Moving Eastward, ever Eastward

The locals at the dining room at Saratoga Hot Springs Resort and Spa where we had breakfast suggested that instead of heading back to I-80 (about a 20 mile backtrack) we should take WY 130 up into the mountains and a shortcut to Rawlins. 
"There are a lot of moose to be seen up there," The promised.  That was enough to sell me, and when they said we would save 35 miles and that it was good pavement the entire way, Ron was sold too.  Since we hate to backtrack, we took their advice.

Even if the trip had been 40 miles further, it would have been worth taking.  As we headed up to the top of the mountain, we reached nearly 11,000 feet.  

Every mile was scenic - from the area around Saratoga where the Aspen leaves were a brilliant yellow to the mountain lakes at the top, to the miles of antelope herds as we came down the other side.

Back on I-80 after Rawlins and into Nebraska, where we saw miles and miles of corn and soy beans.

By the time we took several secondary roads to our next stop, and finally ended up on a sand road as we left Sargent, NE, we were beginning to wonder if there really was a lodge way out here.  The directions we had from Roxanne, the owner were good, and we came to the entry to the Comstock Lodge exactly where she said it would be much to our surprise.

Overlooking vast areas of farmland, woods, rolling hills, it is the perfect place to watch for game.  The lodge is primarily a hunting lodge, but Mitch and Roxanne, the charming owners, open the lodge to overnight guests for bed and breakfast stays.

From the massive entry throughout the three levels, the entire lodge is decorated with animal skins, mounted heads, and lovely hand-crafted wooden furniture.  

Decks around the lodge on all levels allow for peaceful sitting and reading while watching for game to pass by.  The property is huge, and populated with many species of elk, deer, and sheep.

Tonight I hear coyotes calling each other as I settle down for the evening.

VRBO listing link to Comstock Lodge