Some rivers run wild

A buffalo sculpture; blue skies and windy.

LANDER, WY - - We were on our way north from our Mountain Meadow cabin to spend a few days in Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.  At about the one-third mark, we came a huge Wyoming DOT telesign announcing all entrances to Yellowstone were closed.  As we tried to get info via a scant cell signal, a gentleman also stuck in the traffic, told us there was bad flooding at the park and surrounding areas.

     The rapid melting of recent deep snowfall at high elevations in the general area combined with heavy rain combined to produce tremendous runoff which the Yellowstone and Wind River couldn't handle.  The result: tourists stranded in Yellowstone requiring evacuation; citizens living in towns near the park flooded with roads trashed and bridges washed away.

     So, here we are spending a second night in Lander.  We need to head North toward the parks to get to roads leading West and, eventually, Oregon.  The rains have stopped but there are winds gusting 20-30mph which makes the van sway and weave.  It's not all bad...last night's temp was 37.