The most exciting adventure yet. This could be considered Ruby's true maiden voyage. Getting to Salt Lake was one thing, but being out on the road on an adventure is a whole other animal.
The road led us to Jackson, Wyoming, for the 2017 Eclipse. The hype was large. We were set for something beyond what we were expecting to get. Finding a campsite with old Rube's was a daunting task. Even a few days before the celestial event of the decade, we had to put a few dings in the old girl before we could find our own little spot tucked back in the cow-ridden, forest land of Jackson. In some ways it was comforting to have so many domestic animals around. Despite my continuing efforts, I have yet to pet a "wild" cow.
The days were filled with hammock laying, beer drinking, forest road driving fun. We were able to procure a spot for the eclipse up on a ridge line overlooking the wide expanse of the Tetons. There are truly no words to explain the Eclipse. Hours before we prepared ourselves for a let down, but after witnessing the full eclipse, we were truly speechless. Needless to say, when it goes almost completely dark at 10:00 AM for 2 minutes, its an incredibly amazing experience. It got cold, the horizon all the way around us looked like a 360 degree sunset. It was amazing! And yes, I did get a picture with my eclipse glasses over my camera lens, despite many websites saying that would not be possible.
This was an amazing first trip. I finally was back in my element, the west. I think I derive a lot of energy and strength from the mountains. There is something about going down public land roads and finding places that I have never been before that is truly exhilarating. There is also something to be said for the amazing views, the amazing people, and (lucky us) the amazing weather. Top 5 adventure, easy.
As I head forward on the road, I worry daily about gas money and where I'm going to sleep. But, every night of this voyage, I was fed, happy, and asleep in a beautiful, new, and exciting place.
