Wyoming

Our first stop in Wyoming was Gillette, the self proclaimed "Energy Capital of the Nation".  They are mostly known for their vast quantities of coal and oil.  It was amazing to see the tons of coal being shipped out of the city every day by train.  Our main reason for going there was for the Escapees Rally.  Escapees is a group of like minded people who enjoy the RVing lifestyle.  The rally was full of great information about RVing, friendly people (a common theme in the RV world) and a lot of fun.  

Sunset in Gillette

After the rally we continued west to the town of Cody, named after Buffalo Bill Cody.  We hoped to take in a rodeo, but unfortunately the season had ended the week before.  Cody is well known in the rodeo circuit, but make sure and get there during the summer if you want to see one and once the season is over, much of Cody starts shutting down from a tourist standpoint.  We did go to see the Buffalo Bill Dam which was constructed in 1910 to aid the local farmers in irrigating their crops.  The views from atop the dam are fantastic and the visitor center has information on the history of the area and the building of the dam.  

One of the other places we went to in Cody was a museum/gift shop called Tecumseh's Trading Post.  It is mostly a tourist trap that sells the typical gift shop things, but also has a donation only museum in the back that is well worth a quick stop.  The proprietor has built a huge miniature village depicting the develop of the old west.  It is really quite interesting for both young and old.

View from Buffalo Bill Dam

Shoshone River in Cody

Tecumseh's Trading Post Miniature Village

Tecumseh's Trading Post Miniature Village