Monday – August 25,2014 52 degrees & cloudy
The Plaza Hotel in Thermopolis, Wyoming was lovely and comfortable but since it was located directly on the hot spring, it smelled of sulphur. We didn’t try the naturally warm pool but enjoyed a decent breakfast and left to see ancient petroglyphs.
Far From the Middle of Nowhere
Legend Rock Petroglyphs was located about twenty miles east of Thermopolis, out in the middle of barren nowhere. Visitors have to obtain a key to the grounds before they drive out or make sure that someone is out there.
Caretaker’s Cabin
A tall stout woman wearing western jeans and a cowboy hat greeted us as we drove in. She sat in a comfortable lawn chair and looked like she was expecting us. The woman explained the history of the area and the drawings. We learned that Shamans made pilgrimages to this sacred land to gain wisdom and power. Some left marks on the rocks to express a variety of ideas, symbols, and experiences.
Petroglyph
Thunderbirds and horned animals represented power which was transferred to the Shamans. Some of the petroglyphs were believed to be dated from 8000 BC – 6000 BC.
Dinwoody Tradition Style Petroglyph
The figure with a line connecting it to two objects is believed to be a person connected to the spirit world of the rock.
Elk Petroglyphs
The two elk pictured above are believed to be just two thousand years old. The oldest petroglyphs in Legend Rock were approximately 11,ooo years old, according to the caretaker. They are drawings of bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and deer.
Pronghorn Deer
Driving away from Legend Rock Petroglyphs we saw pronghorn deer which have very unusual markings.
Wind River Canyon
We drove twenty miles back to Thermopolis and returned to Route 20 West. The terrain immediately changed as we left town. We passed through a steep canyon and then through many miles of the Wind River Indian Reservation. The flat barren land was broken up by tiny towns with small cement-block casinos.
Route 20 West
After several hours of driving through flat corn & soy fields and cattle ranches, we stopped in Lander, Wy. at the Gannett Grill for a tasty lunch.
Lander, Wyoming
Gannett Grill in Lander, Wyoming
Red Rock Canyon
We knew we were getting close to Yellowstone because the land slowly became more interesting. We stopped for gas in a town called Shoshoni – population: 629 elevation: 4839 feet. We had 2695 miles on the car odometer since we left New York.
Approaching the Tetons
It was a glorious sight to watch the towering peaks of the Grand Teton Mountains rise on the horizon as we approached Jackson Hole. It was 5:30 PM, we had driven all day and were happy to finally reach our destination.
Jackson Hole, Wy.
Jackson Hole Stagecoach
Wildlife Photo?