After leaving The Grand Tetons, we set our sights on covering ground and finding an RV Park with full hookups. The weather prediction for the night was freezing temperatures and snow. Yes, snow in September. As I said previously, summer in Wyoming is, well, different.
As we drove down the highway, we had plans to make it all the way to Casper, WY, but wind gusts of 30-40 miles per hour left us drained and ready to settle down about 100 miles short. So we got groceries, gas, and other supplies and found camping in Riverton, WY. It wasn’t a fancy place, but it had water and electric hookups – good enough for us and to ensure heat for the night! As soon as we settled in, the temperatures began to fall and before we knew it, we were running back and forth to the laundry room in wet heavy snow. It continued overnight and we woke up to an inch or two piled on the motorhomes and picnic tables. My first snow storm of the season! Haha
That morning we waited for temperatures to rise before driving, but the high of the day was somewhere around 38. So eventually we set off on another driving adventure through partially plowed roads where the speed limit is 80 miles per hour. We did not do that – more like 50 mph for us. The scenery was beautiful – a blanket of snow covering the land. In one direction the snow covered mountains glowed in the sunlight, in the other they were topped by ominous dark clouds. It would have been enjoyable to admire, if the roads were in better condition. After seeing a few cars skidded off the road (everyone was outside their vehicles and ok), getting splashed by tractor trailers, and having ice chunks thrown at us by plows, we opted drive to the interstate and rerouted. Another driving “adventure”. So far, the Solis has now withstood curving, narrow roads, hail, high winds, and snow. It’s a beast. 😍
Exhausted from the stressful driving, we settled in Gillete, South Dakota, our 12th state of the trip. We ended the day with pizza and drinks. Well deserved. (Although I accidentally got served gluten-FULL pizza and ate a slice before the waitress realized the mishap. Luckily I am not allergic. I did suffer a few days of discomfort and tiredness, but am fully recovered now). It was an, interesting (?), introduction to South Dakota.
The following day we moved on, me a bit cranky from the gluten, to Spearfish, SD. I did my best to make the best of the day despite not feeling well.
Spearfish is a great small town with a vibrant downtown area, beautiful city park and campground, and historic fish hatchery! We walked around the shops, which were very quiet, and made a few purchases to support local businesses. I bought myself a new pair of strap sandals since my old ones had been falling apart since North Dakota, week one. The gorilla glue I used to hold them together was working pretty well, but they’d certainly seen better days. So, I treated myself to a new blue pair of Chacos. They are working out very well, although I still can’t seem to part with my Merrells – maybe it’s because I’ve had them since middle school. Haha
That night we settled into the green, quiet campground at the edge of the city and enjoyed a peaceful night of rest. Tomorrow we would continue the path east, slowly making our way home.
Tonelli's Travels 