things dry out before making our way back down the trail. After the trail work was done we went back into town to the🍦Scream Shack for our reward.

In expected Wyoming fashion, it got very windy in the afternoon so instead of cooking outside we ordered a delicious pizza and enjoyed it under a pavilion in the park.

The strangest sounds that night after more than a month in the woods was emergency response sirens in the background, you know, city sounds. The park however, was otherwise quiet and peaceful and a safe place to rest our heads.

8/13 Rest day in Lander

One of the pitfalls of our trip has been not building in enough rest days, we go go go taking in all the sights or doing camp chores until something or someone breaks. That someone this time was me. On the trail yesterday I started to notice my sciatica flaring up. I took it slow the rest of the way down and for the remainder of the day but it was a rough night sleeping and by this morning I was in a lot of pain. I attempted to get in with a chiropractor but none had any openings. So I iced, and sat, and stretched, and walked a little, and laid on my stomach, now I’m just nursing along until I can to get in with my chiropractor back in Denver early next week (we’re going back to resupply for the fall leg of this adventure, but keeping our social appointments pretty clear since we’re still in a pandemic and all). The kids and Zach have been super helpful and understanding, taking over my duties to keep everything running.

We’ve also collectively reached decision fatigue, so getting to Denver by Monday from Lander should be interesting…