Cheyenne Visit - Sept 2011

I've just returned from a 10 day visit in Cheyenne, WY to visit my oldest son. We toured Devils Tower in Wyoming; the town of Deadwood (where Wild Bill Hickok was shot for cheating at cards); Mount Rushmore; the Crazy Horse Sculpture (in progress) and the Native American Museum; and the Black Hills area, all in South Dakota. Later in the week we hiked around Bear Lake (elevation 9400 ft) in the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Too many pictures to share, but here are a few of them.

Lots of Prong Horned Antelope on the Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. They often stand in the middle of the roadway, blocking traffic. There were hundreds of them on the Base.

In Rocky Mountain National Park the Elk were everywhere. We had to hike about half a mile through knee-high grass to get close to them. This old bull has lost part of his antlers but still looks impressive.

And more wildlife to see, from large to small. This chipmunk was so tame I could almost reach out and touch it!

There were plenty of walking trails with rocky streams and an occasional waterfall. The sounds of nature carried crisp and clear through the mountain air.

At a little over 9400 ft. elevation, Bear Lake was spectacular! The water was so clear and cold. Plenty of mountain trout too, but no fishing in this lake.

The fall foliage was already in full colors at about 9000 ft. Golden aspens were mixed with the evergreens everywhere we looked.

Had to stop at the famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO., which inspired "The Shining" by Stephen King. It was creepy just walking around in that place.

Rocky Mountain National Park showed off it's snowy peaks even in mid September. Lots of beautiful scenery around every curve in the road. Lucky I wasn't driving!

More wildlife to see every where we went. Problem is they won't stand still while you photograph them. This hawk flew seconds after I caught him in the camera lens, and the gray fox was constantly in motion.

Deadwood was a good place to kickback and relax after a day of sightseeing. The kids stayed out gambling until 2 am. I went to bed to catch some zzzzzzzzzz's.

A visit to Curt Gowdy State Park just west of Cheyenne showcased spectacular rock formations. Some of them seem to defy gravity. How they stay in place in the strong Wyoming winds is a complete mystery.

The second day it was on to Mount Rushmore. That's me with the mustache. And the Crazy Horse Monument being created some miles further into the Black Hills.

Lots to do at Devils Tower. My son, Kevin and his fiancee Dodie and I walked the 1.3 mile trail around the Tower. Plenty of wildlife to see. Odd that neither of them wanted to try the 860 ft. climb to the top!