Wednesday, September 14, 2011

September 14, 2011

South Pass

Temperature this morning was 32 degrees. Started traveling a little later as we had a bit shorter drive planned.

Today we continued east on I80 for about 50 miles and then headed north and east following in reverse the path of most of the emigrant trails. Flat to rolling country land that would be easy travel for wagons. The gentleness of the topography is deceptive however. It is high. Much of it is over 7000' elevation. Long, straight, (like into the horizon) stretches of road a mile and a half above sea level. South Pass, through which the trails went, looks like the low foothills of the Sierra Nevada - just much higher (and colder).

We crossed the Continental Divide at 7600' and the road continued up over some ridges on the eastern side. Highest point we reached was between 8500' and 8600'. Ten days ago we attended a wedding at High Camp, elevation 8200' :) . Some trees are already changing color.

We are in Lander, WY. It is gray, windy, and cool. Looks like an inside afternoon.

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