After we took Clay to the MTC, we went to Wyoming to visit my family. Although the skies were cloudy, we still managed to have an enjoyable time. Our trip to Wyoming was much more adventurous than we planned on in a lot of different ways. On Saturday, Bruce and I were planning to go to the cheese factory in Star Valley, Wyoming and take a tour. The cheese factory was for sale, and my dad has been trying to convince Bruce to buy it so we can move closer to home. Every time we visited Wyoming for the past two years, we planned on going to the cheese factory, but also every time either Bruce and I get sick the day we are supposed to leave. It seems like every time we fly home, one of us gets sick. We must not be used to the elevation or the climate, since we have apparently acclimatized to the crazy Illinois weather. The first year we both had the flu, the second year I had the flu and Bruce had a bad cold. This year (although Bruce still had a cold) we decided to go. We almost didn't make is as the day before my diabetic dad forgot to take his Insulin and his sugar level was in the 500's. Scary!
Fortunately for all of us, my dad woke up the next morning (the day we planned to leave), and never felt better. In fact, he felt so good, he talked the entire way on our extended round trip. I really am glad that my dad felt so good. He hasn't felt that good in a long time.
We drove the 2 hours it takes to get the to the cheese factory, only to discover that 1) someone did buy it 2)It was being remodeled and 3) they were not going to start giving tours for another year. :( Bummer! We took some pictures of the outside. After seeing the outside, my dad said, "maybe it's a good thing we didn't go inside. That building looks so old, the ceiling may have caved in on use. They need to remodel."
Wyoming is one of those states that is extremely proud of its Old Western kind of life. There are two times more sheep than people, and more dogs and horses than people. Most folks were extremely offended when you call them farmers. Folks in Wyoming are not farmers - they are ranchers, and you must understand the difference. I am not saying that every citizen of Wyoming is a rancher, because my mother and animals don't really get along, but there is a lot of beautiful land still available for those interested. Believe me, my dad continued to point out available land (especially close to the cheese factory) that he wanted Bruce and I to buy and start our own Ranch. He came up with all sorts of ideas and ways to make revenue. You must know this in order to understand the context of the welcome sign to the city of Afton, Wyoming.
Yes! That arch is made completely out of elk antlers.
After the cheese factory disappointment, we decided to continue driving to Jackson Hole since I have never been there. The 50 mile drive up there was filled with my dad raving about how cool Jackson was, and what I could expect to see there. He also recommended some important things to see, like the Million Dollar Cowboy bar.
The counter top is made out of a million silver dollar pieces.
Of course, you can't forget the actual bar stools.
And the old fashioned cash register!
We walked down the wooden side walks, shopped in some of the tourists stores, and laughed at some of the merchandise. Mostly we were making fun of the outrageous prices these kind of stores charge, yet people willingly pay for it.
Before leaving Jackson, we had to get our picture taken next to (once again) the Elkhorn arch.
My dad works for Rain for Rent. What they actually do is somewhat complicated and long to explain. Most of what they do is rent supplies and materials to different companies. Wyoming not only has a lot of land, but it has a lot of rich land full of oil. There are a number of big time oil companies that drill oil in Wyoming. My dad's job is to keep track of the inventory Rain for Rent distributes to different oil companies to use while on the rig. I had never actually seen an oil rig before, and my dad thought it would be a fun addition to our trip to show us one. Not only does he work in the oil business, but my younger brother Otto, actually drills oil for his job too. He took us up to the Rig, explained how the drill actually works, and went through some of the rules and regulations oil companies have to abide by. I will make it known that drilling oil is not bad for the environment as my dad assured us about 500 times. We saw Cattle, deer, and antelope grazing right next to the rigs. Not only that, but companies are required to replant and rebuild any site they use to drill when they move their rig. (This is all according to my dad)
Here are some pictures of the supplies my dad's company rents to other oil companies.
We had an enjoyable day looking at the beautiful country side that Wyoming has to offer. Driving through there made me miss the mountains and the rolling hills. Perhaps someday, we will return to the rolling hills of the west. Here is a slide show of some of the scenery! I realize there are some people in the United States who have never seen the mountains of the West. I am blessed to be given that opportunity, because it truly is remarkable.
I love the mountains! I love the Rolling Hills! I love the Fountains! I love the Daffodils! Boom de a dah Boom de a dah Boom de a dah Boom de ah!
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