Cody, Wyoming (June 24, 2012)

Welcome to Cody, WY - the home of the famous Buffalo Bill Cody!  What a fun town!  Just east of Yellowstone, we decided on this stop as a result of multiple recommendations from friends and folks we've met along the way.  While the entire city has become a tourist-meca, there is really a lot of great stuff to see here!

So Buffalo Bill was the trapper, soldier, hunter, scout and entertainer - probably most famous for his traveling Wild West Shows.  What an interesting character - influencing not only the entertainment industry, but also impacting relationships with Native Indians, developing western territories, and  fostering revolutionary projects such as hydroelectricity for irrigation.  At the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, Buffalo Bill was the most recognizable celebrity on earth!

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center, a grouping of 5 museums, targets Buffalo Bill himself, the Plains Indians, Natural History, Firearms and Western Art.  It is hands-down the most fabulous museum complex I have ever seen.  Thanks to my good friend Lois, we were sure to put this on our 'must see' itinerary...thanks Lois!!!  If you ever get to Wyoming, be sure to add Cody and this historical center to your list!!

Oh - before I forget, it just so happened that I was able to connect with good friend and colleague Alicia Rose.  She and her husband, Greg, were traveling in the same area and were alerted to try to hook up with us.  We just happened to end up in Cody during the same time, so we were able to spend yesterday (Saturday) together!!

There is so much to see and experience in the museums that it is ridiculous to try and even summarize here, but my favorite was the amazing Plains Indian Museum - chronicling the lives and legends of the Indian people in the west.  The numerous displays of their clothing, tools, weapons, and customs were just fabulous.

Of course, the tragic saga of the Indians attempts to preserve their native lands was a key piece in this historical display. And in spite of the efforts of many peace-seeking Indians and and American western citizens trying to negotiate a reasonable solution - greed, politics and corruption won the day.

Oh - remember those fancy yellow tour buses used in Yellowstone (see previous entry)?  Well, this is an early 20th century version of the same thing  ...  an actual carriage used to transport those early visitors through Yellowstone!!

Following the museum(s), we went to the famous Cody Rodeo.  First, however, we treated ourselves to dinner and a western music show at the Cody Cattle Company.  These 3 guys were terrific western musicians - some amazing guitar and fiddle!!  Alicia and I were doing some major clappin' and foot-stompin' - woo hoo!!!

As we entered the rodeo stadium, this poor old guy was available for photos.  For a price, you could sit on this bull and have your picture taken.  I think he was well beyond his prime and I sort of felt sorry for him - he looked so bored and sad! 


As side note: Hey Mom (Ginnie), remember that poor guy on the beach??? OMG! 

The rodeo was really something!  Bigger than the one we had seen in Jackson, but Alicia tells me smaller than the one in Reno, Nevada.  Well, whatever - it was really fun, and MAN .... what riders.  This event was the saddled bucking broncos.  I couldn't believe I got such a great shot!!


So, tomorrow (Monday), we begin our trek back east.  It has been a great trip, but we will be ready to get home.  Cutter is craving his bed and his life of luxury chasing lizzies on the deck.  I can't wait to have my laundry room back.  And Dick - well, he's already planning our next trip - probably not til 2014.


We will be fast-tracking back home and plan to arrive by July 1st.  We still have some fun planned along the way, so stay tuned and don't change that channel!!