Summer ‘24 Week 6

Week 6 of our 8-week summer 2024 road trip included 3 one-night stops in Wyoming, and a 4 nights stay in Billings, MT, visiting with friends.

Our first stop in Wyoming was Cheyenne. We stayed at the RJourney Cheyenne RV Resort. This resort used to be the Cheyenne KOA, but I guess they dropped out of the KOA network. It was a basic “journey” type park, right off of I-80, and right next door to a Camping World. At least we could walk over and do some shopping at Camping World while we were there.

When we got there, it was very windy, and later that evening, we experienced quite the powerful thunderstorm. The lightning was lighting up the sky in all directions, and for a while the rain was coming down hard. It was all over by morning, and when I woke up, I noticed the RV seemed a lot cleaner than it did the night before.

Our site at RJourney Cheyenne RV Resort. Nothing too exciting.

Those clouds eventually turn into a raging thunderstorm. Cheyenne, WY.

Our second stop in Wyoming was Casper. We stayed at the Casper KOA Journey. This is a place we stayed at two years ago as well. We had a shady spot under a couple of the only trees in the park. It’s an ok place for a one-night stop, but I' wouldn’t want to be there much longer than that

There was a self-serve car-wash across the street, and I noticed they had a dog-wash booth. So, Rosie got her first washing of the trip. We also walked around their neighborhood park, and for dinner, we got take-out from “The Hangar” restaurant behind the RV park.

One of the only shady spots at Casper KOA Journey. Casper, WY

Left the truck connected overnight at Casper KOA Journey. Casper, WY

Our third and last stop in Wyoming was Buffalo. We stayed at the Buffalo KOA Journey. This park was surprisingly nice, especially the sites on the other side of the creek that runs through the park. Our site wasn’t one of those, but it was still close to the creek, and had some grass.

Our site at Buffalo KOA Journey. Buffalo, WY.

The creek running through Buffalo KOA Journey. Buffalo, WY

Since this was the third day in Wyoming, and we hadn’t really done much to “see” Wyoming since we got there (except for driving up I-25), we decided to go for a drive in the truck. The brochure for the Buffalo KOA listed "the “Crazy Woman Canyon” drive as a good activity, so we decided to give it a shot. That was a lot of fun. Went 10 miles south of the KOA, then we got on a 15-mile dirt road. About 5 miles of that was the canyon itself, which has some spectacular scenery, including rock walls, giant boulders, a mountain stream, and lots of trees. At the end of the canyon, it connects to highway 16, for a beautiful ride back to Buffalo.

Andrea driving up the Crazy Woman Canyon. Near Buffalo, WY.

The view while driving down Highway 16 towards Buffalo, WY.

After the drive, we took Rosie and ate dinner at the Saloon in the historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo (they do allow dogs in the restaurant).

The Saloon at the historic Occidental Hotel. Buffalo, WY

Finally, we were on to Billings, MT. In Billings, we stayed at the Billings KOA Holiday, same as we did two years ago. We had a really nice spot with a swing, and outdoor table and chairs. It’s a really great, family friendly park, with access to the Yellowstone River. We stayed in Billings for 4 nights, which was a nice break from traveling, and we spent a lot of the time there with our good friends.

Our site at the Billings KOA Holiday. Billings, MT

Relaxing at the Our site at the Billings KOA Holiday. Billings, MT

Andrea and Rosie cooling off in the Yellowstone River access from Billings KOA Holiday.

Some of the memorable activities we did while staying in Billings include a day-trip to Red Lodge, MT, with a hike in the Custer National Forest, and a drive up to the Beartooth Pass Summit (crossed the Wyoming border again). Also did a couple hikes nearer to Billings, including Norm Schoenthal Island, and Four Dances Trailhead. Mostly we enjoyed the company of friends, and some nice dinners together.

Hiking in the Custer National Forest. Near Red Lodge, MT.

Resting near a mountain river in the Custer National Forest. Near Red Lodge, MT.

Had to go back into Wyoming to get high.

30 degrees cooler up here at the top of the mountain than it was in Billings.

Scenic view from our Four Dances Trailhead hike. Billings, MT

Rosie and Winnie enjoying the Yellowstone river. Norm Schoenthal Island. Billings, MT

It’s hard to believe that six weeks are over, and we’re down to the final two weeks of this summer’s trip. It’s gone by so fast. Next week is all about visiting Yellowstone, then we’re heading back to California. I’ll give you an update next week.

Summer ‘24 Week 7

Summer ‘24 Week 5