LA to NJ Road Trip Day 3
7/30/16. We had a wonderful surprise this morning when an old family friend in Utah contacted us on Facebook. She suggested we stop by on our road trip and we realized we were only 15 minutes away so we stopped for a wonderful visit to meet the man who had been my father's best friend as a young adult and served with him in the navy in WWII. What a wonderful, unexpected treat!
This visit gave us a late start, but was worth it! We quickly headed to Timpanogos Cave National Monument which was surprisingly crowded since you need tickets to visit the cave and they sell out. We had not planned on visiting the cave itself because of time and claustrophobia and a strenuous 1.5 hour hike to get there, so we enjoyed the surrounding area and visitor's center instead. This would be a great stop for those who love caves!
Fossil Butte National Monument
Next we drove 3.5 hours to Fossil Butte National Monument -- in the most remote part of Wyoming (we thought at the time...) This was a fascinating locale with an first-rate visitor's center that had amazing fossils from the time when this area was covered in lakes.
The educational value was very high--both in explaining the different geological periods and changes, and in showing the scientific processes for recovering the fossils. There was a scientist on premises working at the center with fossils. It's hard to believe the area was once a wetland. Talk about climate change!!
Next we drove another 4.5 hours through the most desolate, desolate, desolate area of Wyoming to stay in Casper. There was no sign of animals or human presence for hour after hour. Just sagebrush and dry hills. Occasional valley or butte. Did I mention desolate? Frightening, humbling, stupefying. How can this country be so BIG? The size is inconceivable until you experience it firsthand!
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