Devil's Backbone, etc

(sensing a Thanksgiving theme yet?)

On Saturday, we wandered around some other sights not too far from Casper and followed some of the many trails that passed through there years ago.  (Although we were far enough from Casper to leave us stranded with a flat tire that wouldn't come off and no cell phone service!)

Oregon Trail/California Trail/Mormon Trail/Pony Express post marking the trails.

Devil's Backbone
(not an official park, but a pretty cool land formation in the middle of nowhere)

An eagle's nest high up in the rocks.

Carvings in the rocks, but we were skeptical how old they really were.

Luckily we didn't get the flat tire here...

Next up, Willow Springs, not much left of the Pony Express stop.

Mini sand storm when we got back on the road.

And then a flat tire at the next stop, Independence Rock, and we couldn't get the tire off the car :-(

While waiting for our ride back to civilization, we had time to hike to the top of Independence Rock to check out all the signatures.

It was super windy this time, the windiest it has ever been when I've been there.
(you can't quite tell, but I'm leaning back and the wind is holding me up!)

Down off the rock, we were in open range and made friends with two bulls.

Looking for more signatures.

Still following the Oregon Trail...

Wyoming sunset

(Mom - here's your picture of Jack and I...)

Thanksgiving in Hell...

...Hell's Half Acre that is.  And actually it was the day after Tofurkey Day.

(magpie on the fence)

(Look familiar anyone?  Can you say Starship Troopers...)

My brother showing off his dirty rear after a slip and fall.

Vacation wouldn't be complete without some Eeyore photos!

Beautiful colors in the rocks (and yes, I cheated and used the color enhancing setting on my camera).

(oops, photo evidence we were on the "wrong" side of the fence)

Elmo's Busy Weekend

Elmo cheered for back to back races, one in MD on Saturday and the other in PA on Sunday.  That was a first for him.  And he made some friends along the way.

Beautiful setting along the C&O Canal waiting for my friend who was running her first 50 miler - the JFK 50.

And here she is, still looking happy at mile 38!

Elmo's new friends:

The next day was a very early morning to head up to Philly...but Elmo was wide awake and ready to go!

Managed to catch my brother in a few places during the marathon.

And rounded off the day with brunch at the Marathon Cafe (fitting enough).  Elmo was on the street banners in downtown Philly :-)