Wednesday in Wyoming -- February 17, 2016

Wyoming is home to not only the first national park but also the first national monument.  While Hollywood made Devils Tower famous in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," it was a sacred spot to Native Americans well before that and draws thousands of tourists each year.

Some of those who visit the tower come to climb it.  Would you want to ascend those practically vertical sides?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- February 10, 2016

 Wyomingites are justifiably proud of the many "firsts" that the state can boast.  Among them is Yellowstone, the first national park.

You probably knew that Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States, but did you know that it was the first in the world?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- February 3, 2016

As part of its year-long celebration of 125 years of statehood, Wyoming is issuing commemorative stickers like this one.  While others feature specific parts of the state, this one gives you the highlights.

Do you recognize all of the places/ events shown?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- January 27, 2016

If you've read accounts of the pioneers' journey west, you've probably seen references to Split Rock. As you can see, the split is sizable, meaning it's clearly visible from quite a distance.

It wasn't only the pioneers who used Split Rock as a navigational guide.  So too did trappers, native Americans and even the Pony Express.  That's one of the reasons for this monument.

You may not be able to read all the lettering on the sign, but I wanted to share the drawing at the top with you.  Here you can see the various groups that depended on Split Rock.  I particularly like the image of the Pony Express horse and rider.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- January 20, 2016

Have you seen green signs like this along the highway?  The first time I encountered them, I wasn't sure of their purpose.  Eventually I realized that they were designed to help highway maintenance crews by indicating what kind of center striping was ahead. 

If I've interpreted this correctly, it marks the end of a no passing zone for oncoming traffic.

If that's wrong, someone, please correct me!

Wednesday in Wyoming -- January 13, 2016

Have you ever seen a ramp like this?  The tire tracks in the foreground give you an idea of its use.  Yes, it's designed to get cattle from the holding pens into those huge trucks that transport them to ... well, you know where they're going.  After all, one of the bumper stickers you'll see in Wyoming is "Beef, It's What's for Dinner."

Wednesday in Wyoming -- January 6, 2016

Old books and fresh eggs?  How often do you see a sign like that? 

If you spotted the sign, would you pull into the driveway in search of books?  If you didn't, you'd be missing  a bookstore that's been featured in the LA Times and that has customers from around the world.  Yes, this is the Mad Dog and The Pilgrim bookstore located in Sweetwater Station Junction, Wyoming.  The town is tiny, but the bookstore is not.

Only in Wyoming?  Maybe.