Today we left the KOA in Craig, CO and started our migration toward the Grand Tetons. We couldn’t get reservations anywhere in the Grand Tetons over the weekend, not to mention that we didn’t want to be in the Grand Tetons on a weekend anyway, so we stopped for the weekend in Boulder, WY (Population 75, Elevation 7,016′) at the Highline Trail RV Park. We only had two choices for routes to get here (there are not a lot of roads in this part of the world) and the route with the least high grade climbs (CO-13) had construction that placed us on a one lane dirt road for 5 miles behind a pilot vehicle. We didn’t think we wanted to deal with that in the RV while towing the Tahoe, but the only other choice was to head into Utah on US-40 and then head north on US-191 (the road Highline Trail RV Park is on). The problem with the second option is that the climb north from US-40 on US-191 immediately goes into a serious climb with many switchbacks and 8 and 10% grades. After our experience getting to Craig, CO (with the RV temporarily overheating on an 8% grade) we elected that we would deal with the construction on CO-13. We definitely made the right choice. We only had to wait about 15 minutes for the pilot car to lead our small group of vehicles down the unpaved detour. The dirt was heavily packed and there was no dust due to the rain the day before. Other than that the 5 mile section of construction the road was great and only had one decent climb at a 5% grade. It dumped us off on I-80 and we headed west to the first exit where we bought fuel at a Loves Travel Stop for what I hope is our maximum fuel price ($3.47/gal after our fuel card discount) this year (I’m not holding my breath). We stopped for lunch at a Rest Area on I-80 and then continued west to US-191 at Rock Springs, WY. US-191 is extremely desolate. We really only passed through one town of any consequence (Eden, WY – 2010 census population 281) during the 90 mile drive from Rock Springs to the campground in Boulder. We encountered one decent grade (5 to 6%) which only raised our engine temperature a bit.
This campground is awesome and is located on the west side of the Wind River Mountain Range at 7,016′. Full hookups for $36/night and some of the largest sites (both length and width) we have ever seen. The few trees aren’t very tall, so the roof DISH network antenna worked fine. The new AT&T Wi-Fi is working so well (35Mbps download/10 Mbps upload) that I haven’t even tested the campground Wi-Fi. We would have liked to have spent more time outside this evening, but it has been a very rainy day (only the third time we have encountered rain on this trip). No complaints here as the rain is desperately needed and tomorrow’s forecast looks very good. We did try to take the cats out for a short bit, but the garbage crew came through and the cats were all scared of the beautiful horse pulling the garbage wagon.
On Saturday we had a delicious breakfast at the Boulder Store (right next to the campground) and then drove about 12 miles to Pinedale, WY for groceries and some dry lubricant from the attached (to the grocery) ACE Hardware store. It’s the first ACE Hardware I’ve ever visited that not only sells rifles and shotguns, but reloading supplies including dies, powder, and bullets (welcome to America!). After lunch we visited a local distillery. How could one not visit Cowboy Country Distillery? We were very fortunate to be hosted by the actual owner/distiller who has been distilling liquor for over 49 years and worked for Seagram’s many of those years. The beverages were delicious and we probably spent too much money on take home “samples”.
Highline Trail RV Park – Site #18 
Highline Trail RV Park – Wind River Range in Background 
Highline Trail RV Park – Totally Green Trash Service 
Boulder Store – Biscuits & Gravy 
Boulder Store – Big Breakfast 
Highline Trail RV Park – Phoebe Chill’n 
Beth Receiving Some Feedback from Yet Another Horse
