Why Wyoming?

US-287 south of Laramie, Wyoming

As I sat at my computer working on photos from Wyoming, my mind was reflecting on how I feel about the state and our limited time there.  We did drive the entire length from south to north, but saw only a fraction of what Wyoming is all about.

Seven Mile Wind Farm near Medicine Bow, Wyoming
Wind farm along US-487 south of Casper, Wyoming
US-487 south of Casper, Wyoming

I suppose Wyoming, like any other state, elicits the gamut of opinions, from something like “miles and miles of nuthin’ but miles and miles of nuthin’” to “one of the most beautiful, pristine places in the world.”  I found it to be closer to the latter end of that spectrum.

US-487 south of Casper, Wyoming
US-487 south of Casper, Wyoming
US-487 south of Casper, Wyoming

The voice I heard playing in my head said something like this: Wyoming exudes a quiet confidence, as if to say “Welcome.  We’re glad you came.  If you decide to stay, we’d love to have you.  If not, we understand.”

Medicine Bow Museum and Train Station, Medicine Bow, Wyoming
Medicine Bow Museum and Train Station, Medicine Bow, Wyoming

Looking at my photos I was impressed by the lack of litter.  Evidently the people who live there respect the land and keep it clean.  The land is truly one of-wide open spaces.  Even the parking spaces are bigger in Wyoming, probably because there are lots of trucks.  The people we met were friendly, the food was good, and the scenery was beautiful.  Would I live there?  Probably not, especially in winter.  But it was a nice place to visit, and I can’t wait for an excuse to go back.

Lou Taubert’s Ranch Outfitters in Downtown Casper, Wyoming
Lou Taubert’s Ranch Outfitters in Downtown Casper, Wyoming
Wind farm along US-487 south of Casper, Wyoming

4 thoughts on “Why Wyoming?”

  1. Great series! Not sure of my feelings towards the state, either. However, I have never lived there and that would probably change my opinion. It is beautiful to say the least. And, yes, “miles and miles of nuthin’ but miles and miles of nuthin.” There is plenty of wind due to the miles of nuthin.

    1. I was amazed by all the drift fences along the highways, both there and in Montana and the Dakotas. And I assumed that the “Highway Closed” gates were for snow, but found out that it was sometimes also due to high winds. No wonder there are so many wind farms out there (a subject for an upcoming post!).

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