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Published: June 30th 2011
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If we thought it looked like the western movies we used to see then we spoke too soon, because even though that was the case as we travelled through Utah, it is even more so in Wyoming. After leaving Moab, we drove north to the small town of Manila, next to Flaming Gorge, an impressive red canyon with a river running through it. It is a popular fishing spot, with the camp store selling all manner of fishing gear and many photos up of the biggest catch of the day. Manila is right on the border between Utah and Wyoming so 5 minutes down the road, after fueling up we were in the state of Wyoming. We were headed towards a town called Thermopolis. Very grand sounding name but in reality it is a small town with the some pretty impressive thermal pools. The countryside we passed through on our way was impressive. We were climbing higher in elevation and in the distance and getting closer, snow covered mountains showed us we were leaving the desert area. The rolling hills seemed to go on and on, sometimes covered with small sage bushes, but more and more often grasses of various description.
Thermopolis
From this... We also saw more livestock, both farmed and wild, with herds of pronghorn antelope as well as cattle. We even had to stop for a deer on the road as we drove through a state forest. The signs saying do not enter when lights are flashing is an indication of how much snow disrupts travel in the area. Luckily for us, we encountered no road closures although there is still evidence of snow lying in sheltered places beside the road.
The camping ground at the state park in Thermopolis had closed down so we added another 100 miles to the day and went further north to Cody, the town foundered by Buffalo Bill. We went to the world famous Cody night Rodeo which was a hoot and spent some time exploring the town. It is really the first town we have spent time in that reflects 'small town America'. Most towns we have driven through appear quite run down with few amenities, but Cody is well looked after and takes great pride in its heritage. It is a 'Rodeo' town with the stampede running from the 1st to the 4th of July, which we will miss, but it is a
Thermopolis
...to this in 100 years! big event with 800 competitors. It has an amazing museum, housing 5 museums under one roof. These include the Buffalo Bill Museum, The Native American Museum, the Gun Museum, The Yellowstone Museum and the American West Art Museum. We had a good wander around 4 of the 5 museums. The gun museum includes the original guns carried by the actors in 'Gunsmoke' and 'Bonanza' as well as over 2000 other guns from around the world. The American Indian Museum was fascinating, with their story reflective of indigenous people around the world including New Zealand. Buffalo Bill had a very successful and colourful life and was a true entertainer and visionary when it came to the American Indians and to ensuring that Yellowstone and its natural beauty was preserved for the people.
That same pride can be seen within the state of Wyoming, which seems to welcome visitors with its roadside toilet stops and many heritage markers showing the places of interest. As we drove to Cody, we passed through the South Pass, the main route from the East to the West through the Rocky Mountains, as well as many staging posts. What a long and arduous journey that must have
been in the 1800's!
I have to say that bouffant hairstyles are quite the 'in' thing in Cody, having never gone out of fashion I suspect, as well as t-shirts tucked into jeans, whatever the state of your belly, because you have to show off that belt buckle don't you know! I have to admit that I did briefing covert a very bling bling belt but it really is best worn in Cody I feel so that was a purchase that did not happen! All in all, we enjoyed our visit to this part of the USA. We are off to spend 4 days in Yellowstone National Park. Yee Haa!!!!!
Dean and Shelley.
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