Wide open spaces in Wyoming

Forgot to put this up last night... Too funny. I came across it when window shopping in West Yellowstone, Montana. Betty Boop....

Coffee, Chocolate, Men...
The richer, the better.

It's all about the chocolate for sure. :-)

Latte and homemade cinnamon roll for breakfast while enjoying this beautiful view was the start for today. After a few STA emails and texts, it was on the road to Casper and Buffalo for tonight. More road repairs - luckily there are breath taking views to enjoy while we wait for the lead car to return and guide us.

 This appears to be a mobile home off the main road, just outside of Dubois, Wyoming. It looks like the "skin" of it has been removed, but it also looks like it's been thrown around a bit as well. Seeing that the rain storms have been really bad, I wouldn't be surprised.

Just went thru Lander and saw horses at the front doors of the houses again. I didn't get pictures, as emergency vehicles have been zooming down this road for the last few minutes, and I was distracted. Seems like some of these houses have nicer barns than the actual houses, and they surly don't seem to worry about their "kids" hanging out on the porches. 

Just about 65 miles outside of Casper, and it's no longer green trees but brown-green sage brush and mountains every now and then. The roads continue to be pretty isolated. The young girl at the lodge says these roads are highly traveled- wonder what she'd say about the roads in Santa Clarita?  I guess it's all point of view. 

These are the Red Mountains of Wyoming. As you can see, the red color in them is quite evident and visible even from the road. I haven't read why they are so red, so I'll have to update that part next time.

 I couldn't resist a u-turn in front of these creatures. Of course, I wasn't surprised they were cattle, but I was surprised that a little white goat was in there with them. It appeared to be quite comfortable with its large protectors. I wonder what lessons will be imprinted on this little guy. So, you think he'll try a sound such as mooooooo? 

Now honestly, I stopped here because it was the ONLY posted place in well over 50 miles, and I had to use the restroom!!! Of course, as I entered, learned there was no charge to tour the Visitors' center, I saw a large crowd. There were easily 200 people dressed in long skirts, bonnets, and even the aprons. The men had those "farmer" pants and lots of tools they were lugging around. Of course, I thought - how neat, a field trip. Once I parked and sorted through the suitcase to change into shorts, it was 92 degrees, I was greeted by a peppy lady, wearing a long skirt and bonnet; her name was Jess something...  she was from the Church of Latter Day Saints. Ooops.... I had come upon the Mormon Handcart Historic Site. I listened to the 12 min video and learned that there was a group of 600 Saints, they called them, who came from the Iowa area with these handcarts, purchased for $10 ea. because they couldn't afford the full wagons. They traveled as a group and endured some pretty harsh conditions. I equated it with the Donner Party, but I don't think these people were left to fend for themselves. They were rescued and carried into this cove, Martin's Cove. Once I had listened, strolled through the center with artifacts, I changed into shorts and was on my way again. In the end, it wasn't a field trip, but part of their church experience.

 Their camp was beautiful, but isolated none the less. I have to say, I wondered what it was like living here in Wyoming, when everyone is so far apart. Man, you better fit in at the school, or you are out of luck and alone! Maybe these kids become more loners? Or do they develop other skills to keep themselves busy? Interesting research for down the road.

 Once I was on the road again, I found a business possibility. No, just kidding. I saw a post that said lake front property was available, cheap! Lake Ridge Estates - while it wasn't far from Casper, and there was a huge lake, I'm not sure what the heck I'd do for employment out here?

Eventually, I  reached Casper, Wyoming, population about 50,000. The town has some beautiful homes in the center, but the lots appear to be close together like Santa Clarita. The horse/ cattle places are on the outskirts of town, similar to Twin Falls, Idaho.

After stopping at Starbucks, I had lunch and tried to deal with the lack of water at home in Acton. Yuck! Sorry Joseph! Once I get back the glitches in our new place, no water, no tv, no internet, and no AC should be resolved. :-) It appears that I was running ahead of this storm here in Wyoming; weather is predicted for thunder showers.

 Buffalo, Wyoming, is small, but quaint. I didn't stay in the historical hotel, in the center of town, but I sure should have!





 Before I had time to change my mind about the hotel I had booked and paid for sight unseen, I unloaded my bike and did a short 7 mile ride. It was good to ride, and the scenery was pretty; I swear, nearly EVERY truck that passed me stared. Everybody must know I am from out of town? How was that possible; I wasn't even in my mini? Oh well, small towns are like that... but they have a McDonalds, so I walked for a quick Happy Meal and nice phone conversation as I returned to the h-o-t-e-l. I'm in safely, and ready to knit now that I am done with this.

Tomorrow requires me to be up early, so I can head to Mt. Rushmore, then back across Wyoming to stay in Montana; I think.

Hugs :-)