Day 13: Another State Line

Thursday July 1

Squirrel Ranch, ID to Colter Bay, WY

52.1 miles, 3329 ft climbed, 845.5 cumulative miles

The orange rough road ahead sign greeted us shortly after we pulled away from the ranch. Rough road is a relative term - this road was certainly rough but rolled quickly in comparison to the last two days. 

We anticipated the Wyoming state line sign but Irena almost missed it. The road slightly improved in Wyoming and we enjoyed fields of wildflowers along the road. Irena had fun with pretending to race an elderly couple in an ATV. We briefly chatted about their flags and saw them many hours later on their return trip. 

We were grateful to be back among the trees as they cast welcomed shade. But it was a much cooler day - temps in the mid 80s. Headwaters Lodge in Flagg Ranch was as much civilization as we have seen for quite some time with all the visitors to the Tetons and Yellowstone milling around. We had to plan today and tomorrow around post office hours in Moran, about 10 miles east of Colter Bay, to pick up our special resupply packages mailed by our husbands. 

We worried that we wouldn’t get a camp spot in Colter Bay and were prepared to sweet-talk/beg and if that didn’t work, wildcamping some 15 miles after Colter Bay was a possibility. 

We watched big dark clouds form and listened to the thunder as we left Flagg Ranch. The threat to get drenched was real with few big drops letting us know what’s coming. But in the end, we outran the storm on the 15 paved miles to Colter Bay. 

Although campground full signs were readily displayed everywhere, we couldn’t have asked for a friendlier welcome assuring us that they have hiker/cyclist campsites. We were relieved and joyful! Early end to the day, no storm yet and possibility of laundry were all things that we needed. 

Wyoming has treated us very well so far - stunning views and clean clothes!

Published July 2, 2021