Wyoming wanderings

This is my first trip through southwestern Wyoming. I had not expected to encounter this harsh desert with its petroglyphs, fossils, dunes, and one-of-a-kind rock formations. Until I approached Laramie, the countryside outside of the towns was dry and without trees. I wonder where towns get their water- Green River? Snow melt? I crossed the Continental Divide twice today. The highest crossing was over 7000 feet.

The weather must be harsh in summer and winter. There are frequent road signs to check weather conditions on radio stations, signs to warn that there may be a road closure x feet ahead, and signs to warn motorists that the next five miles might be very windy. On entering the state, there was a sign about a Wyoming law that motorists on Wyoming interstate must move to the lane farthest from a parked emergency vehicle. I noticed that most truckers moved to the left lane when passing any vehicle on the shoulder. (When I was driving in Washington, I noticed big trucks in new colors-- fuschia and pastel-like. I didn't see any of those today.)

The Sweetwater County Museum charges no admission and packs many interesting displays into a relatively small space. I learned a new word: trona. Doing some surfing later, I read that this area of Wyoming provides about 90% of the US supply and 30% of the world supply. The Native American exhibits include quotations from a speech by Chief Washakie. He very eloquently chided the white man's goverment for breaking promises. The law and order exhibit talked about Butch Cassidy. The Great Auto Race went through Wyoming in 1908. I wonder if there will be centennial events along the route next year.

There are lots of snow fences alongside I-80. I was surprised to see miles and miles of them, so I did some research. When the highway was built, there were no snow fences. Over the years, many have been constructed. There have also been studies on the effects and benefits of the fences. They prevent snow from blowing onto the highway, minimizing snow removal cost. Visibility on the road is improved. The road stays warmer and less icy. All of which leads to fewer days of closed roads, fewer accidents, and less loss of life.

Wagon ruts

I was the last of our group to leave Seattle on Saturday AM. Jason Friesen, our webmaster, Lori Bakken and Tina Castellarin who have been involved in our Content Management System, Charla Beaulieu and Jason Taylor, School Chair of Digital Media and Music and I have gotten to know each other better. One of our chats was about the need to balance the college's centralization of branding and image with the independence of the eight major schools that need to promote a variety of programs. There are common functions that each school needs, like tracking school applicants, student progress, and alumni. I think the new Content Management System will help to address the school independence issue, but I don't know about plans to address the common functions needed.



Before leaving Seattle, I had to check out the local Fry's Electronics store. I persuaded myself to put back the laptop video camera and the picture printer. Of course I don't need them, but I found them very tempting. I revisited the factory outlets at North Bend to visit stores I had missed a few days earlier. Maybe I was already in the mood for travel, but I looked, tried on, and didn't buy. In Yakima, I waited for an hour-- here, I did buy-- in a local shopping mall for new sunglasses at the local Lenscrafters. I really like that my prescription is on file, and I can get glasses when travelling in either US or Canada.



From Yakima to an overnight in Pendleton, Oregon. Hubby & I have been there before. As I drove through downtown, three preteen boys crossed the street. I noticed all were wearing the big western belt buckles. I guess rodeo fever starts young here.



I was really impressed with the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. In all my planning, I had overlooked that my travels this summer would follow so much of the Trail. This building is perched on stilts and overlooks a set of trails that go down to a rebuilt stamping mill and the wagon ruts in the valley below. I always thought that the Conestoga wagons were used on the trail, but discovered that they were too heavy and awkward. An even smaller wagon was used. Some of the video clips in the center showed such wagons crossing rivers. Interesting to see the water draining from the bottom of the wagons on the other side. Made me think the other side must have gotten terribly muddy and difficult to navigate for the wagons that were at the end.



As I drive long stretches of interstate, I find my satellite radio helps to keep me going. I used to listen to Discovery Channel, but it's not there anymore. Instead, I listen to Family Classics: Green Hornet, Superman, Have Gun Will Travel, Gunsmoke and others. Some of the Superman episodes sound as though they originally aired during WWII. Some of the old commercials sound strange now. The Inkspots sing about the wonders of LSMFT (Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco). Brands and products have disappeared or transformed in the last 60 years. I think these recorded radio waves are a lot like the wagon ruts that came 100 years before...