Pinedale, WY

I confess: I was scouting.

Before I ever left Friday Harbor I did a search: Best small towns in Wyoming. Pinedale popped up. https://www.visitpinedale.org/pinedale At 7175 feet, summers temps are mild, and surrounded by three mountain ranges, outdoor activities abound. But most importantly, it’s cowboy country.

Soon after arriving on Tuesday afternoon (9/12), I gleaned a little local lore from Peter at the Chamber of Commerce, including The Drift, a 100-mile ultramarathon that takes place every March. (Yes, peak snow season.) https://www.thedrift100.com/100-mile-course/ I made him cross-his-heart-hope-to-die-stick-a-needle-in-his-eye that summer temps honestly only hit mid 80’s; he raised his right hand. He also revealed the source of all the beautiful facilities - library, natatorium, sports complex, astounding high school and football stadium. Oil money. Hmmm…

Peter sent me to Darren, a young buck realtor who supplied me with maps with circles for finding horse properties. Ready for a shower, (Why rush? It’s only been 5 days.) the Yellowstone RV Park was my nest for the night.

So what do I think of Pinedale?

Pros:

• friendly people everywhere

• everyone has horses

• a day’s drive to friends and family in Colorado

• no ferry!

Cons:

• a conspicuous scarcity of trees. Think cattle ranch.

• 85 degrees is 10 higher than Friday Harbor

• moving and starting over. I’ve done that.

So who knows. I’m glad I went. It’s on the radar. And tomorrow I get to see Nesta in Fort Collins!