Wyoming... (or...WOW)

Well Wichita got what we are calling dysteria while on the Oregon Trail.  So the day turned into a long line of stops. But at least it was pretty. This is also how I found out the sun doesn't set till 9 something up there! We found our cabin; which was amazing. The dogs were happy, we were tired.
The next morning.... I woke up in Wyoming!
Off to Yellowstone of course. Just 30 minutes down the road and I saw the gates. The first part was affected by a wildfire in recent years so it was really cool to see it coming back.
Now I had researched Yellowstone, and asked people who had been there what they recommend. After pouring over pictures and descriptions I realized it didn't matter which direction; there would be something awesome. And really all I wanted to see was a bison.
So off to the northeast path. Barely past the visitor center.... and I saw what I came to see!
And immediately we stopped in a bison traffic jam.

The rest of the day was waterfalls, and 300 steps to the bottom of the falls, and a river, and picnic, and just so much beautiful nature!  

It ended in steak and whiskey back at the cabin.

Instead of all the details.... how about pictures? Here ya go: Wyoming day 1.

Nebraska...(or The Oregon Trail!)

Grade school had a computer room in the basement. It was where I learned the greatest computer game ever.... The Oregon Trail.

Now this game spurred interest in the real trail. I've read and dreamed of what it was really like.

So.

After getting a great book of the maps, I knew I had to go.

Nebraska is gorgeous. 

Most of the way across it the Trail ran on the side on the highway, but there were no physical remains. Until Scotts Bluff. There is a part of the park where swails are visible. This is where the combination of wheel ruts and horse tracks and human feet all made a worn out path.

It was so cool walking the swail. It was humbling to think of the courage it took to follow this trail. It was overwhelming to think of the history of this place. 

More pictures....

The growling, fur cover, dog I love (or Wildfire)

Two years. Wildfire officially became my dog two years ago today. He was my first dog, and truly  he is the dog that I judge all dogs by. He sets the bar, and for being a dachshund mini poodle mix he sets the bar extremely high.

He is so handsome.

Far and away this little canine is braver most dogs out there. He came from a bad breeder, and a very bad dog-mother. He had a rough first month. Then he met me.

River fun in Gatlinburg.

Vacation. He is so great in the car.

Unfortunately under my care he has survived an attack by a much bigger boxer mix. And I will never know what he encountered the day of the break in. I know he was at the very least fended off with a Swiffer. I hope he bit. And I still thank the force in the universe that reminded me to take the key out of the key to key deadbolt in the back door. That action alone kept him in the house. And probably kept him in my life.
If the police ever catch the person(s) that did break in, I only want to ask them one thing. What did they do to my Wildfire?

But he has also been to may restaurants and Ted Drewes. He goes to the parks, and loves the local farmers market. He is a great shopping companion. He loves picnics, farms and snow. He is amazing in the car. He was an angel for the 8 hour rides on vacation. Vacation with him was great, this little boy was so excited and so adventurous. I am so excited to bring him out west this year. But his favorite road trip will always be his Oma and Papa Wright's house. They have a big back yard, and a deck and a big dining room table to hide under.

Nap under Oma's table.

Exploring he favorite back yard.

Visiting Great Grandma Wright

He is the guard dog. He taught Wichita very well. After all our hard work training  he still has rough edges and probably always will. But he also has let go and shown his soft cuddly side. He is sweet and he is so smart. And he has given me smiles every day for the last two years. He is my little brave boy. I am crazy about him. And I look forward to so many more great years with him.

Sharing his bed with his little sister Wichita (when she was actually little.)

He is clearly the one taking the job seriously.

Happy boy.

He always picks the biggest stick to chew on.

One month after the dog attack. Fur on his neck was growing back.

He loves this shirt. He think it makes him look like his Papa Wright. (It does.)

Him with the sweet Ripley.

My landshark.

His sweet raincoat.

Tired. (or how to recover from a snow day.)

Wildfire decided to test the new futon chair. Seems to pass his rigorous inspection. 

Pillows are difficult.

Snow Dogs! (or what a great day to be off work.)

This was the biggest snow these two pups have seen. Wildfire loves snow, but gets cold and tired of it quick. Wichita however..... I guess the Chow Chow and Akita in her really show on days like this. She eats a lot of snow, and can't quite contain her excitement.