Wednesday in Wyoming -- July 23, 2014

Whether it's Cheyenne Frontier Days or any other rodeo, one of the things you probably don't think about is accidents.  Unfortunately, despite all the safety precautions, sometimes they occur.  Cowboys can be injured, and so can animals.

This steer was injured during the steer roping event.  So, what happens?  There are onsite medical crews for both humans and animals, just waiting to help.

A special sled designed to carry an injured animal is brought into the arena, assembled and then, with the restrained animal safely loaded on it, carried out.

I don't know what happened to that animal, but I want to believe that he was part of another steer roping event later in the year.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- July 16, 2014

Today's our second time to talk about "behind the scenes" events at Cheyenne Frontier Days.  This isn't exactly behind the scenes, but it's something you might not have considered if you haven't attended a rodeo.

One of the inevitable results of a rodeo is that the dirt is trampled by all those hooves.  That's why the arena needs periodic grooming.  It starts with raking the surface.

And is followed by what I refer to as the watering step.  I found the process interesting, but most of the others considered it a good time to take a break.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- July 9, 2014

This month is Cheyenne Frontier Days, better known locally as CFD.  It's the world's largest outdoor rodeo and one that has won numerous awards.  It's also THE big event of the year in Cheyenne, when the city puts on what feels like a party for residents, contestants and visitors.

This year I thought I'd show you some "behind the scenes" pictures of things you might not have thought about.

Let's start with how all those cattle that are involved in the rodeo get into the arena.  They're kept in pens near the arena, and then there's a cattle drive.  That's what you see in both pictures.

I've decided I want the job of the cowboy in the foreground.  Supervising looks like a lot easier job than actually herding cattle, but is it more fun?  What do you think?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- July 2, 2014

This is something you don't see very often.  And, yes, it was spotted in Wyoming -- in an interstate rest area, to be specific.  As you can imagine, I was happy to learn that someone outside the state shares my love for it and is willing to tell the world about it.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- June 25, 2014

Although the Castle may be the most unusual of the CCC structures in Guernsey State Park, the Museum has its share of history.

Like the Castle, it's constructed of native limestone and features arches.  Unlike the Castle, it boasts electricity and running water. 

And it commemorates the workers who were responsible for its construction with a statue.

A friend from Georgia told me she's seen the same statue in one of the parks near her.  Have you seen a CCC worker statute in your travels?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- June 18, 2014

If you want to have a picnic at Guernsey State Park, there are many choices, including this table at the Castle.

But for a more adventuresome site, you might want to try this one.

Yes, there had been enough rain that some of the picnic and camping sites were wade-in.  Other tables were completely submerged.  I prefer to eat on dry land.  How about you?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- June 11, 2014

One of the attractions of Guernsey State Park, in addition to its opportunities for outdoor sports, is its collection of buildings constructed by the CCC, the Civilian Conservation Corps.  As part of the New Deal plan to rebuild the economy during the Great Depression, the CCC built hundreds of structures across the country including this one, commonly referred to as The Castle.

The Castle was constructed of native limestone and timbers and features several arches.  This one was situated to frame Laramie Peak.

As you can see, the interior has other arches and provides both picnic tables, a fireplace and built-in benches for visitors.

The most fanciful feature of the Castle is this spiral staircase which leads to a roof top viewing platform.  After seeing these pictures, a friend suggested that the Castle would be an ideal spot for a small wedding.  What do you think?