Chasing the Totality

Day 12: Flaming Gorge

Now blown far off course by the traffic, we had no choice but to spend a day hauling a$$ on I-80. Not my favorite part of the trip, but at least we were entertained across this long stretch of nothing by some spectacular wildlife.

This is literally "where the deer and the antelope play".
Golden eagles are a common sight, unmistakable with their broad shoulders.
Those wingspans can measure more than seven feet. Impressive!
The other diversion was The Virginian Hotel in Medicine Bow.
Detail from a mural in the hallway.
Definitely the real deal, and worthy of a stop if you are in the area.
Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport. In 1994, the Green River city council designated a small public airstrip as the "Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport", for inhabitants of Jupiter who might wish to take sanctuary in Green River in the event their planet is threatened by collisions from comets or meteors. You can't make this stuff up!
We aimed for Flaming Gorge NRA, the nearest public land, and found wonderful camping at Firehole Canyon.
Hot showers, nicely layered rock formations and a warm dry breeze.
It was good to be back in the desert!
Next: Night on Bald Mountain