I arrived in Wyoming last Sunday, and I’ll be here for two months working with one of my advisors. I haven’t had too much time to explore yet, but today (Monday) I went on a beautiful trail run*. Wyoming really is beautiful. I enjoy all the quiet, wide-open spaces. Here are a few pictures from today’s trail run:

Wyoming big sky 1.

Start of the trail.

The trail.

Phil Plait’s astronomy dreamhouse.

Wyoming big sky 2.

Wyoming big sky 3.

Wyoming big sky 4.

Along the trail, I found some interesting limestone (not sure which unit; still have to learn the local geology): 

Limestone trail 1.

Limestone trail 2.

Limestone trail 3.

Limestone rock 1.

Limestone rock 2.

Limestone rock 3.

There were also some pretty flowers:

Wildflowers 1.

Wildflowers 2.

 Finally, I made it to the top of the trail:

Cairn at the top of the trail.

Windswept, tired self-portrait.

Where there was a beautiful valley view:

Valley view 1.

Valley view 2.

And then I ran all the way back down again as the sun began to set… what a beautiful run!

Wyoming big sky 5.

Wyoming big sky 6.

Wyoming big sky 7.

*Okay, so really a run/walk with frequent picture stops, since I’m a tad out of shape and also not yet fully accustomed to running at 7,000+ ft.