Devil's Gate

Devil's Gate (Wyoming) is a natural rock formation, a 370-foot high, 1,500-foot long fissure carved over the centuries by the Sweetwater River a few miles  southwest of Independence Rock. The site, significant in the history of western pioneers, was a major landmark on the Mormon Trail and the Oregon Trail although the actual routes of travel did not pass through the very narrow gorge. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil's_Gate_(Wyoming)).

I agree with those who say instead of Devil's Gate, It should have been named Heaven's Avenue.  It is a beautiful place; one I always longed to see.  I wished I could have stayed longer to hike and explore the country around the gorge. 

The Legend of Devil’s Gate

Shoshone and Arapahoe legend is one explanation of how Devil’s Gate was formed. A powerful evil spirit in the form of a tremendous beast with enormous tusks ravaged the Sweetwater Valley, preventing the Indians from hunting and camping. A prophet informed the tribes that the Great Spirit required them to destroy the beast. They launched an attack from the mountain passes and ravines, and shot countless arrows into the evil mass. The enraged beast, with a mighty upward thrust of its tusks, ripped a gap in the mountain and disappeared through the gap, never to be seen again.
(http://www.ultimatewyoming.com/sectionpages/sec5/extras/devilsgatesigns.html)

We walked the short trail as the sun was setting

and the shadows of evening were beginning to fall.

The trail was lovely, minus mosquitoes, which swarmed me

as I secretly changed into my swimsuit.  Why the swimsuit? 

Because I had to swim in the Sweetwater River. 

 I just had to!

It was cold.

And I wasn't really supposed to get in it . . .

At least that's what the signs said.

Do you ever have a crazy idea you just can't pass up? 

Well, this was one of those. 

So I swam the river.

And got my feet muddy.

And, of course, I felt pretty awesome afterwards!

Oh yeah!