OK, folks, anyone who tells you the trip from Yellowstone to Cody, WY is a piece of cake is on drugs. And if your GPS tells you it will only take 5 hours from West Yellowstone, MT to Buffalo, WY...THROW IT OUT THE WINDOW AT 70 MPH! OK, enough ranting; the scenery was breathtaking. Seeing the eastern approaches to Yellowstone were even more amazing than the western (if that's possible). The part that honestly took my breath away was the acres and acres of dead trees. It looked like a scene from a distorted horror movie. But the greatest part about the razor-pointed trees was the gorgeous greenery on the forest floor. Even with the climbing and dropping, the layers of earth exposed by the eons of erosion was an amazing sight. I have a new-found respect for dry land farmers. I don't think I saw an irrigation ditch or sprinkler riser for at least 100 miles. And Wyoming isn't 
nearly as flat as I assumed it would be.
nearly as flat as I assumed it would be. The stop at Cody was quick, down and dirty. The longer-than-expected drive made it so we had to cut our trip short. If (and that's a BIG if) we go back through we will make it a designated stop. Even though it was a 9-hour trek and we only covered 327 miles, it was another chapter in our journey and at least blog-worthy. Sarah and I had a radio discussion about the importance of every singled able-bodied American making a cross-country trip! After 3 days and a little over 1200 miles, I have found a greater appreciation for the pioneers and a deeper love for my country. I have also learned so much about the small towns and communities, especially the people, that make up these United States of America! Due to our extreme mountain climb and descent, I am exhausted. Tomorrow's leg will take us to Rapid City, maybe sneak some pictures of Sturgis, and make our way to Mt. Rushmore. Hopefully it will be easier on us than today. Two notable events did occur though; one, my car turned over 120,000 miles on the western side of the Big Horn Mountains. She is still running like a top. And we hit 1200 miles just outside Buffalo, WY. Well, until tomorrow, your prayers are helping us through each day & keeping us safe.
JS&K
