Tag: Wyovore

Liberty Lausterer: “This Wyoming Life”

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Earlier this month I saw Ira Glass give a talk at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts in Jackson, WY. Glass is the host of the public radio show This American Life. He appeared on stage wearing a skinny grey suit and tie, having flown in from NYC, and joked that he was way overdressed for his Wyoming audience. His blue jean wearing, ice pick carrying audience cheered him on in agreement.

Then Glass did what he does best, he told stories. The stories he told, like those heard on This American Life, ranged from the weirdly mundane to the shockingly bizarre. But every story, whether it was one about an AWKWARD gaff at work, or questions surrounding a bizarre murder case in North Carolina, were told in a spirit of mystery and intrigue. Glass has reclaimed the ancient art of storytelling. Based on the huge success of the radio show and the buzz in Jackson around Glass’ appearance (a second show was added when the first one sold out in just four hours), I’d say there is something in all of us that still longs to hear a good story.

That’s the truly magnificent thing about stories, everyone has at least one to tell. And since there are only a half million people living in Wyoming that means that Wyoming stories are pretty rare as stories go. It just so happens that Wyoming Public Media has started a project to collect stories from around the state. Anyone can participate. All you have to do is show up and tell one or several stories of your life in Wyoming. You can listen here to stories that have already been collected, and you can get information about where to go to share yours.

Because while there is something exciting about someone flying in from NYC to share stories that are broadcast all over the nation and beyond, I’d say there’s something even more meaningful about hearing stories from this Wyoming life.

Gain Free Entry into Grand Teton National Park on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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MOOSE, WY — Grand Teton National Park will waive entrance fees on Monday, January 20, 2014 in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. Grand Teton will join the more than 400 other units of the National Park System to acknowledge this special day as part of an effort to encourage families and individuals to visit and experience the wonders of their national parks. The entry fee for a private, non-commercial vehicle to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks normally costs $25 for seven days.

In addition to waiving entrance fees during this upcoming holiday, Grand Teton will also offer free admission on eight other days throughout 2014. The additional fee-free dates for the calendar year include:

•             February 15-17 (President’s Day weekend)

•             April 19-20 (National Park Week opening weekend)

•             August 25 (National Park Service’s 98th anniversary)

•             September 27 (National Public Lands Day)

•             November 11 (Veterans Day)

Weekend visitors to Grand Teton can enjoy winter activities from auto-touring, wildlife viewing and photography to cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing across the snow-covered landscape.  A popular winter trail—that spans the unplowed Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain Lodge—is open, and although not machine groomed, it is packed and tracked by previous skiers.

In addition to skiing, photography and wildlife watching, ranger-led snowshoe hikes take place each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday day at 1:30 p.m. from the Taggart Lake parking area. The two-hour guided walks offer an opportunity to learn about snow science and winter ecology. Previous experience is not necessary, and snowshoes are available for a rental fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children, 8 years or older. Reservations are required and can be made at 307.739.3399.

For complete information about winter activities in Grand Teton National Park or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, go to http://www.nps.gov/grte/parknews/upload/Winter_Guide_14.pdf. Visitors can obtain winter season information about Grand Teton and the JDR Parkway in the following ways:

  •  The park’s website at www.nps.gov/grte.
  • The Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on North Cache Street in Jackson.
  • The park’s information line at 307.739.3399, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday— Saturday.

“Mama, Rock Me Like a Wagon Wheel…”

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Thanks to our contributing blogger, Liberty Lausterer, for a look into square dancing! Thought of as country past times, square dancing and line dancing can be found throughout Wyoming. Liberty takes a look into the art of square dancing…

by Liberty Lausterer

Square Dancing Caller to Dancers:

“Bow to your partner. Corner too. Circle left. Heads up to the center and back. Sides, Grand Square. Turn a corner. California Twirl. Dosados and swing your partner!”

Old Crow Medicine Show

If this square dancing speak reads a little like a foreign language, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Up until two months ago I had no idea what most of these calls meant. But when we moved to Wyoming it seemed like the perfect way to embrace the west. Plus the Quadra Dangle in Laramie is just a really neat space, and piece of Union Pacific Railroad history in Wyoming. And when the caller played Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” Mumford and Sons, Stevie Wonder, and Zumba music during the open house I was all in.

Next month my husband and I will complete our three months of Mainstream Lessons. Mainstream means we can literally travel anywhere in the world and dance the same exact calls we dance in Wyoming. But that’s not even the best part. What is truly amazing about square dancing is that you get to embrace a piece of western culture, and you get to embrace your partner (not to mention lots of other people’s partners).

A fast-paced scene at Laramie’s Quadra Dangle, courtesy Liberty Lausterer

I happen to dance in Laramie, but there are clubs all over the state. The Quadra Dangle will offer another session of lessons in January. So rock me mama like a wagon wheel!

Laramie’s UW Women’s Club Features 2013 Holiday Home Tour

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The University of Wyoming Women’s Club Holiday Home Tour is scheduled from noon-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets cost $10 in advance and are available at Ace Hardware and Turtle Rock Coffee. Tickets also are available the day of the tour for $12 at the featured homes. Children 12 & under are by donation.
From a new custom-built home to a historic tree-area Hitchcock home, the public will have the opportunity to view a variety of housing styles, all decorated with holiday cheer.


“The Holiday Home Tour is our main fundraising event for the year with the proceeds providing for a scholarship to assist non-traditional female students to attend UW,” says Kristen Klaphake, the tour’s co-chairwoman.
Stops on this year’s tour include a contemporary-designed home featuring interesting pieces from Thailand. A 1980’s home on the tour was beautifully and creatively remodeled into an attractive, modern space. Also on the tour is a historic tree-area home designed by Laramie architect Wilbur Hitchcock that has been beautifully renovated.
“This year we have a selection of beautiful homes decorated for the holidays. Taking the tour is a great way to bring in the season and to appreciate the architectural home designs we have here in Laramie,” says Klaphake.
For more information, visit http://uwwomensclub.com/ or call Klaphake at (307) 399-1363.
Photo credit, University of Wyoming Women’s Club: This house at 2036 Nighthawk Drive will be among those featured during the 2013 Holiday Home Tour.

MADE IN WYOMING: Wyoming Silvers

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visit our website & read the new Winter 13-14 issue of Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

These week we are featuring Wyoming Silvers of Upton, WY

Jill & Dennis Hendrix, Wyoming Silvers  PO Box 872  Upton, WY 82730  307-630-4166  wyomingsilvers@yahoo.com  www.wyomingsilvers.net

Jill & Dennis Hendrix began selling wholesale to gift shops and state parks across the country.  In 1997 they began direct sales and discontinued selling in the wholesale market.  Wyoming Silvers offers a diverse product line from jewelry to lariat baskets and clocks.  Jill and Dennis have received several fine art awards at art shows across the Midwest.

Wyoming Silvers creates art glass jewelry and some silver work.  Each piece is one-of-a-kind, blown, fused and torch-work glass.  Dennis creates lariat rope baskets and lariat clocks.  He also creates the custom name rings. Each one is made with the customer’s personalization on a comfort fit stainless steel band.  They are very reasonably priced, which includes the ring and all the personalization.

Normally, Wyoming Silvers’ products can be ordered via their website, however, this month they are in a kiosk in front of Christopher Banks and Kay Jewelers at Frontier Mall in Cheyenne.   Visit their web site or stop in at the mall, this is a great opportunity to own a handcrafted unique piece of art.

Wyoming Silvers recently received licensing to use the Bucking Horse and Rider logo on their line of personalized jewelry of rings, pendants or bracelets and happily will work with customer on custom pieces.  They are made to order, and if purchasing at their Frontier Mall kiosk in Cheyenne you can pick up your ring the same day.  Products ordered are generally shipped within 48 hours and the shipping is free to the customer.

This year they have added more sculptural glass work and gift items.  Blown glass ring holders and nifty purse holders are priced under $20.  In the jewelry line, Jill has added convertible necklaces that can be worn with or without the pendants.  These necklaces come with matching earrings.  All jewelry is gift boxed with the Wyoming first seal.

WY FOODIE: Yummy Recipes from WY Beef Council

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A new series of great holiday recipes from our friends at the Wyoming Beef Council! We greatly appreciate all the hard work they do promoting the advantages of beef – a Wyoming agricultural staple and the income for many of our friends & neighbors!

As we begin to think about having guests over for the holidays, we can’t help but imagine all the wonderful possibilities. When it comes time for friends and family to gather ‘round your table, our holiday recipes will delight their senses—from the smell of a roast in the oven and the taste of cranberries to the sight of a hearty breakfast after a brisk morning walk in the snow.

APPETIZERS

Appetizers like Bite-Sized Sweet & Spicy Beef Ribs and Mini Meatballs with Apricot Dipping Sauce will wow your guests and start the event off right! They’ll be the perfect pairing with fruity holiday wines.

Mini Meatballs with Apricot Dipping Sauce: are made with lean Ground Beef and can be kept warm in a slow cooker. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4005

Bite-Sized Sweet & Spicy Beef Ribs: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4532

Beef and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: These perfectly bite-sized mushrooms are stuffed with a savory blend of Ground Beef, blue cheese and chives. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4900

Beef and Couscous Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers: Tiny peppers are packed with Ground Beef, spinach and couscous for a colorful appetizer that’s easy on the waistline at only 35 calories each. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4921

 

MAIN COURSES

Main courses like an awe-inspiring Classic Tenderloin with Cranberry Drizzle or a comforting North Woods Hearty Pot Roast will fill the bellies around the dinner table.

Classic Tenderloin with Cranberry Drizzle: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4409

North Woods Hearty Pot Roast: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=405

Crumb-Crusted Top Sirloin and Roasted Garlic Potatoes with Bourbon Sauce: Is just as glorious as a more expensive roast, but is easy to prepare and a breeze to carve. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=197

Walnut-Crusted Roast with Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes only looks like it took you half a day to prepare. The simple walnut crust comes together quickly and the roast is placed in the oven for about two hours—the perfect amount of time to set the table. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=1908

BREAKFAST

And finally if breakfast or brunch are more your style, serve a twist on a classic breakfast pastry with Beef Sticky Buns. For those busy mornings, a quick and easy Beef and cream cheese bagelwich will cross one more thing off your growing to-do list. Not to mention, adding protein to your morning meal will keep you satisfied longer.

Beef Sticky Buns: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=391

Beef and cream cheese bagelwich: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=3906

 

You can view the entire collection of holiday recipes, perfect for any dining occasion on BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. While you’re there, don’t miss the newsroom for more story ideas.

ART IN WY: WY Film & Cardinal Matters, Casper’s Corridor Gallery Event

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WYOMING FILM IN DUBOIS:  The 2013 Wyoming Short Film Contest winner, Mark Christian, is working towards a film shot in Dubois, Wyoming — Cardinal Matter — and they’re going to the people to help put together their budget! They’ve just got 13 days left and $12,000 at stake…can you help them out? Read on for a letter from Mark…

My name is Mark Christian, winner of the 2013 Wyoming Short Film Contest, held by the Office of Tourism and Wyoming Film Office and was awarded $25,000 to make a film to be shot in Wyoming. I am reaching out to you because we are trying to spread the word of the film across the state. The film will be shot 100% in the state of Wyoming showing off its beauty and providing work for its kind and hardworking people.

Our film, Cardinal Matter, is a feature length film about Austin, a US soldier on leave who has lost all his family. All he has left is his cousin, Hunter, but when he goes to visit he becomes the target of a deadly corporate cover-up. It’s a powerful tale illustrating the effects of large cities on rural America and we feel strongly about telling a good story through a compelling narrative that audiences of all demographics will enjoy.

Currently, our biggest obstacle is budget. We are about $12,000 shy of our goal on indiegogo. Myself and the rest of the Cardinal Matter crew are hoping you can share our campaign page/fb page to spread the word to your followers. I have provided a link to our facebook page as well as the Indiegogo campaign below.

I would be happy to answer any questions! You can reach me at cardinalmatterfilm@gmail.com.
Indiegogo Page:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cardinal-matter/x/65530

Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/cardinalmatter?ref=hl

“It’s Not about the Frame,” John Atherton

CASPER:  The Corridor Gallery Welcomes “It’s Not About the Frame”

The Corridor Gallery is excited to announce “It’s Not About the Frame” an upcoming show opening on December 13th at 7pm featuring a collection of Classic American Illustration. “It’s Not About the Frame” is a hand selected batch of 45 original American Illustration works from Fred Taraba’s collection. The Corridor has chosen to remove existing frames and show all work sans distraction. Knowing that most who purchase any of these works will opt to have framed themselves, The Corridor is offering a $100 framing certificate with each sale. The show’s flagship piece is an original illustration done for the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1945 by illustrator John Atherton. Given the popularity of The Saturday Evening Post, many of the less known cover illustrations have sold in excess of six digit figures. More intriguing than a potential price tag on this piece is the fact that John Atherton gifted it to a few women that saved Atherton’s life after a ski accident in 1945. John concluded his life saga by drowning in a fly-fishing accident shortly after at the age of 51. Every single piece of this collection reveals complex and interesting stories such as this.

About Fred Taraba

Fred Taraba is a dealer in original American illustrative artwork… that is, painting and drawings that have been created specifically for reproduction in books, magazines, advertisements and many other media. He has been in the business of caring for, writing about and selling original illustration since 1983. For sixteen years he was the Director of Illustration House, Inc. a New York City gallery and auction house specializing in the art form. Prior to that he spent eight years with The Society of Illustrators in New York as their Assistant Director/Curator and Librarian. The public are invited to the opening reception on the evening of Friday, December 13th at 7pm. There will be a cash malt beverage bar at hand and the Fred will be present for questions. “It’s Not About the Frame” will ONLY be showing through Sunday, December 15th. Please contact the Corridor Gallery or Fred Taraba with any questions. 

Event Details

Event: “It’s Not About the Frame” featuring 45 works of original illustrative artwork
Opening Reception: Friday, December 13th at 7pm
Admission Cost: Free Show
Showing Through: Dec 13th 7pm-midnight, Dec 14th 10am-5pm, Dec 15th noon-4pm
Accommodations: Cash malt beverage bar
Information: For more information, please contact The Corridor Gallery at (307) 333-7035, Reed at (307) 259-8001 or visit http://www.tarabaillustrationart.com/

 

Hot Power Yoga of Laramie

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Hot Power Yoga, 511 East Ivinson Avenue, Laramie Wyoming

307.703.9642

Hot Power Yoga of Laramie is what it sounds like – a yoga workout set in a very warm environment. Hot Power Yoga of Laramie sets their temperature in the mid-90s. The purpose is to sweat – and a lot. “{Heat benefits include} joint lubrication, increased muscle mobility, and an overall cleansing through sweat,” Hot Power Yoga of Laramie says. They highly recommend that women who are pregnant, have recently been pregnant or are soon-to-be pregnant not attend.

Besides the heat factor, Hot Power Yoga is “…fitness-based, making it a little more vigorous and good for building strength,” HPY of Laramie explains.

Hot Power Yoga of Laramie can be found online at www.hotpoweryogalaramie.com, by calling 307.703.YOGA, and is located at 511 E. Ivinson Street. This is a place that is on my ‘must try’ for fitness resolutions this year!

Thank you to Ardent Photography of Laramie for graciously supplying these fabulous images!

 

LODGING: The Bentwood Inn B&B, Jackson Hole, WY

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For a beautiful and relaxing experience in Jackson Hole, visit The Bentwood Inn B&B in nearby Teton Village. A short drive from downtown Jackson, and a short drive to the slopes, The Bentwood Inn offers luxury and ambiance year-round. Outside Magazine called The Bentwood “One of North America’s best Ecolodges,” and as soon as you pull into the drive you’ll see why. We greatly enjoyed our own stay, with a lovely gas fireplace, spacious bathroom and a delicious night’s sleep.

Visit their website to learn more about The Bentwood Inn B&B – and when you’re planning your next Teton vacation, check them out!

ARTS IN WY: Cheyenne Art, Design & Dine Dec 12

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Arts Cheyenne features a wonderful, regular Art, Design & Dine event – and their next event happens December 12, from 5-8 PM! Check out the following venues for displays throughout the December event…

2013 Art Design & Dine venues. Click on a link to get more information about the venue and any featured artists or events they might have planned for the art tour. Special features will be posted as they come in so check back often!

Castilleja D. Edington

Artful Hand Studio & Gallery– 302 East 1st Ave. 229.546.5183

Prairie Wind-1916 House Ave. 307.632.3082

Nagle Warren B&B- 222 East 17th St. 307.637.3333

Deselms Fine Art- 303 East 17th St. 307.432.0606

Clay Paper Scissors– 1506 Thomes Ave. Suite B 307.631.6039

LightsOn! The Hynds Building – 1604 Capitol Ave.
The Art Party Facebook link

Cheyenne Artist Guild – 1701 Morrie Ave. 307.632.2263

 The Paramount Cafe 1607 Capitol Ave. (307) 634-2576

Art Corner Co-Op  Located at 1726 Capitol Avenue-SW Corner of 18th & Capitol.  (307) 514-3313.

ADD +

Iron Sharpens Iron  – 5807 Sunset Drive 307-631-0208

FrameMaster – 137 Kornegay Ct. 307-637-4121

“Forbidding Harvest,” G. Schumacher

Thanks to Arts Cheyenne for their wonderful programs that celebrate the talented artisans in the region!

Timeless Photography by Sue Hays is offering mini Christmas portraits to families in the Sheridan area! Contact her on her Facebook page for more info!

Handmade in WY

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Thanks to Liberty Lausterer for a look into gift giving this holiday season. Liberty moved to Wyoming a few months ago, and in that time has been on a quest to learn more about herself and her new home. I appreciate the viewpoint that she brings to her writing that we can share here – learning about our state from a new resident’s perpsective!

HANDMADE IN WYOMING — by Liberty Lausterer

“But it is a cold, lifeless business when you go to the shops to buy something, which does not represent your life and talent, but a goldsmith’s.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Gifts

What handmade gift might you make this holiday season that represents your life and talent? I’ve never made handmade gifts before, so this is new territory for me. In fact I just started knitting and hesitate to call what I’m doing a bonafide talent. But each knitted washcloth I give to family members will definitely be a small incarnation of my life in Wyoming. And in each one will be a handmade bar of soap created by some talented people from Wyoming. Giving a gift that I have made with my own two hands does seem to imbue it with a warm, life-giving spirit. And if not my hands then certainly the hands of someone else whose life in Wyoming has been woven into each creation.

The felting class I took at Works of Wyoming means I can now also create an e-reader cover, a table piece for candles, coaster, wall hanging, and more. From my lived experience comes a tangible gift that allows my family in Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Virginia to feel and see what my life in Wyoming is like.

This weekend after the Thanksgiving dust has settled and the Christmas shopping extravaganza begins perhaps instead of joining the masses we, each of us, can use our time to create something that represents our life and talent. And if not our life and talent then certainly that of an artisan from Wyoming.

Here are just some of the shops that carry handmade items in Wyoming, and please post other places you know of from around the state:

Wild Hands ~ Hoback Jct

Crafts-n-Collectibles ~ Cody

MADE ~ Jackson Hole

Works of Wyoming ~ Laramie

SHOP WYOMING: Outlaw Rodeo Wear

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Looking for a great gift for the western & rodeo fan in your life? Check out Outlaw Rodeo Wear of Ten Sleep, WY! They have all sorts of great gear for men & women… Many samples follow, and be sure to visit their website as well as on Facebook, or give them a call at 307-760-2902 or 307-683-6052!

 

 

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company

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We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company of Jackson, WY

Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company, Dan Marino — PO Box 1770, 1325 S. Hwy 89, #110 Jackson, WY 83001 — 800-543-6325  or  307-733-7244 — www.jhbuffalomeat.com   info@jhbuffalomeat.com

The Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company is based in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  It was established in 1947 as the “Jackson Cold Storage Company.”   After 50 years of business, Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company was purchased by Dan Marino.   Dan has always had an interest in hunting and game processing, which led him to the purchase and business of processing buffalo and elk.  The Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company was fairly small and he thought he could develop and grow the company.   With a strong core of long time employee, you could definitely say this is a family business.

For 60 years Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company has specialized in only the finest 100% buffalo and elk meat products. Their buffalo graze naturally on open range grasslands in a ranch setting.  Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company supports the ranching traditions of the Great American West.  They believe in raising animals on the open range; rejecting growth hormones, steroids and antibiotics; and, Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company works to preserve grasslands for the next generation.

Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company does take custom orders.  They have a retail store in Jackson, and many stores in Jackson carry their product.  There are also stores throughout Wyoming who carry Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company products.    Purchases can also be made on the website at www.jacksonholebuffalomeat.com ; you can also request a catalog or give them a call at 800-543-6328.

Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company prices vary with the products that are sold; buffalo and elk meat range from $8.95/ lb to $40.50/lb.  They also have package deals, and there is a wide variety of gift packages and steak packages available to please almost anyone.  Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company products are made in the Jackson store.

Buffalo Bill Continues to Win Hearts of Europeans

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Looking for a great Wyoming Christmas gift? Check out our WLM + Wyovore 2013 package – for just $20! 

Thanks to Liberty Lausterer for another great feature… this time, Liberty takes us across the pond for a look at how the Europeans view a great Wyoming legend, Buffalo Bill…

BUFFALO BILL CONTINUES TO WIN HEARTS OF EUROPEANS

by Liberty Lausterer – images credited as noted

Travel Tip:  If you travel to Europe, and happen to enter into casual conversation with a local, BE PREPARED. Be prepared that when an Italian, or a Frenchman, or an Englishman learns you are from WY you may suddenly be given the fanfare and paparazzi usually reserved for celebrity. You have Buffalo Bill to thank for this.

I learned this from a European who wears snazzy black cowboy boots and has an encyclopedic knowledge of William F. Cody. Her name is Julia Stetler. Julia is a German citizen and fell in love with the American west while she lived here as a foreign exchange student. The frontier, Buffalo Bill, and her husband (whom she affectionally calls “her cowboy”) won her European heart.  Now she spends her days as the Associate Editor of the Papers of William F. Cody at the  Buffalo Bill Historical Center of the West in Cody, WY.

www.legendsofamerica.com-

Wild West and Congress of the Rough Riders of the World, by Courier Litho. Co., 1899 advertising poster

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show made three European tours between 1887 and 1906. Cody saw himself as a cultural ambassador, whose job it was to impress Europeans and raise their esteem of Americans. Cody timed the shows so they accompanied some of the most significant world events of the time, like Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in London (God Save the Queen!) and the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. Europeans were sold. They received the show lock, stock, and barrel.

 

Publisher: JMP & Lithography.  c. 1889

1889parisworldfair.wikia.com

Of course there’s a lot more to the story (how each country uniquely received Cody and the role of Native Americans). For this and more watch out for Julia’s forthcoming book entitled, European Wild West. In the meantime, don’t worry about impressing anyone, just proclaim you are from WY and hearts will be won.

 

Cheers! Ciao! Hurraa!

 

 

SE WY Cross Country Skiing in WY – by Just Trails

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We greatly appreciate Just Trails & Rebecca Walsh for sharing some tips on cross-country skiing in Southeast Wyoming! Check out their website to learn more about Wyoming outdoor resources — it’s a great tool!

3 Easy Cross-Country Ski Trails in Southeastern Wyoming

text & images by Rebecca Walsh, Just Trails

 

One of the advantages of living above 7,000 feet is that winter comes early and stays late. As our friends in other parts of the United States are enjoying scenic fall colors we’re dusting off our cross-country ski equipment and keeping an eye on the snowpack in the mountains. 

Medicine Bow National Forest isn’t famous for its cross-country skiing but it should be. There are dozens of miles of trails just a short drive from Laramie. Trails are perfect for both novice and experienced skiers. 

If you’re looking to spend a nice easy day on the ski trails we recommend the following locations:

 

Chimney Park

The Chimney Park trail system is the perfect place to learn how to cross-country ski. Trails wind their way along old logging roads with very little elevation change. While the trails are relatively flat, there are a few gentle rolling hills. The trails at Chimney Park have the added advantage of being tucked into a forest of lodgepole pines and aspen trees making it a great location to escape the Wyoming wind. 

There are 4 trails at Chimney Park: Woods Creek Loop (2.9 miles), Porter Loop (4.0 miles), Lodgepole Loop (3.0 miles) and Jelm View Loop (3.1 miles) and trails range in elevation from 8,800 feet to 9,000 feet. 

To get to Chimney Park travel southwest from Laramie on Highway 230 towards Woods Landing. The trailhead is just over 6 miles past Woods Landing on the south side of the highway between mile markers 33 and 34.

Ski trails at Chimney Park are sometimes groomed by the Forest Service; we recommend calling the Laramie Ranger District to find out if they’ve been groomed before heading to Chimney Park. There is a $5.00 day use fee payable at the trailhead. You can download a free trail guide for Chimney Park here.

Medicine Bow Rail Trail

The Medicine Bow Rail Trail is one of our favorites for easy backcountry skiing. The trail follows the old railroad bed of the Hans Peak and Pacific Railroad through the Medicine Bow National Forest for 22.4 miles. There are several different trailheads, most of which aren’t open or accessible during the winter. We recommend starting from the Woods Creek trailhead which is just past the Chimney Park trailhead off of Highway 230. This trailhead is not plowed in the winter, but there are places to park alongside the road.

The rail trail wanders through a pine forest along easy and flat terrain. Because this trail isn’t groomed, touring or backcountry skis with medal edges are recommended. This is a lesser known ski trail in the area and it’s a great place for solitude; rarely do we see other skiers here. You can download a free trail guide for the Medicine Bow Rail Trail here.

Tie City

While the cross-country ski trails at Tie City are more technical and challenging than those at Chimney Park or along the Rail Trail they have the advantage of being close to both Laramie and Cheyenne and they are regularly groomed by the Medicine Bow Nordic Association.

There are over 14 miles of trails at Tie City which span across a wide variety of terrain. Some of the more difficult trails offer challenging climbs while others offer gentle terrain through open meadows and dense forests.  Trails at Tie City range in elevation from 8,400-8,900 feet. The Tie City Trailhead is strategically placed in what feels like one of the windiest places on Pole Mountain, making just getting of to the car the hardest part of any ski trip there. However, once you start skiing and get into the tree’s the wind is hardly noticeable.

To get to the Tie City Trailhead take the Happy Jack exit off of I-80 and follow Happy Jack Road (Highway 210) down from the summit. The trailhead is between mile markers 36 and 37.

Ski trails at Tie City are groomed and maintained by the Medicine Bow Nordic Association. There is a $5.00 day use fee payable at the trailhead. You can download a free trail guide for Tie City here.

For more information about trails in Southeastern Wyoming and all the information you need to plan an outdoor adventure, visit us at http://www.justtrails.com.