Since our return from Yellowstone we've been fortunate in taking a few shorter trips and discovered a new interest.
It started with a day trip to Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming - about 1 4 hour drive from Brigham City. The first part took us on familiar routes - up to Logan and through the spectacular Logan Canyon to Bear Lake, with the promise of a raspberry shake on the way home. From there a relatively short drive - you know you're in Wyoming when the roads are straight (did Romans found Wyoming? (lol)).
Fossil Butte is surprising. Although it's ow high desert, millions of years ago it was part of a vast inland sea. The visitor center (which is open and practicing social distancing) has well preserved fossils of fish, reptiles, birds (many similar to the birds we're seeing this summer) and even some mammals. The sabre toothed cat was in evidence, but so was a smaller feline called a Lake Cat, about the size of a bobcat and now, of course, extinct.
As well as the fossils, we saw dioramas of life along the shores of the ancient sea, as well as within it. After getting our fill, we went on a 1.5 mile "nature trail" with Vicky disagreeing with the NPS assessment of it as easy. Didn't see any wildlife bigger than a small lizard, but the scenery was great. We were also able to drive through the mountainous areas of the monument before starting the long journey back to the Refuge. We picked up brochures on other National Park sites concerning fossils, and seem to have a new interest. More trips to come.
Stopped for dinner in Garden City on Bear Lake on the way back. The burgers were good, but the best thing about this small town is the fresh raspberry shakes, This one came complete with seeds, so we know it was authentic. Confirms the fact that I LOVE BEAR LAKE RASPBERRIES.
Coming up next, and overnight trip to the Hagerman Horse.
No comments:
Post a Comment