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

Umbrellas

Old Town, Fort Collins, Colorado. The black stones are part of a public art installation titled “Confluence” by Lawrence Argent

One day when passing through the Oak Street Plaza Park in Fort Collins, I spotted the reflections that these umbrellas were making in the black stone and stopped to take a few photos.  I didn’t spend enough time on this idea, but otherwise think I captured what I saw.

The black stones are part of a public art installation titled “Confluence” by Lawrence Argent.  More public art!

Old Town, Fort Collins, Colorado. The black stones are part of a public art installation titled “Confluence” by Lawrence Argent

Art On The Line

Old Town, Fort Collins, Colorado

One of the things that has impressed me about Fort Collins, CO is the amount of public art, especially in Old Town.  They even publish maps and have a walking tour telling people where to find it.  Sometimes the art is sculpture, pavers on the sidewalk, plaques or other displays.  Two of the most prevalent forms seem to be painted pianos placed around town that anyone can play, and painted utility box covers.  A very clever way to disguise what is usually seen as big, green, ugly boxes.

Old Town, Fort Collins, Colorado

It’s evidently brand new, as it isn’t shown in Google Street View and I couldn’t find out anything about it in the published information.  But this structure is almost certainly art.  If not, I have no idea what its purpose would be!  I had a little fun with it while walking around on a beautiful, sunshiny day!

Old Town, Fort Collins, Colorado

If anyone wants to check it out, it is located in an alleyway in an area bordered by Oak Street, Mason Street, Mountain Ave. and College Ave.  Right behind Walrus Ice Cream! 🙂

The Merry Old Land of Oz

Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

One our stops in Kansas was at the Oz Museum in Wamego.  Kansas=Oz, right?  It was a very well-done museum, with lots of movie and book memorabilia as well as displays documenting various scenes and characters in the movie.  While I knew that the movie was based on a book by L. Frank Baum, I didn’t realize that the tale was actually comprised of a series of 14 books.  Now I’m going to need to read them all!

As I’ve been doing, there are a few highlight photos here in this post, and anyone interested can see more at this link: Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas.

Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas
Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas
Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas
Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas
Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

Cars, Cars, Cars!

Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana

Kathy & I visited the Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana on our recent jaunt through the Midwest.  Here are a few photos from that visit.  For anyone who wants to see even more car photos, I’ve added a gallery in Adobe Portfolio with an expanded selection.

Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana
Dream Car Museum in Evansville, Indiana

Yerkes Observatory

Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin

This morning, Kathy & I spent time walking around the grounds of the historic Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.  It’s a beautiful old building but unfortunately is closed to the public.  We chatted with the caretaker there who told us that a group is negotiating with the University of Chicago to take over management of the facility as an educational center.  The telescopes are being used as part of the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network.

Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin

The observatory evidently became less relevant to the university due to declining interest in astronomy as a college subject and increasing competition from other observatories.  The university has been attempting to sell the property for many years with no success, and it is hoped that a non-profit organization will be able to take over management of the facility in the near future.  It’s an interesting story if one wants to learn more.

Wikipedia: Yerkes Observatory

Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin

Photographs and stuff!