Example of conveniences developed for western travelers. (Display at Wyoming Welcome Center)
Can you imagine the journey west as the pioneers and settlers traveled thousands of miles from the eastern U.S. to explore the west, looking for further freedom to claim land, pursue their dreams and establish homes with families?
Native American lives were impacted greatly as the frontier was being explored by those seeking better lives. Let’s not forget their struggles and desires to live peacefully and pursue their dreams as well.
Tipi at the Wyoming Welcome Center
Imagine the hardships, rocky terrain, streams, wildlife and challenges along the way. Many lost their lives. Many fell short of their dreams. Many arrived. Many fulfilled their dreams.
Isn’t it interesting how years ago when the western part of
the United States was being settled, they had their share of camping. Do early
settlers compare with modern campers?
Settlers must have been mobile campers for sure. Wagons
filled with commodities, sleeping in the open wild; exploring ever-changing
terrain, using gifts of strong and mild.
Camping display at Wyoming Welcome Center
Campers may come and go, explore on foot, motor – through heat and snow.
One is necessary to begin new life, the other for pleasure,
to ease the strife.
Explore if we will, love the land, embrace life around,
protect life with a zeal.
These thoughts were generated from visiting the Wyoming Welcome Center during a recent visit there.
Wyoming is the 10th largest U.S. state by area, the least populous, and the second most sparsely populated. It became the 44th U.S. state in 1890.
StatessymbolUSA also mentions that according to the Wyoming Secretary of State, “The name Wyoming is a contraction of the Native American word mecheweamiing (“at the big plains”), and was first used by the Delaware people as a name for the Wyoming Valley in northeastern Pennsylvania.”
If one is traveling from Colorado to Wyoming, toward Cheyenne, I recommend stopping at the welcome center. It has excellent information on Wyoming.
Wyoming is a wonderful place to visit. I’ll post photos and information during my next several posts. I’m glad to have you along with me on the journey. Let’s explore the area, shall we? I’m amazed.
While traveling into Colorado on Interstate 76, one of the stops for the night was at Fort Morgan. We had dinner at Cables Pub & Grill.
I usually have to work around the menu due to staying on a gluten-free and yeast-free eating regimen. It’s a challenge sometimes but one has to be creative. Cables was a pleasant restaurant with ample variety.
I always like to search for something unique wherever I travel. We didn’t have much time to stay in Fort Morgan so I researched on Wikipedia.
Fort Morgan began as Camp Wardwell, and was established in 1865 along the Overland Trail to protect emigrants and supplies going to and from Denver, and the mining districts.
The fort was renamed in 1866 by General John Pope for one of his staff, Colonel Christopher A. Morgan, who died earlier that year.
During our stay I noticed a unique smell in the hotel during the night and wondered what it was. I discovered we were across the street from the sugar factory. I didn’t even notice the plant beforehand.
I was confused a little as I read about
the sugar factory; and then read about sugar beets. So, does sugar come from beets? According to Quora.com and Michael Shaw, a
plant person, 😊 the typical red beet is certainly different
from the white-colored sugar beet.
While leaving Fort Morgan, I just had
to have a couple of photos of the processing plant. I would have been interested in taking a tour
if I had time along the way. Still, it’s
amazing what we can learn if we take a little time to check things out.
Also, this I didn’t know: “Today, sugar beets account for HALF of all refined sugar production in the United States, and around 20% of all sugar in the world! Cane sugar and beet sugar are the two processed sweeteners that most of the world’s processed food industries are built upon, ” according to Healthy Home Economist.
Okay, where is the horse? Actually, the name reflects a quaint, little barbecue (BBQ) place tucked away near Interstate 40 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
The restaurant is nestled in the foothills of the Wild Horse Mountain range in eastern Oklahoma. Maybe there are some wild horses still in those hills.
Business cards,, old and new, adorn the walls of Wild Horse BBQ.
Artifacts are displayed on the walls of Wild Horse BBQ – including these two with Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood in their younger years.
If you travel along this area it is worth stopping for tasty food with quick and friendly service in a rustic environment. The menu is limited and simple. I think the brisket sandwich is their most popular item. The plate includes some very tasty beans too.
Metal drum ends provide wall art at Hampton Inn, Mulvane, Kansas.
When I saw these metal drum ends with rust mixed with color in Kansas I thought of our Native Americans in North America.
Not knowing much about Indian culture, I have become more interested during travels across the United States. It is amazing how many various tribes were populated across this vast land. I suppose many of the generations are scattered now and it’s more difficult to determine pure tribes aside from reservations.
As I pondered these pieces of art I wondered if they were made and painted by Native Americans, or even if this artwork is indeed similar to the Indian culture in this area of Kansas. From my own simple analogy, this area is where the Kiowa Tribe was predominant, and a remnant still remain.
So, does the different type of “drum” that is painted trigger any particular thoughts with you?
Reminder at Hampton Inn and Kansas Star that in the west a handshake is as good as a deal.
If you travel through Kansas near Wichita in the U.S., and desire a place to rest, with built-in “entertainment,” then Hampton Inn & Suites in Mulvane, Kansas is a good choice.
The hotel is just off Interstate 35 near Wichita, Kansas. It has the western U.S. flair along with the Kansas Star Casino and Arena.
There are a few restaurants inside the casino that should satisfy each appetite. The hotel staff are friendly, the rooms are very nice and comfortable and the hallways present a fresh appeal.
I always enjoy the complimentary breakfast with excellent choices and dining comfort.
Columbus, Mississippi, ever been there? How about old antebellum houses, downtown stores still preserved over time, some older, some newer; tucked away with rich historical heritage and classic southern architecture, food and hospitality?
Antebellum home in Columbus, Mississippi
Columbus was voted number six in the Best Small Town Cultural Scene category of USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest, according to http://www.visitcolumbusms.org/.
The Luxapallila and Tombigbee flow effortlessly, picking up the soil saturated beside; many times swelling with the onslaught of rain and outlets that drain. The bridge sometimes over trouble waters, or with peace below; it often matters. They move beyond, constraints no more, spreading their power, looking for new shore.
Tombigbee River walkway bridge and scenic path in Columbus, MS
The big ditch flows just the same, sometimes low with often overflow. So peaceful at times, then raging through the vines.
“Big ditch” flooding in Columbus, MS
The 82 and 45 move us along, meandering around, looking for that which wets the mouth; ahh, we found it, not much to see driving swiftly by, but just a little place, wood design, no time to waste.
Old Hickory Steak House on Highway 45 in Columbus, MS
It may not entice you to stop, just looking at the décor; come evening you can tell – it’s special as many come through the door.
The best steak all around, some of the best – tender, juice, tasty and right. Chef prides over coals so hot, sizzling – to the perfection of each one. While traveling through Columbus on Highway 45, don’t forget to stop by Old Hickory – in the evening it comes alive.
