Driving on Interstate 90 from the east, this is the view you get just north of Buffalo, WY. We are heading north towards Sheridan - three vehicles, 10 guys, and 11 sleds.
It was quite an adventure just managing road conditions. We left southern MN at 4 am in an ice storm. Four-wheel drive was necessary all the way to about the Missouri River. Then conditions improved until about 90 minutes out of Rapid City, SD. I was sleeping, but awoke to near white-out conditions. From there, it was 45 mph at best with 90 degree crosswinds. In Rapid City, it was snowing heavily. We stopped for a quick lunch wanting to get back on the road before the interstate was shut down. It didn't take long before out vehicles were covered with snow. Conditions finally improved beyond the Black Hills.
Snow conditions weren't ideal on the north end of the Big Horns, but they were vastly improved from the year before. We found a few large play areas with very few tracks south of the lodges such as this one.
Does it take your breath away? I am always amazed at the grandeur of the rugged landscape in the west. There's always something more beyond the next ridge, it just seems endless...
I would estimate that the snow in this meadow was at least 4 feet deep. There was a thin crusty layer about a foot below the surface. Below that? Let's just say we buried a few sleds and never touched a single rock.
See that tree line half-way up the slope in the upper-middle portion of the picture above? That's where we are parked in this photo. It's time to take another break and recoup our energy for a push over yet another ridge.
I don't want to embarrass Mike, but I've included this picture to remind him of this incident. Ok, so it really wasn't a big deal. A manifold nut had come loose and his Cougar was making a little more noise than usual. But it was only a nut this time, Mike. Next time it might be an idler wheel or maybe a bearing. Point is Mike, the Cougar is old and we're pulling for ya to get a new sled. Time to upgrade to a paddle track and another 20 hp at least. We know you're ready for it. Just think, those pesky hills and deep snow meadows won't stand a chance!
Ok everybody, on my count. 1-2-3... AAAAAaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh...now we've got that out of our system. Another trail stop and we found some friendly birds who were happy to help us finish up our snacks. Ignore the helmet hair...
"Ok guys, time for a group photo. Everybody gather 'round. Tell Sam to turn around...oh, ok, well, I'll wait til he gets done watering that tree."
