Friday August 18, 2006
Friday August 18, 2006 On the way out today, we went through Yellowstone one last time. I managed finally to get a picture of the Upper Falls:
We drove through Shoshone National Forest on the way out, some of the scenery was incredible.
Along the highway, signs were posted identifying the different types of rocks that made up the mountains, and their approximate age.
We stopped at the Buffalo Bill Dam, and on the way to the visitor's center, there was a number of pieces of old machinery removed from the dam during the 1985-1993 Dam Modification project.
Upstream Cableway Wench, "this cableway wench, which was used to install and remove the ball plugs, trash racks, and the bulkhead gate for the left abutment outlet works, dates to the construction of the Shoshone Power Plant in 1922."
Balanced Plunger Hydraulic Valve, "this 48-inch diameter value is one of two which were originally installed at the base of Buffalo Bill Dam in 1920 to supply water to the Shoshone Powerplant and Lower Level River Outlet Works."
Ball Plug, "this large wood and concrete ball plug was one of two used to halt the flow of water through the 42-inch-diameter Power Outlet Works conduits, located in the base of the dam."
This is a look downstream from the top of the dam, the Shoshone Powerplant is over on the left side:
And this is a look down from the top of the dam:
This is the Bullalo Bill Powerplant, its a little further downstream, and this picture is taken looking upstream:
We crossed the Powder River Pass, Kassi and I ran up to those rocks at the top of the hill, she'd been sleeping all day and needed to use up some of her energy.
The GPS unit I had with me showed a slightly different elevation, it was showing +/- 19 feet at the time, so it should be somewhat accurate. You can also see some other trip statistics on its display.
The view was great, and you could see the snow fences that the state uses to keep the pass open during the winter. You can see we're above the tree line here, too.
Tonight, we're in Gillette, Wyoming. Why is the carpet always green in Super 8s?
