Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Captains Log June 2 -  Since we crossed another time line and are now 2 hours different than

home, we both woke up EARLY.  There was not rush as we had all day to get to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  I packed my backpack with some water and snacks, you know, essentials, and then my wallet.  The entrance is only about 2 miles down the road.

We both enjoyed the Visitor Center and the movie was great.  

Teddy on a wooden horse

 that we could not go all the way We stopped a number of times but as soon as we got going there were roaming bison and wild horses.  We continued to see groups of bison during our entire trip and some horses as well.  There are a number of prairie dog farms as well.  They

are one of my favorite things to see when we are out west.  They’re just so cute.  I took a lot of photos.

Prairie Dog

We saw one antelope and on one of our walks out along a ridge there was a darn snake.  Bill didn’t even notice and jumped and the darn thing couldn’t decide if he wanted on or off the sidewalk.  They creep me out.  So, of course as we walked off the sidewalk at the end I was watching like a hawk for its family!!

It was awesome scenery throughout the park and we did 2 short hikes for some needed

Wild Horses

exercise and saw so many types of rock formations.  The rock formations and colors can’t be seen just anywhere. 

Once we left the park I wanted to see this tall chimney I read about so we stopped at the little park there.  It was the remnants of the meat packing plant started here by De Mores who was a good friend to Teddy Roosevelt.  Not much is left but the chimney and some foundation corners. 

It was a long day so we opted to go out to dinner at the local “saloon”.  Our campground suggested it.  We were lucky with our timing as we were seated right away.  After us there was a line of people until it was time for us to leave.  You can tell it’s a local favorite and must be open all year long.  The ceiling beams are covered with baseball caps and $1 bills hanging all over.  They have a lottery ticket machine like a scratch off but they are peel offs.  I put in $4 Bill gave me and won $5, so whoopie I made a dollar!  We both enjoyed our meal.  Bill had a steak and I had an appetizer of Asian dumplings and a side salad.  I was plenty full.  Good meal after a long day!