Petroglyphs and Interstate Leapfrog

Today we began our long trek north to Yellowstone, starting with a continuation of the scenic drive from yesterday. This  took us through more spectacular rock formations, including vast vistas of barren land, all sculpted by the wind and rain.

We just about had time for a quick stop at a spot recommended by the campsite, to see some 700 year old Indian petroglyphs (pictures scratched into the rocks). Although it was a bit of a scramble up the cliffs, into a bizarre landscape of gullies, cacti and flaking red rocks, and we struggled to find the correct juniper tree at which to turn left (there were quite a few such trees...), we eventually located them. This was actually the first point on the walk, but unfortunately we just didn't have the time to complete the remainder (or probably the mountaineering skills). The petroglyphs were mostly of bighorn sheep, which were prized for food and therefore symbolic. It was sad to see there was quite a lot of modern damage caused by vandals attempting to replicate the petroglyphs, or even cut them out of the rock face.

We continued our journey, and had made excellent progress by lunchtime, passing through more mountain scenery dotted with large areas of aspens once again in autumn colours. Finally reaching the Interstate, we quickly reached our original intended close destination (Salina), then thankfully passed through Gunnison (apologies to Gunnison but the campsite there was called Don's Texaco Campground, which didn't sound too salubrious) and then Nephi, having decided to keep going until the next KOA campsite, leaving us closer to Bear Lake for the next day.

Our only entertainment on the road was overtaking large lorries (including oversized loads) on the uphill climbs, only to be overtaken by them on the downhill sections of the road. Bearing in mind the  limit was 80mph (the highest we had seen so far), and they were clearly nudging that speed.

Having located the campsite, and done our washing, we elected to eat outside as it was still in the high twenties (having been at least 31degrees during the day - so much for being cooler further north). This turned out to be a big mistake, and we were soon running for cover, with all members of the party experiencing varying degrees of being bitten by mozzies. This also prompted much slapping of the interior of the van with flipflops in at attempt to ensure we were not bitten any further.

Tonight's entertainment is going through the KOA guide to find the campsite with the largest 'pullthru' (pitch) - so far = 250ft!!!!! one cannot imagine what sort of 'rig' this would be for (presumably a massive motorhome, towing a 4x4 towing a small car towing some bikes).