We expected to be in Cody, WY for this stop and headed to Yellowstone, but snowfall made that a non-option. For as many weeks as we’ve been on the road, I guess experiencing our first detour at this time is not too shabby. So we’re aiming southwesterly and plan to be back on schedule in terms of time and space in a few days. We stayed here two nights, beginning September 19, 2017.
Meanwhile Casper, WY it is. Super duper windy on arrival (and cold! Brr). We went to buy our Chihuahua, Cricket, a sweater and add to my cool weather clothing- we didn’t expect to dress for winter on this trip! Fall, yes- winter, no. The wind finally stopped, but on our last night.
This is definitely a no-frills campground. For a stopover, it suits but we would not care to spend a week here. High winds mean you’re not hanging outside at night and making friends with your neighbors. On the plus side, it’s clean and no corn in sight and no crazy golf cart drivers. We have a view of some Valley from here- and the site is plenty wide.We have a tree for shade but it’s way too windy to sit outside.
This place filled up last night, and was empty again in the morning, and then filled up even more on our second night here which confirms my suspicion-this is just a convenient passing through kind of place. (Which is fine – those are needed too.)
Trail History
Our cultural activity of the day was exploring the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, a museum about the trails that passed through Casper, which sits on the North Platte River. Trails such as the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail and three others.
They did a really great job on the exhibits. I thought they presented a very balanced view of events from the Native Americans versus the white man. A lot of primary source materials were presented as well. We also saw a film that helped one understand what traveling west in the 1850s meant better than any photograph or static exhibit ever could. I’m impressed by the quality of work here – and they charge no admission!And there are several interactive exhibits, such as this one that lets you experience what it felt like to cross the Platte River in a covered wagon.
Independence Rock
At the museum mentioned above, there were exhibits about the importance of Independence Rock as a milestone for the California, Oregon, and Mormon Trails of the 1800s. If travelers made it here by July 4, odds were good they’d get to their destination prior to winter snowfall.
I saw our westward route after leaving the Casper KOA would take us nearby but wasn’t sure if we’d see it. As it turns out, a conveniently placed rest stop meant we could walk right up to it!
