Beyond the basin

We went to Sand Wash Basin to see mustangs, and we did.

Along the way, we also saw a multitude of dead animals...

and drove on some of the worst roads I have ever seen.

It was a day of soaring highs and crashing lows. When we finally made it out of the Basin, we were exhausted. The first thing Seth did was pull over into a parking area and check the van.

Miraculously, it was - and continues to be - fine.

Then we ate a quick lunch and watched the dirt bikers go up and down the hill.

At some point, we also checked our phones and realized that although it had felt like we'd been forever in Sand Wash Basin, we actually had a lot of day left. What to do?

We talked about getting back on 318 and driving to Utah, but we were just a bit under half a tank of gas. That might have been plenty, but service stations are few and far between in this part of the state. 

Eventually, we decided better safe than sorry and headed back to Maybell.

The road followed the Yampa River, which was running deep and fast from all our spring storms.

We saw a sign for Yampa River State Park and decided to check it out.

As expected, we found more dead animals some nice river views

and also, a picnic table with a cat.

Truth be told, we didn't expect the cat. She was a nice bonus.

We went for a little walk...

and found a field full of horses.

I always find horses.

I really liked the color and pattern on this little Appaloosa.

After posing nicely by himself, he joined up with his equally fabulous buckskin brother,

and the two of them ran across the field for me.

Look at them go!

Truly, this was a great day for equine photography.

We stayed until we could no longer stand the smell of decomposing animals.

Then we got back in the van and drove to Maybell.