Thursday, September 15, 2011

September 15,2011

On to Casper

Soon after we got set up yesterday afternoon it started to rain. Not too heavy but still wet and chilly. It was nice to sit inside and watch and listen to. I enjoy doing that in a tent but a RV is much more comfortable :) . Rained off and on 'til sundown. No rain at night but sky still cloudy in the morning.

Relatively short drive over endless rolling prairie. Arrived in Casper, WY in late morning. Sams for gas and broccoli and then to park the Carbus.

After lunch we did some sightseeing. First was a drive up Casper Mountain. About half way up is a vista spot looking out over the city. Supposidly Casper was laid out in the shape of a bucking mustang. No idea why. We thought we could make it out with some imagination. Took pictures but can't get it all in one shot. Would be best seen from airplane directly over the city. We continued to the top where there is a ski area. Can you say Poma Lift and Rope Tow. Childhood memories.

Next stop was our first quilt shop of the trip. Nice store and we had a nice chat with the owner about machines and software. Don't know about the weather extremes but Casper seems like a nice, liveable town with friendly people.

Casper is located where at least five of the major emigrant trails came together to cross the North Platte River. On top of a hill overlooking the city is the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.

















The center has seven interactive exhibit galleries and multimedia programs that tell some of the stories of life on the trails for those who traveled them and those whose lands they passed through.

Even had a couple Disney type ride/exhibits. One simulated crossing the river in a wagon complete with bumping and jostling and another simulated a stage coach ride with rider dialog. Both had video as though you were looking at landscape as you rode.








The building is not much to look at from the outside but the inside is very well done. We spent a couple of hours there. A nice perk for us is that the center is managed by BLM, hence our Golden Age Passports gained us free admission. Still continues to be the best $10 we ever spent. Even with the fee, this is a must see if one happens to be in Casper :) .

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