Boise, Idaho

We were the first of a group of old (and I do mean old!!) classmates from high school (class of 1960) that decided some months ago to meet in Boise then go on to McCall Idaho for golf, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing, hiking and food.  Bob and Pam have a place there and we were first to arrive.  We proceeded to a campsite nearby on the Boise River and its river walk.  The rest of our group is arriving over the next day or two from all over the country.             

The picture above is from downtown Boise just under one major bridges viewed from the riverwalk.    Boise is a beautiful!   Downtown is active and there are people walking about everywhere.  The riverwalk I keep mentioning is for hiking walking fishing running and biking.   Five of us rode bikes some 14 miles exploring it and city that runs through it.   Once everyone arrives we head north to McCall.

Fort Bridger, Wyoming

When traveling we try to go for a few days then stop and spend two nights in one spot to take a break from the driving.   One such stop was Fort Bridger, Wyoming, a major point along the Oregon Trail that many settlers took on their move West.  Below is a replica of the stockade fort as it originally stood.

The stockade fort was only 100 feet by 100 feet and had a similar protected area for stock off to the side.  Inside was Jim Bridger’s quarters and the trading post area along with a blacksmiths spot for repair of wagons and other services to the travelers

In later years the fort became a military post that was upgraded substantially with masonry buildings and nice residences.

Today, Fort Bridger was a nice respite on our trip West and the town while still a farming community is still a nice stop along the I-80 corridor West.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Our next stop on the way West was Cheyenne, Wyoming.   We have tried very hard not to drive ourselves till we drop and have made an effort to only go 200 to 300 miles a day, stop early and smell the roses or even do a little exploring.    Cheyenne just happens to be home to the Union Pacific Railroad and they have a museum downtown in this fantastic old stone Railroad station.   See below.

The interior besides being used in some areas for the museum has been restored to its original splendor with the Union Pacific’s growth west inlaid in the floor.

Behind the station is their workshops and yards that are huge….although they were much bigger during the heyday of steam.   There are still roundhouses and remnants of older buildings and equipment.

Today, no less that 74 trains pass through these yards every 24 hours

In going through the museum we came across this photo of a  “railroad windmill” such as we had seen in Nebraska

Last but not least we saw one of the original “Big Boy’s”  the largest steam locomotive ever built.   It weighs 1,250,000 pounds.   They used to haul the heavy loads over the western mountains before the influx of diesel locomotives.

Windmill State Recreation Area Nebraska

The Gordon wedding went off without a hitch and everyone had a good time.   We enjoyed seeing old friends.

After the wedding we went back to our motorhome anxious to leave on our trip West.

Our first stop after a reasonable days drive was located at MM285 along I-80 in Nebraska. The park itself used to have quite a number of old historical Windmills but now unfortunately the remnants of a few and one 10 ft diameter that is still operating.  Below are a few pictures of the windmillsThe operating 10’ windmill  

 

Vane from the 20’ “railroad” windmill that is the largest made

The 20’ windmill on the ground being prepared to be restored

Part of the tower that was 51’ high

We stayed just the one night but there were few other campers and the stay was fun with bike riding and exploring.