Go West: Lakes and Ponderosa

Traveling, Camping and Hiking My Way Westward

#51 of my 2023 52 Hike Challenge

Trail/Park: Thunder Basin National Grassland; Two Moon Loop, Glendo State Park, Glendo, WY

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Sublime Sunrise

The morning sunrise was everything I expected and more. I woke early as the pre-dawn light began to fill the sky. While I was certain now that the site I was seeking was located about a mile away, down the single lane dirt road I was camped next to, I was so grateful for the vantage point I’d found last night.

Excited for the unfolding change of color in the sky, I pulled myself out of the camper. There was a slight wind that added to the chill of the morning. I could have taken hundreds of photos (ok, maybe I did) as the sky changed from pinks to yellows and oranges and then the bright white sun with the clear blue backdrop of sky. The few clouds adding to the drama.

During my planning for the trip, I’d estimated the places I might have cell service and those where it was highly unlikely. I’d assumed this location would be sketchy at best, but I was surprised to find I would be able to participate in my morning ritual of meditation and dancing with the Kula Dance Experiment. I am not really a morning person, except when traveling or camping. Adding the Dance Experiment to my day has often been the push to get me going in the morning which I so desperately need. Besides, who doesn’t want to say they participated in a virtual dance event from a dispersed campsite “somewhere in the Thunder Basin National Grasslands while watching the sunrise?”

My morning routine complete, coffee in hand, I packed up for my next stop. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Wyoming’s state parks, but I was eager to find out what Glendo State Park would have in store for me. But first a rinse of the previous day’s dirt for the rig was in order. Mud and dust was caked on both the car and camper. I would be heading back through Newcastle, WY where I was sure I’d seen a car wash that I could take the entire rig through. It was easy to locate and I was happy to leave the clumped dirt behind while practicing a little Leave No Trace by not transporting non-native species (the principle of Leave What You Find).

My Own Time & Pace

One of the things I was coming to terms with is I needed to go at my pace, not the pace set by drivers all around me. When towing anything you simply don’t go as fast. I had finally found my comfort in this as I drove toward Lusk, WY. Cars and trucks whizzed by. I just kept my steady pace, using my flashers when the ascents slowed me down. Leaning into taking in the views that surrounded me and the road ahead. Miles of ranches and grassland stretched ahead of me, all the way slowly gaining altitude. A gentle reminder of the mountains ahead. Another kind of anxiety I’d need to overcome, knowing each time it would be worth the effort.

It was afternoon when I arrived at Glendo State Park. This was one of the parks where I hadn’t been able to make a reservation. I’d be picking a site on arrival. With about 20 campgrounds and more than 500 campsites, I had plenty to choose from. As I considered my options, the Two Moon Campground looked like it would give me access to water, pit toilets and electricity. I paid my fees at the entrance kiosk and made my way to the campground to pick a site. I picked a site tucked into the ponderosa pines with a neighboring trailer but few other campers around.

The oldest campground in the park, Two Moon Campground sits on the bluff above the reservoir created by the Glendo Dam. A trail runs around the perimeter of the campground so after getting settled at the campsite, I took a walk to check it out. The trail is a 2-mile loop which covers a variety of landscape. About half runs along the entrance road on prairie then bends toward the bluff above the reservoir into Ponderosa Pine. Through the trees there are vantage points over the dam and reservoir as well as several other campgrounds near the lakeshore. It was another day where I was awed with the views at every turn.

Looking at the reservoir from the vantage point of the bluff, surrounded the ponderosa pines I found a sense of calm. Breathing in the smells and appreciating the way the terrain and trees were blocking the wind that had been building all day. I had finally started falling into my travel rhythm. In the quiet back at my campsite I read, did some writing and enjoyed my dinner. A late evening call with my son alleviated a little bit of loneliness which had crept in.

As I readied for heading to sleep, I caught the sight of two elk running into the campground before disappearing. My curiosity got the better of me after a bit. I took a walk to see if I’d find them anywhere in the campground. A combination of disappointment and relief hit me when I was unable to find any evidence they had even been there at all.

Before falling asleep I considered the day and how grateful I was for all I’d seen as I traveled to this place where I’d never been before. Surrounded by pines I drifted off to a heavy sleep.

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This travel, hike and camping took place on the traditional territory of the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ and hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho) who have stewarded this land for more than 5,000 years. I respect the histories, languages and cultures of these peoples, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant and changing communities. Join me in learning more about the tribes and these lands, by following the links provided.

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME: My adventure camper is a lovely little teardrop made-to-order by the incredibly talented people at Vistabule in St. Paul, MN.

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GEAR: Granite Gear Crown2 38 Pack,Marmot Kompressor Pack,Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof,Oboz Katabic Low,Mountain Hardware Stretchdown™ Light Jacket, Mountain Hardware Stretchdown™ Pant,REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket,REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie,REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Pants, Gnara Go There™ Pants, Chickfly Merino Eucalyptus Leggings,Icebreaker Women’s Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Thermal Leggings, SPOT GEN3 Satellite GPS Messenger, Dueter Dirtbag, Kula Cloth, Leki Women’s Micro Vario Cor-Tec TA trekking poles, Nemo Dragonfly™ Ultralight Backpacking Tent, Nemo Sonic™ 0 Down Sleeping Bag,Paria Thermodown 30 down quilt, Exped Ultra 7R Mat,REI Flash 3-Season Sleeping Pad, Thermarest Z Seat™,MSR Pocket Rocket Stove, TOAKS Titanium 450ML Cup with Lid, MSR® IsoPro™ Fuel.

Want to know more about my gear selections? Head on over to Gear & Gadgets or check out my posts titled “Gear in Review”.

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