Travel Days and Rest Days — Streaming Sunsets

(Originally posted by Sandra on Facebook on August 20, 2026)

August 10 & 11

After returning the girls to their parents, I flew back to Denver. From Denver we drove and drove some more. Our destination for the evening was Douglas, WY. As we were nearing the end of our drive, the wildest winds kicked up. We saw a fire developing quickly. We realized the fire was very near our stopping point. We decided to continue our drive another 40 minutes just south of Casper, WY.

A column of wildfire smoke rising over the Wyoming prairie, seen through the truck windshield past the side mirror — Our campground for the night. Needless to say, we continued on!

From Casper, we left the Interstate and began traveling along Hwy 20 through the beautiful Wind River Range. It was a welcome change from the endless prairie lands. About a half hour before reaching Cody, we stopped in the adorable town of Meeteetse. We visited a local artist’s gallery and mural, as well as the local meat market, before finishing the drive to Cody.

Yes, Cody is known for its amazing museums and is the gateway to Yellowstone, but we were just passing through this time.

August 12

We finished our drive just south of Red Lodge, MT. We began our ascent into the Custer National Forest. Tom had reserved a lovely site in the Parkside Campground, perfectly placed alongside Rock Creek. It was as peaceful as it was gorgeous. As we sat, we enjoyed the sights, sounds and cooler temperatures. For the first time in nearly two weeks, we rested. We didn’t even mind that it began to rain. It was a welcome reprieve from the temps of 109 degrees we experienced the week before.

Belle parked among tall pines at Parkside Campground with Rock Creek running just beyond the trees — Our site at Parkside Campground, right alongside Rock Creek

We collected the fresh rainwater to rinse our shoes. After 24 hours of on and off again rain washing off nearly 2,000 miles of road dirt, I was able to collect enough water to shine Belle to her beautiful luster. The ceramic coating we had applied last year made that an easy task.

Sandra on a step stool drying the side of the Airstream with a cloth, the creek and pines behind her — Rainwater, a step stool, and a ceramic coating — back to her luster

August 14

Tom and I explored the town of Red Lodge visiting local shops and a bakery.

We were so excited for what was coming our way. Wes, Hailey and Ben were driving in from Missoula to explore the Beartooth Scenic Drive and Wilderness with us.