My close encounter was breathtaking

Devils Tower, WY

Growing up, you look back trying to remember when things came out and how you remember them.  The movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" came out in 1977.  I was 11 and looking back, I remember seeing the movie but not in the theater.  My biggest memory of that year was that "Star Wars" came out and thanks to my cousin Danny, we went to see it together and I've been hooked ever since. 

But back to Close Encounters, I have seen this movie several times over and over again, even as recent as last night.  It's a little dated but it still has merit.  The scenes in and around the Devils Tower were fantastic.  I wanted to see for myself how majestic this "tower" was.  I wasn't disappointed.  From 10 miles away as I crested a peek on the highway, I could see the Devils Tower through the morning fog. 
I stopped at a viewing area 2 miles away but it still wasn't very clear.  Approaching the park entrance, I finally got to see the tower in vivid detail.  The next revelation was not expected, the park ranger at the entrance informed me that the first come campground wasn't full and to pick my spot.  Who could resist. 

My spot, as with many of my camp spots on this trip was over the top, don't you think?
After resting and setting up the camper for the night, it was time to see the tower up close.  I took off on a 4 1/2 miles hike up to the base of the tower and around to the backside where the visitors center was located. 
The hike was a narrow path, shared with some prairie dogs.  They were peaceful creatures and fun to watch.  Hiking up and around the tower, every time I looked up, the view of the tower changed and for the better.  I met several other hikers around the base, one couple who was traveling from New Jersey on their way to Yellowstone NP.  It was a fantastic day and one that I will remember from a long time. 
After another night or 2 disperse camping again, lets see what I can find next...