On our way to Loveland, Colorado

We are driving to Loveland Colorado because it is the closest campground we could find to Cheyenne, Wyoming. While there we will be able to attend some of the events of Cheyenne Frontier Days. However we made one stop on the way to see the Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie Wyoming, which was one of only three Federal facilities ever built in the west. It was a coed facility that was self sufficient and operated until the early 1900’s. Some of the ways the warden used to sustain the facility were pretty neat. To this day some of the same equipment that was used to make brooms then is still being used today. Whenever a new “guest” would arrive with a unique set of skills they were put to work. One skill that comes to mind was taxidermy. Just like today some of the hunters back then also liked to show off their trophies. The most famous guest was Butch Cassidy before he became famous. Some say he learned new skills while he was interred there that aided him in his career of crime. Once the prison was closed in the earl 1900’s Wyoming University took it over. They stripped almost all of the buildings and used them to stable livestock and store hay and grain. Sometime in the early seventies the university abandoned the site and it almost was demolished until the citizens stepped and demanded that it be restored to original condition. Although a lot of the building was rather new there was enough of the original buildings to insure authenticity.

While walking through Laramie after dinner we happened upon a sculpture in a window that presented a wonderful way to use up excess bicycle parts. The buffalo just fit in really well/

I am trying to get caught up it probably won’t happen cause we find way more to do and way less hot spots with good internet service. More to come soon, I hope.