Ash Hollow State Park is a historic spot where ancient Indians lived and sheltered, and pioneers travelling the Oregon Trail passed through.These ruts were made in the 1800s by wagons traversing the Oregon Trail. It is incredible that the ruts are still there 150+ years later! This area is known as Windlass Hill.More ruts.The pioneers also drove through ravines like this one.Panoramic view. When I got to the top of the hill, I was surprised when a coyote jumped up and ran away from me! It was larger than I thought a coyote would be. He was about 20 feet from me.This a pioneer homestead dates to the 1890s. The Oregon Trail passed by here.Behind these doors (closed due to COVID fear – arrgh!) is a well preserved cave used by Indians for perhaps thousands of years.
This is Mary Jean’s hometown.Mary Jean’s father built this house (note the MB on the porch railing) in Ogallala. She lived here as a child.Mary Jean’s grandmother (Gramy) lived next door.Mary Jean and her cousins and Aunt Juanita.Lake McConaughy was built over the town of Lemoyne NE, which was Mary Jean’s father’s hometown. In order to facilitate the lake, Lemoyne was dismantled piece by piece.The dam is 162 feet high(deep) and 3.1 miles long. When all the gates are open, the water flows at 7,000 cubic feet per second, or over 420 thousand gallons a minute. The large structure close to the dam is called the Morning Glory. It is the flood control tower.These lines show how low the water in the lake is.Lake McConaughy is 22 miles long and the normal depth is 142 feet. It is a very popular spot for water and beach activities during the summer.
Cabela’s world headquarters are located in Sidney NE. Cabela’s has recently been bought out by Bass Pro Shops.This is what you see when you walk in the front door.This African Elephant was killed by one of the Cabelas in Ethiopia in 1989.This is a cool wildlife display.This National Pony Express Monument is right next to the Cabela’s store.
This is the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne. Wyoming was ahead of the rest of the USA regarding women’s rights. Wyoming passed laws giving women the right to vote and hold office 50 years before the 19th amendment to the US Constitution giving these rights to women nationwide.Buffalo statue on the grounds of the capitol.Statue of calf on the grounds.“Spirit of Wyoming” statue on the grounds.The rotundaSenate chamberHouse of Representatives chamberIn this historic room the Wyoming Constitution was debated and ratified.The Wyoming Capitol used wood for its banisters which creates a warm look. Also, the black and white checkerboard tile design is eye-catching.The architect who designed the capitol purposely turned one of the balusters upside down, because he said that only God is perfect! Amen!In many of the black tiles there are fossils. More fossils.
