Our Wyoming chapter began with bitter disappointment as a blizzard was forecast for right where we were due to go: Cody and Yellowstone Park. Debating whether or not to go ahead and risk it, we decided the latter because even if we were able to get there, there was no guarantee a) if the Park would be open and b) if we would be able to get back out again. So with a promise to return to Yellowstone one day, we packed up and set off to find Devils Tower.
On our way we drove through the town of Aladdin with a population of 15 residents. We stopped at Wyoming Mercantile, also known as the Aladdin General Store which was built in 1896. The store, which has been placed on the US National Register of Historic Places, serves the community as general store, liquor store, post office, bar and gas station.
Leaving Aladdin we drove straight into the oncoming snow as we headed towards Devils Tower. The scenery became even prettier than before with the addition of white everywhere.
As we approached Devils Tower we began to see it taking shape on the snowy horizon. But watching it get nearer didn’t quite prepare us for the sight of it looming over us when we finally reached its base. It is believed to have been created about 50 million years ago, the result of molten magma being forced into sedimentary rocks above it. Over millions of years the sedimentary rock eroded and exposed Devils Tower.
Considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and one of the finest crack climbing areas in North America, Devils Tower stands 265m/867ft high from base to top, the summit is 1559m/5112ft above sea level and the diameter of its base is 305m/1000ft.
Heading south to Fort Laramie, I confess that my awe at seeing Devils Tower was 100% matched by my excitement at seeing cowboys herding cattle down the road in the snow. Perhaps not so much for Sammy who had to slow Wyatt down to a virtual crawl so I could get my photo 😂
Our visit to Fort Laramie took place post-snow and with dazzling blue skies albeit with a sub-zero wind chill factor. Rugged up against the arctic temperatures, we spent a great couple of hours here as we wandered around and learned about the Fort’s history. Built in 1834 and named Fort William, it was originally a post central to the buffalo trade. Later renamed Fort John, it was eventually bought by the US army in 1849, renamed Fort Laramie and became a military presence along the emigrant trails. The fort was abandoned in 1890 and is now a national historic site. Fort Laramie bears the title of Wyoming’s first settlement.
Well Wyoming, we didn’t do what we came here to do, but what we ended up seeing and doing was just as good. History, geology, snow and cowboys – it’s been a fantastic visit ☺️
P&S