Great trip, not quite according to plan. First, forgot my sleeping pad. How many years of backpacking and a little forgetful. Oh, must be the age. Well, I slept on the ground, cut two small pieces out of a carpet pad I had in the FJ; one for shoulders and one for hip points, then just picked nice soft spots. Next, one of the passes had about 20 feet of snow on it. I had fallen in over my head in an 8 foot drift on the way in, managed to get out, so I was not motivated. So I spent two days at Washakie Lake and environs ( many lakes in area and some small hills to climb ). Moved camp to Grave lake, wading across the south fork of the Little Wind River in the process. Rained on me over there but a beautiful area also, small sand beaches. Nothing like walking along a beach following moose tracks at 10K. All my campsites in nice woodlands with lake views. Saw maybe two small groups, both in distance and didn't see their camps or hear them.
Nice large bridge over Grave Creek, musta helicoptered in a lot of that to build it.
Lots of creeks and waterfalls, some sizable. This side of the Wind Rivers a little more steep and rugged than what I had seen before.
Epic scenic drive in across the reservation, great car camping at Dickenson Park. Bears Ears trail is a killer, in a good way. Incredible scenery, spread out views of the southern Winds continental divide peaks. Got to stand inside a small glacial snowfield which permanently resides along the trail.
When I came out stopped in to day hike Middle Fork of the Popo Agie to some great waterfalls about a mile up the trail. Hot day but absolutely spectacular tiered white water. A few locals making the trek and swimming in the pools.
Drive back had to have a sandstone fix so drove along Cottonwood Canyon road. Stopped off in Jerome to visit the author Katie Lee for a few hours. So a full and good trip, now the cleaning, washing and photo processing.
Oh, and for a surprise gift on my return, met Brian and our new dog---Charlie a one year old golden lab. Life is good !!!