Dubois, Wyoming
Driving from Jackson, up and over Togwotee Pass, isn't the most exciting drive one could take. Though there are gorgeous snow fields that last late into May and June, and sheer rock faces that could intimidate anyone, I tend to love the high deserts of Wyoming most.
The geology throughout central and southern Wyoming is stunning. These hills and draws display examples of all three major mountain-building forces: tectonic, volcanic, and glacial. On my birthday, my friend Madisen sent me the well-researched and written book by John McPhee, Rising from the Plains; McPhee explores the Dubois geology with Wyoming's preeminent geologist, David Love. <---more on him later, and writes in a straightforward, yet imaginative way.
Perhaps it's the geology of a place like this. Looking at it conjures up a trip to the moon; scouring sharp rocks to see what's just on the other side.
Or the old cowboys riding through the valley that lies between these formations and the ominous Wind River Mountains to the south. It could be anything, anytime; this place removes the commonplace thoughts from my mind and urges me to think and feel more.
It's magical out here.
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