Vacationing With Murphy July 2002

 

 

Murphy and I put on our western duds, packed the car and headed for Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho and Colorado.

Black Hills, South Dakota

 

 

Murphy was not allowed at Mount Rushmore. At Crazy Horse Memorial, Murphy could go in certain areas, if I carried her. In the background you can see Crazy Horse.

We stayed overnight at Custer, South Dakota-a great town with lots to do.
Wind River Canyon (Wyoming)

This is the most beautiful drive in Wyoming. Native Americans in the area consider the canyon sacred. I believe it is. The canyon is 2,500-foot-deep, has a river on one side of the highway and railroad on the other. The water looks like it is running uphill. I will always return to Wind River.

Thermopolis, Wyoming

 

Thirty years ago, my Dad had his picture taken on this swinging bridge. My Mother and I did not feel comfortable going out on the bridge.

The bridge has been replaced, but it still swings. You can see Murphy and I put our fears away and had our picture taken.

Meeteetse, Wyoming

 

We met this handsome fellow at Meeteetse.

Meeteetse (pop. 375) is one of the oldest settlements in central Wyoming. I have been told that an occasional cattle drive will run right through town. The town has wooden boardwalks and hitching posts for cowboys' horses. A really nice town to visit.

Cody. Wyoming

 

This picture was taken in front of the historic Irma Hotel. The hotel was built by Buffalo Bill and named for his daughter. The hotel is celebrating 100 years. We were waiting for the gunfight at dusk.
Yellowstone National Park

This buffalo stopped in front of my car. It was disappointing that we saw very little wildlife. It was very hot and dry in Wyoming.
The only bear that we saw was this one in Cody
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is spectacular. It is a waterfall that is 20 miles long and half-mile wide. Murphy and I went down Uncle Tom's Trail, which goes down the canyon and brings you level with the falls. It was easier going down than up.

Pocatello, Idaho

 

Murphy and I visited my cousin, Bill, and his family at Pocatello. I picked a very busy weekend to visit. Bill just opened a new western store and this was the grand opening weekend. What fun!

Here we are eating and having wonderful conversation.
This is the saddle that Uncle Dean loaned to Steve McQueen for the movie, Tom Horn. A long time friend of Uncle Dean's originally owned the saddle. The saddle is a Hamley saddle and is valued in excess of $5000. It will never be sold.
This was a wonderful trip. Murphy was a great traveling mate. She made friends everywhere she went and I think I came along for the ride. I enjoyed visiting Bill and his family.