Traveling, Camping and Hiking My Way Westward
Trail/Park: Glendo State Park, Glendo, WY and Seminoe State Park, Sinclair, WY
Across Wyoming
The morning sky filled with the pre-dawn light as I pushed myself to once again rise from the cozy cocoon of my camper. Coffee and breakfast were in order before I would continue my journey across Wyoming. I meditated and joined the Kula Dance Experiment. I took a walk of the campsite for trash only on at this moment finding the firepit filled with trash. I took the time to clean out what I could, putting it in my trash which I’d take to the first dumpster I could find.
Today I’d be heading to Seminoe State Park near Sinclair, Wyoming. I expected the drive to take me about four hours – a nice half-day of travel. The weather continued to be absolutely beautiful with clear skies and cool temperatures. I was really enjoying the experience of being in the moment taking in the changing scenery. My trip in 2022 had been comprised of long, 10-12 hour days covering longer stretches of distance in less time. This felt like a low savoring despite the challenge already faced.
Arriving in Casper, Wyoming at lunchtime I decided to take a break and find a place to eat. After a bit of last minute research, I decided on Sherrie’s Place Restaurant. From the reviews, I was looking forward to what I knew would likely be a plate of food larger than I’d be able to eat. What I got was that and a biscuit. Literally. I placed my order for a plate of enchiladas and was told they’d be right back with my biscuit. It seemed strange to me until I took one bite from that fluffy, warm floury delight. Just slightly sweet without the need for anything but maybe a little butter. I could have eaten a dozen. The plate of enchiladas was fine, but if I ever go back, I will make a simple meal of those biscuits.
Roads and Ruts
Well fed, I continued toward Alcova, WY where I would connect with Korte’s Road taking me to Seminoe State Park. Korte’s Road starts with about five miles of paved road before it transitions to another 20 miles of gravel road. This would have been fine, but the road was horribly rutted from recent rains and the travel of hunters to and from the area. As I drove what was perhaps some of the worst rutted road I’ve ever traveled, the camper bounced hard behind me. I hoped as I continued on that I was not one of those who had received a bad axel installed on the frame. Thankfully, it did not seem to be the case.
As I neared the split to Seminoe Road, going about 25-30 mph despite the posted 45 mph speed limit, I turned toward where my GPS was indicating I’d need to cross the pass of the Seminoe Mountains and eventually arrive at the park’s campground later that afternoon. Soon I’d saw a sign indicating it would require a class four vehicle (which is off-road). I quickly realized the route put me in way over my head in terms of vehicle and personal capabilities. I turned the rig around and took a break to consider my options. It had taken me well over an hour to get this far. I had the choice to camp along with many other folks at this point or turn back and look for another option. Either way, if I stayed or left, I’d have the long drive back on the severely rutted road.
A consultation with my gazetteer led me to the decision to turn back. While it was early afternoon, I still had enough time to get back to Alcova and, perhaps, get to Rawlins, Wyoming or even the south approach to the park before dark. I took a deep breath and drove back. It was awful and exhausting. I babied the camper by going slow. I passed a grader out on a section of the road making slow progress in what seemed a random place. I put on mellow music and laughed at the absurdity of this adventure. But I was also fine in bailing from it as I’ve done before. Today was not the day for me to see this particular park.
Small relief arrived when I hit the paved portion of the road. Then a bit more when I reached Alcova. I stopped for gas. I was considering my next option a friend texted me out of the blue to ask how I was doing. I laughed to myself as I texted back my current situation. My gut told me Rawlins was my next best option. It would put me a bit closer to my next stop tomorrow afternoon. My friend wanted to know how they could help. As I drove toward Rawlins it dawned on me I could ask if they would find me a KOA. There had to be a KOA near Rawlins.
A little while later I got a text that, yes, there was a KOA and a link to the mapped location. Problem solved. I relaxed even more. The hour drive to Rawlins on paved highway was welcome and uneventful. I arrived at the campground 30 minutes before closing. Entering the office, I waited for the person working the counter to get off the phone. She got me one of the last available sites, all the codes I’d need for the showers and laundry. I paid the fee grateful I’d have a place, while right on the highway, to camp for the night.
My friend got hearty thanks for the assist before I set off to do laundry and get a shower. Everything including my brain felt rattled and dusty. I ate, tucked my clean laundry and self into the camper and fell right to sleep hoping for a little less adventure tomorrow.
This travel, hike and camping took place on the traditional territory of the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho), and Newe Sogobia (Eastern Shoshone) 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.
Next Post Preview: Spoiler alert. My adventure would not be tested yet again as would my willingness to ask for help.
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.
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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