Wednesday in Wyoming - July 20, 2022

 

We've come a long way since mail was delivered by a horse-drawn wagon, but some things never change, like the importance of written communication. Imagine how eagerly pioneers awaited news from their families back East and how often those precious letters were read.

Wednesday in Wyoming - July 13, 2022

 

Welcome back to the Frontier Days parade. As you can see, horse-drawn vehicles are a major part of it.

Did you ever wish you could ride in a stagecoach? While the views might be better from the seats on the roof, after a few hours in the sun or rain, I suspect the attraction would fade. 

Wednesday in Wyoming - July 6, 2022

 

July is Frontier Days month - the biggest event of the year in Cheyenne. Although the rodeo is the primary attraction, there are numerous other activities to attract visitors (and residents).

Since the four Grand Parades are among my favorite events, I'm going to feature them this month.

Cheyenne owes its existence to the Union Pacific railroad, so it's not surprising that at least one of the entries in the parade relates to the building of the transcontinental railroad. 

But a horse with golden hooves? What does that have to do with a railroad?

The horse and the gold on its hooves and in its mane commemorate the golden spike, which marks the completion of the railroad. Two teams, one working from east to west, the other from west to east, met in Utah, where the now-famous last spike was driven. 

For more information about the golden spike and the national historic park where it's located, click here.

Wednesday in Wyoming - June 29, 2022

 

When I saw this sign on display at the State Museum in downtown Cheyenne, I nodded in agreement.

It's true: the state I now call home is unique.

Wednesday in Wyoming - June 22, 2022

 

One of the many attractions at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is the labyrinth, a place for quiet contemplation. And, for those who are prefer to sit rather than walk, several benches provide a tactile labyrinth, allowing visitors to trace the paths with their fingers.

Wednesday in Wyoming - June 15, 2022

 

Cheyenne owes its existence to the Union Pacific, so it's not surprising that one of the city's landmarks is the former UP depot. Attached to the depot itself is a small museum named -- again, no surprise -- the Depot Museum.

Inside the museum you'll find numerous photographs and exhibits explaining the railroad's history. Upstairs is a potpourri of fascinating items, including these reminders that at one point, Cheyenne had the only opera house west of the Mississippi. 

If you're ever in Cheyenne, I highly recommend a visit to the depot and its museum.

Wednesday in Wyoming - June 8, 2022

 

One of the enjoyable events of summer in Cheyenne is the Laramie County Master Gardeners' garden walk. In addition to beautiful and innovative plantings, some of the gardens have whimsical elements. These made me smile.