Furs, Skulls, Antlers

This is a whole different world out here. Furs, Skulls, Antlers. That's what a sign advertised on the way out to the ranch. Um...ok. Oh, and I should tell you that in front of the building where you can buy such wondrous objects, there is a stack of antlers 20 feet high and I don't know how big across. I found it disgusting. And sort of intriguing. Who am I kidding? Being out in nowheresville Wyoming feeds right into my love of maniacs. My imagination is bursting with images of whatever psycho will sell me a skull with matching pelt - if I'm lucky of course.

Which reminds me of this episode of My Redneck Wedding, or whatever it's called, where this woman was marrying this guy who stopped to pick up roadkill on the side of the road, even if they were just on their way to the movies or something, and then he would SMELL it and THEN he would take it home and skin it and keep a collection of bones. Of course, that was the south, but then again, they do speak with a drawl here.

Anyways, it's the first day at the ranch and I am exhausted. Got a crash course in my job. Seems about right-administrative customer service wine and dine charm the socks off the guests type work. Two awesome things: the view from my "office" and the honor system they employ at their bar upstairs in the lodge. Love it.

I miss the bejeezes out of everyone I am used to seeing on a weekly basis. Or even people I might potentially see within a month, but you know, I am here and I am going to make the most of it. The scenery is breathtaking. The people are all incredibly nice. We have family style meals in the back of the lodge. I am not yet to the point where I am comfortable bringing a 6 pack to such functions, but I'm sure I'll get there eventually :)

Pictures for those that fancy them and a big hello to everyone keeping up with this adventure.

Lucy

The road to the ranch where mom and I saw a moose today! Moose with calf!















My room. There is a big bathroom too...didn't think that was anything new to see, but maybe it will make it into the greatest hits album that might appear here some day...














Hee!!! Told you it's crazy out here. Antler door...knob? Heh.

Send me stuff!

For those of you looking for ways to send me presents or money or nice thoughts...I'm gonna throw the address of the ranch up on my facebook page.

Long days and pleasant nights, <3, Lucy

Last Day with Mom

We went to Mammoth Hot Springs today. I've included some pics, but I am not sure they convey how cool and bizarre this place - and all of Yellowstone for that matter- is. Now we are in The Cody hotel in Cody, WY watching Obama answer questions about his 100 days in office. I am enjoying the hotel robes and trying to enjoy some tea while I watch mom in all her healthful glory finish off our bottle of wine. Sigh.

We also ate in a saloon today. No joke. Guess what this place is...berserk.

Tomorrow, it's off to the ranch! Mom hops on the Yellowstone express prop plane in the afternoon and then I think my summer adventure will officially get underway. For those of you curious about the wildlife in the area, here's our badass wildlife list:

Elk, Buffalo, Sandhill Cranes, Kestrels, Eagles (bald and golden), Merlin, Ravens, Bluebirds, Osprey, Pelican, Deer, Rough-legged hawk, dead skunk, and, well, lots of dead things actually....

Yep, pretty cool.

If you want to have this much fun...







Copy and paste this link to take a look at our frigid foray down to Old Faithful:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=p4ctc17.56q51o5n&x=0&y=1dz9a3&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_button


I promise you won't regret it.

Could it be Swine Flu????

So my throat has been hurting off and on since before we left for the trip. I really hope I don't bring the flu, swine or otherwise, to the ranch. We were supposed to visit Yellowstone today where we would look upon glistening geothermal resources under bright rays of warm sunshine, but alas, the weather is crap. Since the roads remain open, I still plan to make the 90 minute drive to the gift store for my postcards dang it. Sounds like we will also take Beastie down to Old Faithful to see what we can see. It'll be a sad day when we let a little snow stop us.

On another, happier note, while a large part of my heart misses the Portland bums who loiter and bellow outside my window at all hours of the night, I think the taxidermy in this part of the country more than makes up for it. Seriously, this hotel is berserk. Check out the pics below.

And, for those of you who like my sign off, you can thank Mr. Stephen King. Dark Tower Series! Thankee-sai. I know. I am a dork.


Check back soon for Yellowstone pics (I hope!) and until then,

Slán go fóill

Lucy

The hotel has 5 hot tubs. All lorded over by these beastly fellows:


Just another relaxing Tuesday morning at the C'mon Inn!

Yellowstone here we come!