Day 9

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States: Wyoming
Miles driven: 53
Miles hiked: 4
Slept: My tent, 1 mile from next days trailhead in Wind River Mountains.
10 words or less: Awoke by grunting moose. Slid off a waterfall. Totally awesome!

Mother Nature’s slip and slide

I had the day to explore around Lander and Sink’s Canyon and started it off with a little one mile hike off the campgrounds. Based on the size of the pooh droppings I had to dodge, I believe I solved the mystery of what was grunting across the creek after sunset last night. Moose! I didn’t see one yet, but it was cool to know how close they were. Mid-way through the trail I heard some bizarre cries off in the distance and up the canyon walls behind the thick flooring of pine and birch trees. Turns out it was a party of rock climbers making their way up the wall. I couldn’t see them though, but it sounded like they were having a blast. Maybe when I return to Lander, which I’m certain I will do, I’ll give it a try.

The night before, the campsite host, Augie, had told me about a favorite spot the locals like to frequent. It was at the top of a gorgeous 1.5 mile hike to the top of Popo Agie Falls and it was a must see. When he told me, I was sure I wouldn’t do what I ended up doing. I’d chicken out for sure. The 1.5 mile hike up to the falls was great. I met two guys hiking with their three adorable dogs and we shared the trail and a story or two. At the waterfall, a French family were lounging by the pool of water, looking up at their daughter. She was perched on top of the waterfall. When she slid down it and splashed into the water, I knew I wouldn’t chicken out. I totally had to do it! I gathered up my nerve and said “fuck it”. Here’s the video of one of the most exhilarating and fun moments of my entire trip.

Later I got a free shower from a sympathetic pool attendant. Wait, that didn’t come out right. Long version: for $2 you can swim at the school pool in Lander. They don’t, like, force you to swim or anything, so you can just go right in and use their showers. Sweet crapsicles did I need a shower. He even gave me a free towel. I think a major advantage a woman traveling alone has is sympathy. Deserved or not, people feel like they have to help you or protect you or give you shit. Yes, I have embarked upon a 30 day road trip so woefully unprepared and under-funded I need you to give me a free $2 shower. Then again, who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? But I’m fully capable of washing my back myself, mister. He also gave me a shopping bag full of school kid snacks random mothers had left behind. Why are moms so insistent with the raisins. Gross!

I got back to camp just in time to meet up with my two back-packing partners for the weekend’s trip up into the Wind River Mountains.