Today took us into a 16 person neighborhood in the surrounding mountains where we are now staying, an area which is remote for locals. The big city of Douglas is, to me, already a long way from home.

Not long after we arrived, M K and M KJ took us on a 4×4 tour of the countryside to a 200 acre property recently purchased. I’ve never been four wheeling. They know the different trees and told stories underscoring that out here you can’t look to your phone for weather reports or directions.

The mountains of eastern Wyoming.

The land here is in a seasonal transition and this means fields of flowers. Irises, arnica and sunflowers color the hills. The downpour today is part of a lucky coincidence of of several weeks of on and off rain which we are fortunate to experience. Today was not just rain: through the gray came punctuated lightening strikes and subsequent booming thunder, generally only heard by me in a Thor movie. Yes creeks too! And towering rock majesties. The evergreens, low shrubs and grass are a reality check; this is actually a semi arid climate.

On the way back it began to hale. We pulled under a tree for protection and listened to a story of being in a hale storm with baseball sized pieces of ice pummeling everything. And sheet ice. Ever heard of that? This went down maybe 200 mi north from here.

These guys are one tight family. The sharing, patience, mutual interests, consideration, kindness and humor are a solid recipe for a strong connection. We are so fortunate to be able to bask in it all and appreciate the wonderful generosity and attention.

Super glue to the rescue! Sunglasses, starfish art, window pull and truck fender piece all put back together again.

Later that night we slipped into a wood heated no chlorine out in the stunning Wyoming countryside hot tub. The juxtaposition of the cool wind and just right water was exquisite and we soaked for hours.