Post 9-14-2014
Oh what a beautiful and simply gorgeous drive from Cody to Meeteetse and then on to Thermopolis. It's just one rolling canyon after the other. The second most scenic drive in WY so we are told. Really couldn't argue with them. (The first is the East entrance of Yellowstone to Cody, WY and can't argue with that either.)
Wood Sidewalks
We stopped in Meeteetse to buy some chocolate from a small chocolateer (we were told about at a visitor center) and discovered that there was a very interesting museum just next door. Well, we had to explore. In we go and find a lovely and very friendly attendant by the name of Rachel Deshong who gave us a quick synopsis of the photographs of Harry Jackson and the local fame caused by the recovery of the black foot ferret which was thought to be extinct.
Lovely and friendly Rachel Deshong
Harry Jackson was a well known artist of photography, realistic painting and sculptures of western life. He was born in Chicago and started taking lessons at an early age. His father was an alcoholic and Harry didn't like school and didn't attend regularly. But a teacher noticed his artistic ability and was instrumental in his being accepted into a famous art school. Over the years, he returned to that art school and pursued his desire to become an artist. He married the daughter of a wealthy rancher in Meeteetse, WY. He loved the ranch and the activities of the cowboys and recorded them in his photographs. He was also a skilled painter and sculptor.
Most of the photos here depict his life which is also chronicled in many, many pictures. He took pictures of everything he did and of his family and all activities on the ranch. All the walls were covered with them. His photos were seen all over the world in newspapers and many magazines, including National Geographic. He helped manage the ranch after his father-in-law's death. After his divorce he moved to Florida and remarried. He apparently committed suicide in his early sixties. No reason is known.
All the photos are as I took them.
Local ranch brands in the sidewalk
Built in 1893
Indian clothing showing the intricate beadwork
Female chaps
Sheep skin chaps
Beautiful homemade quilts
Antique crazy quilt
Saddle and chaps used by Harry Jackson
Had to be put down for foraging food from humans
Antelopes on the ranch
Red Eagle
Another exhibit was of an early general store and a lot of it's wares and yet another of the Indian clothing made for them and all the western saddles, chaps, boots, etc used in managing the cattle farm.
The grocery/general store area in the museum
A coffee mill with coffee beans for visitors to grind and take home
We had the coffee the next morning, good coffee too.
Gonna have this tomorrow
Me? Wanted? Aww.
Spices in an old post office cabinet.
Aunt Elizabeth and my mother had Jewel Tea China and they loved it.
Dirty clothes
Sculpture of Harry
Old saddles and gear for the ranch hands on display
Old boots left out in the rain
Sculpture of John Wayne from movie "True Grip"as Marshall Rooster Cogburn
Albino Skunk?
Made by German POW
A contribution was made by a prominent hunter named Charles Belden who became a conservationist. Didn't get a photo but his main interest was mountain sheep and goats.
Five sheep and one goat
This flag flew in homes that had children in the war. Never saw one in our home but one like this was in the home in the movie "Saving Private Ryan"
The first star was bright blue for serving, gold was sewn over the blue if the warrior was killed in action or later died from wounds of war.
WWII Navy and Marine Uniforms
WWII Army uniforms
The museum also had the history of the Black Foot Ferret that was thought be be extinct since the early 50's. The Hogg family dog killed one and took it home. Not knowing what it was they were going to have it stuffed and put on the mantle. The taxidermist recognized it for what it was and notified the government. They searched and found several more in the area. there is now a program to help restore them to the plains and to do so they have to protect the prairie dog's population as they are the main food source for the ferret.
Black-footed Ferret
Started a revolution
There was an exhibit of a couple oil companies exploits in the area. Of interest, Wyoming produces enough coal, oil and gas to have a budget surplus that does not require high taxes.
Oil interest
Prairie Dog Habitat
A statue of "Steamboat", world champion bucking bronco. The state of Wyoming has honored him with his likeness on the state license plates and he is also the mascot of the University of Wyoming.
See the difference?
Thermopolis
After another relaxing drive we arrived in Thermolopis, noted for the hot springs in the area. Unlike Yellowstone Park, these hot springs begin in the deep earth in the valley Southwest of Thermolopis and emerges in this area. We went to the State park where the entrance was free yet they limited you to 20 minutes soaking time. the water is slightly sulpheric (minerals) and maintained around 104 degrees. Actually, you float more than sink while soaking. It was absolutely wonderful and, WOW! did we feel better when we got out. Since we're staying here for the night maybe we will go back tomorrow for another soaking.
There were two pools, indoor and outdoor.
The "tepee fountain" down the street from the spa was erected to give the excessive water pressure a release. It is still weeping mineral water since 1920.
Erected to give excessive water pressure a relief valve.
The begining
1920,1930, 1940
Stone Buffalo
The following photos are related to the cooling pools for the mineral springs.
world's Largest Mineral Hot Springs
Swinging Bridge
Beautiful multi coloring.
Cooling pools
On the way to the RV park we passed by a small trailer advertising Ribs and BBQ. Somehow I knew that they would prepare some mouth watering ribs and MAN! was I right. We turned around and went back and got a full rack of very thick ribs. Ken and Brenda Ralston had cooked some of the most tenderest ribs I've ever eaten.I had three huge ribs that were so tender they fell apart just using a fork. They gave us some zesty, delicious Jalapeno based sauce that just didn't last long enough.Gonna have the rest tomorrow. . BOTTOM LINE: If you ever travel through Thermolopis, look for them on the East side of the main through street and stop and get a full rack of the best ribs you will ever want to eat.thank you Ken and Brenda Ralston for such mouth watering ribs
Town Square
Brenda and Ken Ralston
