We are in Custer, Wyoming .... a small mountain "tourist" town in the middle of the Black Hills .... and only a few miles from Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Hourse Monument.
We only arrived yesterday, and signed in for a full week... there are many sights and historical places to see. We found a really small, but really nice campground, with really nice and friendly people.
Our campground has French Creek running behind it, and a mountain rising straight up right behind us. We can walk into the little town (500 population - probably only in the summer); and we were immediately invited to a potluck BBQ in the town park (sponsored by a local church every week)... and the campground we are in has a potluck venison BBQ every Friday nite.
Also, all the town churches have a combined church service on the courthouse square this Sunday, which we are looking forward to. Right now we are headed out to the square for "free live entertainment".
More later,
Marilyn for the Three Travelers
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Fort Laramie, the crossroad
Fort Laramie National Historic Site (different from the city of Laramie further south and west) was a VERY Significant location in the expansion of the American West. I have been totally intrigued by the history of this place.
All three of the major trails (Oregon ,California, Mormon) that the first emigrants took to "the west", came past Fort Laramie .... estimated 500,000 people, by wagon and horse (and in the case of the Mormons many with hand carts).
The Pony Express used the same trail; although I was surprised to learn it only operated a couple of years (1860-1861). The railroad and then the telegraph took over its function.
We saw the wagon wheel ruts in the limestone rocks in several places, some as deep as four feet! I am in awe of the strength and perseverance of the people, AND the animals that sacrificed for them.
Fort Laramie later was important for the US army and for the freight wagons that supplied the west.
The rolling plains are beautiful! ..... WINDY, but beautiful.
Reminds me of West Texas, but greener. Of course right now is not a fair comparison because of the Texas drought. But Wyoming is not the semi-arid land that west Texas is.
Later, Marilyn
All three of the major trails (Oregon ,California, Mormon) that the first emigrants took to "the west", came past Fort Laramie .... estimated 500,000 people, by wagon and horse (and in the case of the Mormons many with hand carts).
The Pony Express used the same trail; although I was surprised to learn it only operated a couple of years (1860-1861). The railroad and then the telegraph took over its function.
We saw the wagon wheel ruts in the limestone rocks in several places, some as deep as four feet! I am in awe of the strength and perseverance of the people, AND the animals that sacrificed for them.
Fort Laramie later was important for the US army and for the freight wagons that supplied the west.
The rolling plains are beautiful! ..... WINDY, but beautiful.
Reminds me of West Texas, but greener. Of course right now is not a fair comparison because of the Texas drought. But Wyoming is not the semi-arid land that west Texas is.
Later, Marilyn
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Buffalo and winds
Once again we are camped on a state line ... front wheels in Wyoming and rear wheels in Colorado.
For two days we have been parked in the campground of a guest ranch near Cheyenne, Wyoming. It is a working ranch (since the 1800s) with 2800 acres of wind blown prairie and approximately 2500 head buffalo herd .... (of which 2000 head are being raised for meat sale). The restaurant here serves the typical menu only everything is buffalo meat instead of beef cattle.
We took a tourist train ride out thru the buffalo herd .... fun! They also keep a few other exotic animals around... yaks, camels, ostrich, and many, many prairie dogs.
They offer trail rides, etc. and it is a very beautiful place. The wind really blows here!
Tomorrow on the Ft. Laramie to learn about the frontier wagon trails and such.
Later,
Marilyn - for the Three Travelers
For two days we have been parked in the campground of a guest ranch near Cheyenne, Wyoming. It is a working ranch (since the 1800s) with 2800 acres of wind blown prairie and approximately 2500 head buffalo herd .... (of which 2000 head are being raised for meat sale). The restaurant here serves the typical menu only everything is buffalo meat instead of beef cattle.
We took a tourist train ride out thru the buffalo herd .... fun! They also keep a few other exotic animals around... yaks, camels, ostrich, and many, many prairie dogs.
They offer trail rides, etc. and it is a very beautiful place. The wind really blows here!
Tomorrow on the Ft. Laramie to learn about the frontier wagon trails and such.
Later,
Marilyn - for the Three Travelers
Friday, June 24, 2011
On the Road: downs and ups
Hello family and friends,
After about six weeks in the Houston/Galveston area, we are heading for "the Northwest".
Everyone had their round of medical visits:
Charlie's shoulder is almost back to normal.
I had a tooth extraction which, to the "extractee" (that's me) .... was a BIG deal. But I know I'm really blessed with good health.
Vera is still having problems with her blood pressure and it greatly effects her energy level. Her doctor continues to monitor and tweak her medications ..... they stay in touch by email.
We are in Colorado Springs spending two days enjoying the mountain air (c-o-o-o-l mountain air).
Two days ago we spent the night in Palo Duro Canyon, 1000 plus feet below the surrounding caprock plains, the next nite at 7,000 (plus)feet elevation at Raton Pass, and yesterday we went up Pike's Peak to 14,000 plus elevation. Coming from Galveston at around ten feet elevation, we definitely feel the difference. Our sleep number air mattress got firmer and we had to let some air out ... Vera says she's not used to this "rarified" air.
We saw the 'Texas' musical in Palo Duro Canyon .... it was magnificent!
And we found a really wonderful museum in Dalhart about the famous XIT ranch and about Texas ranching heritage. To be in such an unexpected location, it is really a first class museum.
We stopped in Quanah, Texas to visit a cementery. Tried to find the grave of a friend; couldn't find it but had a wonderful adventure on the back country roads of dusty west Texas.
The Garden of the Gods is really something ! I'd like to spend some time just sitting, gazing there .... But alas, time to move on.
So far there have not been the tourist crowds we expected .... don't know if the wildfires are affecting tourism that much or what. Our next major destination is Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area.
The dogs are getting back into the travel routine. Bugsy is the one who watches out the window and does all the sniffing of each new place we slow down in; then he reports to the other dogs if they should pay attention or just keep napping. They really rely on him!
Later,
Marilyn
After about six weeks in the Houston/Galveston area, we are heading for "the Northwest".
Everyone had their round of medical visits:
Charlie's shoulder is almost back to normal.
I had a tooth extraction which, to the "extractee" (that's me) .... was a BIG deal. But I know I'm really blessed with good health.
Vera is still having problems with her blood pressure and it greatly effects her energy level. Her doctor continues to monitor and tweak her medications ..... they stay in touch by email.
We are in Colorado Springs spending two days enjoying the mountain air (c-o-o-o-l mountain air).
Two days ago we spent the night in Palo Duro Canyon, 1000 plus feet below the surrounding caprock plains, the next nite at 7,000 (plus)feet elevation at Raton Pass, and yesterday we went up Pike's Peak to 14,000 plus elevation. Coming from Galveston at around ten feet elevation, we definitely feel the difference. Our sleep number air mattress got firmer and we had to let some air out ... Vera says she's not used to this "rarified" air.
We saw the 'Texas' musical in Palo Duro Canyon .... it was magnificent!
And we found a really wonderful museum in Dalhart about the famous XIT ranch and about Texas ranching heritage. To be in such an unexpected location, it is really a first class museum.
We stopped in Quanah, Texas to visit a cementery. Tried to find the grave of a friend; couldn't find it but had a wonderful adventure on the back country roads of dusty west Texas.
The Garden of the Gods is really something ! I'd like to spend some time just sitting, gazing there .... But alas, time to move on.
So far there have not been the tourist crowds we expected .... don't know if the wildfires are affecting tourism that much or what. Our next major destination is Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area.
The dogs are getting back into the travel routine. Bugsy is the one who watches out the window and does all the sniffing of each new place we slow down in; then he reports to the other dogs if they should pay attention or just keep napping. They really rely on him!
Later,
Marilyn
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