C.O.D.

Blogging in the elements at the
KOA in Rock Springs, WY

Having been retired for a couple of years now, there are very few things that will prompt me to wake up at the Crack of Dawn (C.O.D.). But here I am, having raised my droopy eyelids at the definitely C.O.D. time of 4 a.m. to hit the road yet again. This time bound for an old favorite - Jackson Hole - where we’ll spend a week or two at the Gros Ventre (pronounced “grow vont”) campground where we hope to visit once again with the resident moose and bear population. It was there last year that I opened the door of the men’s restroom late one afternoon and almost bonked my head on the nose of one very big moose. I’m sure I was more startled than he (yes, it was a Bull moose proudly displaying his magnificent new rack) as this was after all his home territory and I but a passing visitor, albeit one of several thousand who flock to the area each summer. We agreed that I would retreat post haste and leave said moose to continue munching on the apparently delicious foliage adjacent to the aforementioned restroom facilities. 

There was also mention among the campers of the resident bears purportedly making their way around the campground at the C.O.D. as well as in the twilight hours but we never did see Ursus  Arctos or their smaller cousin Ursus Americanus. Neither did we see hide nor hair of Jackson Hole’s most famous resident, Bear 399, and her cubs though we certainly had our eyes peeled on the lookout. Perhaps this year we’ll catch a glimpse of Ursus OfAnyKindness which would be fine by me. I know my wife was disappointed to not see any bruins on our visit to the Hole last year. Since COVID erupted we’ve seen more bears at home in Colorado - 2 at Chatfield State Park in Denver (I say “in” because it is now almost completely surrounded by suburbs) and one just a week or so ago in Aspen as we rode the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of the mountain. Perhaps the bears in the great State of Wyoming know the hunters are watching for them and are keeping a low profile as would I if I was in the sights of a high-powered rifle.

Speaking of endangered species, on our drive today (Denver to Rock Springs) I saw a sign in support of Cheney 2022 which I’ll assume was endorsing Liz and not her former Vice Presidential father Dick. Listening to the radio after crossing the Wyoming line, the airwaves were full of fairly nasty (o.k., really nasty) ads degrading Liz and supporting her opponent. Now, I’m not a Republican (or Democrat either for that matter), but history has a way of eventually recognizing the efforts of those not in favor among the masses and Liz Cheney is certainly not likely to be voted Most Popular among her own party, or at least the Republican Party that preceded Mr. Trump. But Liz, if you’re ever in my neck of the woods I’d love to take you to lunch and say Thank You for standing up for the country when its own citizens were seemingly intent on destroying it. 

Rock Springs is a good stopping place between Denver and Jackson Hole and seems to be doing quite nicely as a town. Lots of retail you’d recognize, new homes going up all over the place. Mining, Oil and Gas extraction is the main industry here followed closely by Health Care and Social Services. The population doesn’t appear to be growing very much according to the internet but does seem to be holding its own which is something compared to some other Wyoming towns that would appear to be going the way of the tumbling tumbleweeds. 

Well, the afternoon T-storms are starting to spit at me so I guess I’ll sign off for now. The raindrops feel nice on what’s been a very hot day, and even the hurricane winds that Wyoming is so famous for have a bit of a cool feel to them though it makes it difficult to hold the keyboard on the outdoor table. So unlike Liz, I’m going to duck and run for cover. Until tomorrow, stay dry my friends, stay dry.