Road Trip: Wyoming and Idaho

It might sound strange, but I feel like my journey really began in Wyoming. When I crossed the state line I started to feel like I was really in the West–wide and open and untouched. Desert and rolling hills and gorgeous mountains that loom along the horizon when, all of a sudden, you’re driving through them! Seriously, it happened so quickly; I feel like I drove over a hill and then I was suddenly in the mountains of Jackson Hole area. As I got into town and started seeing men walking around in boots and cowboy hats, I couldn’t help but think, Where the heck am I?

I couchsurfed in Jackson, and I stayed with this really great guy named Gary. He works on the fire crew at Grand Teton National Park, so I got to stay with him right in the middle of this gorgeous national park. The night I got there he took me to these hot springs–nature’s hot tub without all of the chemicals. It felt so amazing, and it was such a strange feeling to be sitting in this hot pool of water in the middle of the forest.

The next day was Gary’s first day off in fourteen days, and I had planned to leave that afternoon but ended up staying an extra night because I had so much fun with him. We went on this amazing hike to a place called Death Canyon, and then we drove over Teton Pass (beautiful road that goes up through the mountains to the other side into Idaho) to grab some things and eat lunch. Then we drove all around the park and he showed me some of the wildlife, including the bison!

I passed out pretty early that night and headed out early the next morning to Boise, Idaho. I’m glad that friends recommended Boise as a stop because I never would have guessed that it’s actually a really cool city. I only stayed there for one night, but I had a really great time with another couchsurfing host and his roommates. It’s another place I’d love to visit again.

Anyway, that was Monday, and then I drove to Oregon on Tuesday and stayed with my friend Daylin and her family in Philomath, Oregon (near Corvallis). Tomorrow we’re heading out again, checking out the sights along the coast and camping out tomorrow night in northern Oregon. Then we’ll head out to Portland, meet up with another Bucknell friend, and spend the night with Daylin’s cousin. I’ll update you all on Oregon as soon as I get the chance, but until then I hope all is well and you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather!

Much love.

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