Watching out for Jackalope

The jackalope is perhaps the rarest animal in North America, and Douglas Wyoming is the epicenter of all things jackalope related.  In case you didn’t know, there are two varieties to watch out for – the mountain jackalope and the prairie jackalope – noted by their distinctly different horns.

Douglas had the first sighting back in 1939 it’s still their primary claim to fame. Despite their rare status, Bode was able to get a Limited Non-Resident Jackalope Hunting License (limit one).  We looked around outside the Douglas Visitor’s Center and only found some smaller ones – probably less than a year old, as they didn’t have their horns yet and were certainly below the size limit.

It’s amazing what passes for entertainment when you are miles form nowhere.

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Douglas also has a really cool huge steam engine – it’s monstrous. I’m thinking this might also be the same train used on an old Johnny Cash album cover, but they didn’t claim it.  They should.

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Another interesting stop on the way out of Wyoming was the town of Lost Springs, population 1. I’m not sure how this person manages to have their own town, but it is remote.  From the looks of it, I think they might be exaggerating – the population must be at least double that.

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Angela was driving a shift through Wyoming until she felt a noticeable decrease in power…and we were going downhill. No problem, we pulled over into a driveway and I replaced the gas filter. It was all gunked up from little black chunks in the gas. Wyoming has had the cheapest gas of anywhere along our route so far, so I’m wondering if there’s a quality issue involved.

Crossing over into South Dakota was notable in one particular way – they have TREES! We made our way up to Custer to find… “closed for the season” on most campsites and attractions. We were really only there to see some big heads anyway.

8 thoughts on “Watching out for Jackalope

  • October 29, 2009 at 9:18 AM
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    Wow! Population 1…that’s pretty impressive. Beats the 9 1/2 I was in the mountains of California once.

    I’m actually working on a story that takes place outside Cokeville, WY along Hwy 89 which straddles the WY/ID border. Don’t buy a Pepsi in Cokeville…you’ll break down! 😉

  • October 29, 2009 at 10:47 AM
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    do you put 91 octane in your vw, if not its most likely gonna make it run better, it costs more but it’s far better even if it’s not required. you will get better mileage too. i’m sure you know this already though, if not now you do. teton photos are awsome, i love that place!

  • October 29, 2009 at 11:02 AM
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    Hope it’s just the local gas. Sounds to me like it could be the tank. Old VW’s are famous for the tanks going bad. In the mean time, keep plenty of filters on hand, their cheap insurance. And use hose clamps on them!!!

  • October 29, 2009 at 1:21 PM
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    Most likely it wasn’t bad gas, but rust making its way out of the 38-year old gas tank. Ethanol will tend to loosen up rust that might’ve stayed put otherwise (yet another reason not to use ethanol), if you’ve put any corn fuel in Red Beard.

    The gas isn’t cheap in the Equality State because it’s substandard, but because it’s barely taxed.

    Alright,
    whc03grady.

  • October 29, 2009 at 1:22 PM
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    “…IS cheap in the Equality State…”
    Sorry.

  • October 30, 2009 at 6:21 AM
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    Little black chunks . . . sounds like coal gassification to me. Plenty of coal in the big sky country.

  • October 30, 2009 at 12:08 PM
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    I am concerned abou the need to wear a coat and hat while you are driving! (Yikes – Tooooooo Cold!
    You do have a mighty fine cup holder though! 🙂

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