Wyoming, part one

Hello!

The cats are fine and both have adapted easily to the road, much easier than I am adapting to having them with us.  Oh sure , we often enjoy the cat companionship, especially Beans, who is just so delicious. Mostly it is the constant factoring of ‘the cats”  into our schedule, decisions and future plans, and, as non- paying residents, they take up way too much real estate in our tiny home. I know, I know, we love our pets, but this blog is called "I hate my cat"!

Wyoming is a fantastic mix of vast plains, rolling hills, huge rock formations, gorgeous big skies and undoubtably two of the best national parks in the country. Its chock full of real, no fuss no muss western towns plus the upscale Jackson, loaded with art galleries, high- end shopping and commonly spotted A list celebrities. (we did not see any)

Our first night in Wyoming was literally in the middle of nowhere, twenty-five miles off the interstate in the small town of Saratoga. I had high hopes for this one night stop but once we turned off the interstate, I was worried. My job, in addition to almost everything interior (cleaning, cooking, cats) is the sourcing of places to stay. I take this very seriously and personally. So, when John voiced the same concerns that were already rolling around in my head “where have you got us going?”, I was definitely worried.  

A few miles from Saratoga.

Things did not improve when the RV park I initially booked, (cheap!), was in an area one might refer to as the “wrong side of town”. Run down shack houses, beat up old cars and an alarming amount of stray dogs. Continuing our “what the hell have we done, and “where the hell are we” theme, the advertised “boutique “ RV park was no more than a trailer parking lot with hook-ups. There was no way in you know what, we were going to fit. Thank goodness!!

Venus (thats right, Venus was her name), the absentee parking lot owner, was very understanding when I called to let her know we would not be staying. I remembered another, highly rated (Saratoga standards) RV park just down the road that we had passed on our way into town. I called, and lo and behold, although not technically open yet for the season, they were more than happy to accommodate us.

It wasn’t luxury or cute but we had a large level site and a river view. The park owner, Pamala (actually how she spells it) was very hospitable. Originally from the great state of Texas, Pamala spends her summers in Saratoga and had just arrived a few days earlier to get a jump on the season. Out of courtesy, and mild curiosity, I asked her about places In town to have dinner, not at all thinking we actually would. Without skipping a beat, she had three  “great” choices for us. The Italian place was number one but, it was Thursday, and Pamala wasn’t sure we would get in without a reservation. Reservations??,  in  “where the hell are we” Saratoga Wyoming? Yep, you bet. 

River view spot at Deer Haven RV park

So, we put on our best Wyoming Western wear and with an open mind and growing appetite drove the 1.5 miles over the bridge to the other side, and into downtown. By no exaggeration, downtown is a 1/4 mile long street.  We passed Bellas, the Italian place, where we spotted a large gathering of people enjoying drinks on their outside patio. It looked really nice so I called to see if we could possibly get in. Unfortunately, no luck, they were closed for a “Private” event,  well lah-dee-dah, private events, in Saratoga no less.  

We decided to park and walk the main street. It was quaint and felt very authentic. Due to our late arrival unfortunately none of the shops were open, dashing my hopes of some unique finds. 

Our second dinner recommendation was the historic Hotel Wolf founded in 1893. The restaurant was jammed packed. This was definitely where everyone, not attending the private event, was having dinner.  We immediately checked in with the hostess, who looked a bit concerned when we said we didn’t have a reservation, however , she promised to find us a table, eventually.  

With dinner plans in the works,  we headed across the hall, through the saloon doors to the bar.  With a “Cheers” vibe in full swing and no less than 8 full moose heads lining the walls, we knew we had stumbled into a real local gem.  The steak dinner that followed was one of the best meals we had had so far.  No one paid us any much mind but, everyone we did chat with were very friendly folks.  We thoroughly enjoyed participating in a slice of life in this small western town. I however, was the only one wearing cowboy boots. 

Hotel Wolf bar, unfortunately cut off the moose head.

Downtown Saratoga, really happy how this picture turned out.

Saratoga is famous for its hot springs, that somehow we missed. Had we arrived a few weeks later, this small town (pop 1,700) would be full of tourists travelling through and locals and tourists alike that come for the hot springs, fabulous fishing, hunting and bird watching? 

I am so happy we got a chance to see it before the crowds, warts and all. 

 If you are traveling along the same route and looking for the real Wyoming, it’s a worthwhile stay. 

And thank you to Pamala for the great recommendations.

Part two coming soon……

Until I write again, Cheers

Leaving Saratoga the next morning. Winter had definitely returned.

Queen Bean.