US Highway 20

When you feel the need to get away you often have to be creative. We are discovering old highway US 20 which runs from Boston Mass. to Newport Oregon.  After leaving the east end of Yellowstone Park it resumes its run. Obviously we aren't driving all the way to Boston. With only four days scheduled for the short journey, we get to explore a small section of Wyoming. Yes, I know what some of you are feeling right now--pity. Let's give this trip a chance to prove itself.  Remember this a short trip and we are not going clear to Nebraska. We want to see just where US 20 will take us.

Some of the best sights are seen when the interstates are abandoned and the old highways are rediscovered. You find less traffic, small forgotten towns and new country. Wyoming is vast and open. The Shoshone River flows parallel to the road. Fall is just beginning to touch the foliage. Soft yellow, bronze, and pale red is showing in the grasses and brush along the river.

This must be what is referred to as the open road.

We have seen mountains of rock that are similar to those in southern Utah. Surprising you with their spires and odd shapes. The road winds and then opens to the horizon where billowing clouds constantly build and change shape.

Cody is the first real town. A true cowboy meca. Anything and everything any red blooded cowboy or cowgirl would need is here. One shop says it caters to the spirited woman. People line up on the street to witness an old time gun fight. Wyatt Erp even made an appearance along with various other characters. A little corny, but hey this is the west. After all was said and done Grandpa Fred came to save the day.

Grampa saved the day.

It doesn't take long to walk the main street in Cody. Indian and cowboy souveirns are inticing if you are a new comer to the western experience We opted to drive through the neighborhoods and old streets to see the real town and real life in Cody. We soon discovered that residents of Cody share their yards with deer. Not just one, but several at a time. Apparently, no one chases them off because they seem to have no fear.

I think they have free range.

Tomorrow we head toward Greybull.  I think it is a good thing we are not staying in Cody longer because we are beginning to act like tourists and pose for pictures.  I told him not to do it, but he insisted.