The Alcova/Pathfinder/Kortez/Seminoe Dams, Central Wyoming

As we drove the short distance from Casper to the turn for Alcova, we were surprised to find that this was truly scenic, remote and wild country.  We weren’t sure if Maxine could make it, as some of our maps described gravel roads (improved) and other maps made it look like the whole road was paved.  We took our chances and lucked out!

The North Platte River is (sadly, for some; welcome, for others) dammed in 4 places here.  The road begins right at the Alcova Dam where the river forms a small lake, of sorts on the other side.  

Alcova Dam

The road traverses the North Platte in several smaller sections where the river runs free and beautifully through the Fremont Canyon.  

Four wheel drive roads abound

Love the reds and greens of this area

Beautiful red rock canyons

Peeking at us from beside the road

Flowing free

We ended up on Wednesday night at Pathfinder Reservoir just west of the dam at a beautiful spot right on the lake.  It was windy and raining when we arrived.  It was thankfully cooler and peaceful, but windy most of the night.  Our only mishap was that the fan cover on the roof blew off in the wind and Jim had to defy the winds to get up there and duck tape it down again.

We couldn't even see the mountains on the other side.

The next day was bright and sunny. We took a nice hike up to the dam and an overlook into the undammed portion of the river. 

Walking along the shoreline

The back (front?) side of the Pathfinder dam

The view down to the Platte which runs from
here to Alcova dam

We must get better at selfies, although Boo
looks terrific, if needing a hair cut!  I was
sorry that I didn't hide behind him!

A video camera to keep watch over the dam

My pal and I on top

Healthy, big juniper trees are everywhere.

Vultures circling above

Our home for the next few days - note our home made
version of a wind break!  It worked pretty well but took
a real beating in these continual 30-40 mph winds.

Watching an incredible sunset move in

Where does that yellow color come from?

AND THEN! 

A double rainbow that you can see
from one side...

...To the other.

Can you believe this?

It was so relaxing, just staying in one place, reading, writing, swimming, walking and fishing.  

Jim fishing

A short swim and "sit" before.....

A storm comes moving down the rez

It was blowing so hard that we could see
vertical as well as horizontal waves!

It soon cleared.

And, we settled in to watch "Giant" on the little
screen.  Jack and Linda watch movies and had
several to lend us.

We liked it so much here that we spent 4 nights—finally, the wind got to us and we took off into the wilderness on the Alcova-Seminoe Back Country Byway.  It was beautiful but a little hairy, as much of it is dirt or gravel.  It is open range with scattered sage and juniper and lovely red rock cliffs, much like Utah in places.  You go up a bit into prairie where there are lots of rabbits, cows and antelope and a very few ranches.  The Pedro Mountains are apparently what we’ve been looking at for days—not high at all.

It's still ok, if a bit rough in places.

 We decided to check out the infamous Miracle Mile that is a 5.5 mile portion of free-flowing river that is a blue ribbon, class A trout stream.  Jim, newly re-inaugurated into the world of fishing, could hardly resist.  We found a great spot right on the river and settled in for a spell.

The view of the Miracle Mile was so worth it!

Our campsite right on the river

 

Jim reading the fishing regulations

He can fish right by our camp.

Quite a spot we have for ourselves!

Another beautiful Wyoming sunset

The next day, we took a hike up the canyon and Jim had great success:

Two sleepy guys with coffee before taking
off for worthy pursuits

Our hike along the river

Boo and I settled in to meditate right here.

THE fishing spot

Check out that bend in the rod!

And, what's on the end.....

Open your eyes, Jimbo-it's a beauty!

There she (he?) lies-ready for dinner.

And another fish he caught - a walleye?  We
weren't sure but he beheaded him and we cooked
him up.

The next day, we decided to drive up the canyon and see where Jim had fished yesterday and see if we could get through to the other side.

Nope!  

So, we turned around (not easy in Maxine) and headed down the road and up over the mountains and another really iffy road to the other side of this canyon.

Some parts were almost completely washed
out but were being worked on, so we could
get by (barely!)

Some real up and down hill curves - thank
goodness there was not one other soul on
the road.

Some unbelievably gorgeous parts

And, finally, the Seminoe Dam

A beautiful view out to the larger part of the
Seminoe Reservoir

These road signs were a little ominous but we did fine.

The larger Seminoe Reservoir

Boo, looking out the window to be sure
we are around

The end of the road - Sinclair, WY
Yes, one of the largest oil refinery areas
in Wyoming

A little amusement to see us through - this is
an outdoor chess game with hand carved "men"
at the Saratoga "resort" where we had a delightful
lunch.

Saratoga natural hot springs - right
in the river.  They were very shallow, so not
as comfortable as the larger hot springs,
which were.  AND,  they had showers!
Clean, once again!  Hurray!