Look who we ran into!

We decided to break the drive up into 2 days.  Our 1st destination Casper, Wyoming.  The Witt's had spent a few days in Yellowstone and they were headed back to Colorado on the same route as we were taking.  We figured our paths would cross anyway so we helped it along.  We got a later start then we wanted and had other small set backs, so we thought we were going to be pretty late, but funny enough, we pulled into the hotel parking lot within 5 minutes of each other.  Everyone was so excited to see the Witt's, turn off the DVD player and get out of the car.  This was just a taste of the fun family times we were in for.

We got to drive with Katy all the way from Casper to Colorado!  So fun-she is a much better conversationalist then Conor. 

A 15 minute detour took us to Independence rock and Martin's Cove.  We were short on time, but I am so glad we stopped. Whenever I hear stories of pioneers I am always so humbled, thankful, amazed and awe inspired. 

The Witt's and Kellogg's in front of Devil's Gate

Independence Rock

Climbing on Independence Rock

 

The view from on top of Independence rock.  Looks pretty desolate even today.  I am thinking the landscape hasn't changed all that much in 150 years.  Although I am thinking that freeway to the left would have been helpful then.  I just have such a hard time wrapping my mind around pulling a handcart across this terrain in all kinds of awful weather.  I can hardly stand five minutes in a non air conditioned car and my kids can barely ride (not walk) 5 miles with out a movie on.  We are so blessed.  

Into the car again and onward through Wyoming.  6 miles out of Colorado we were detained by a not so friendly Wyoming state patrol.  GRrrrrrr.  He pulled over a red truck, the Witt van and the Kellogg van all in one stop.  Cha Ching for him.  75 in this desolate terrain seems hardly worthy of pulling anyone over for.  Lame- I guess he prefers handcart and wagon speed.

.Next stop....Snow Mountain Ranch Colorado.  Nielsen family reunion here we come.