Congratulations! The winner is ----

Congratulations!  The winner is Mike Wilson!
Mike, you correctly identified the formation as Devil's Gate, and your $1.00 prize is being sent to you today via US MAIL.

I am sure you will be anxiously waiting at your mailbox, for the arrival of your mailman.

I was surprised to find out that both Mormon and Oregon Trail pioneers passed by this landmark although the actual routes of travel did not pass through this gorge.  It was carved out by the Sweetwater River.

Devils Gate - Pic taken from Martin' Cove.

Mike & Debbie

The trail comes through Rattlesnake Pass in the distance hills.

Bev & John pose in front of  'the gate.'

Modern youth pioneers prepare for a 'trek' experience.

I don't know about you, but I'm glad I live in a day when transportation is so efficient.  We traveled in a car made in Japan, getting 30 + miles to the gallon.  I think the handcart people probably were lucky to travel 5 miles a day.

This is desolate country.  The carcass above was laying just over the fence, separating it from a little rest area.

Ah, Wyoming rest areas!  On this road, they were just little turnouts with no trees, tables, or running water.  So we 'made do' the best we could - eating out of the trunk of the car.

We didn't spend much time at Martin's Cove because we wanted to reach Devil's Tower before sundown.  It is located in NE Wyoming, so off we went, rolling over this vast state, wondering how those 19th century pioneer ever made it on foot.

This is a Devil's Tower "wannabee."

Okay!  Next posting will be of Devil's Tower.  This astounding formation is more spectacular than I ever imagined, so be sure to check back in a few days.