Leaving the rodeo heard and saw massive trucks entering the fairgrounds. Construction of the rides had begun. What a lot of work that is! Take a look at the progress.
as the bears wait their turn.
The ticket booths arrive on trailers..
Light checks are being done for the Pharaoh.
The Monkey Maze is completed.
Looks like a fun time for the Fair.
Staying in a motel next to the county fairgrounds heard much commotion, and decided to explore. Here is what I found – a rodeo. Felt a little odd dressed in a sundress and sandals while all others were in Wranglers, boots, and cowboy hats, but let it go and watched. Fascinating.
Never in a million years did I ever think I’d see a rodeo. You never know what’s in store.
Not far from Rock Springs is Green River, Wyoming. This is another area where Mother Natures handiwork sculpted exquisite rock formations. They are breath taking, no need for words.
Green River was a cross roads in the development of the West. It is steeped in the Overland Stage Line and Pony Express history. Railroads brought many to this area. Currently, visitors come to experience tubing or relax at Expedition Island Park. For me, it was the beauty of the rock formations.
Drove through Rock Springs as it was one of the towns listed on the rest area bulletin board. The rock formations were magnificent, however, the history of the town is sad. Read on.
History – Rock Spring was named for the spring which ran through this area. It was found by a lost Pony Express rider. Sadly, the Spring disappeared when a coal mine interrupted its flow.
Rock Springs has been known to be a town of many ethnicities due to the influx of those from different lands brought by the railroads. However, when the Chinese came to the area they were met with hatred. China town was burnt to the ground by locals claiming 28 lives. Later the United States government paid China $149,000 for this occurrence. The money was used for scholarships for Chinese students studying in the United States.
I always stop at the first rest area of every state I visit. Usually, they have staff to assist at these places, or some literature, however, Wyoming handles this differently. Here’s what I found.
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Found the rest area clean with some information posted on a bulletin board of things to see/do in Wyoming. Took pictures for further exploration, but wish they had a few brochures available. Have to write their Governor.
Liked the posting about the history of the Eisenhower Highway System. Read on.
Further liked, the fact that the building was eco-friendly, much like the Biden rest areas in Delaware.
And outside found the picnic table area protected. Am told by my daughter Wyoming has stong winds, probably protection from them. Noted on route 80 signage and gates to close the route during inclement weather.
Closing with a Wyoming sunrise
Stopped at the Andrew Jackson home in Nashville, Tennessee in the trek West. What an amazing Mansion and home. Learned much of the man during the movie, museum, and Mansion tour. Hermitage also has wine tasting. Was told the wine is quite good, however, did not partake as a long drive beckoned.
Andrew Jackson was..
The Hermitage is a fascinating tour where you will learn much of this complicated man. Essentially self-made he held many hats in his lifetime. Dying at 78, he was the 6th most wealthy president, well read, and with a strong business acumen. He operated a 1000 acre cotton plantation post presidency. He owned slaves and was pro-slavery.
On his sentimental side he was married to Rachel Donelson, they had no children, however adopted a nephew. This “marriage” was a great scandal as when they married Ms. Donelson was not officially divorced. Jackson always felt her untimely death was from the stress others placed on her from this scandal. He never re-married and spent his Hermitage afternoons post presidency talking with her at her grave site.
The Mansion is in the Greek Revival style with 90% of the original artifacts. Flooring and wallpaper are over 185 years old. The home began as a log home developing into a 6000 square feet red brick mansion completed in 1821. In 1834, a fire occurred, and the Mansion rebuilt for the President’s 1837 post presidential return.
Kitchen and Slave Buildings
The Gardens are lush, warm, and well manicured. Stroll, and take in the beauty and fragrance.
Started my drive in North Carolina, traveling through Tennessee, then Kentucky. Once in Iowa the typography or geography, (never can figure which word to use), changed with 100’s of miles of corn fields bordering the interstate. And as the welcome sign said, Farmer’s Feed The Country, and in many cases, the world. Great respect for farmers. It is a calling as well as a profession.
Corn lining the road. Will always regret missing a picture of the Welcome to Iowa sign…….
Next, Missouri and Nebraska. Was astounded by the beautiful sunflowers growing among the grasses. Had to stop and pick a few. Am hopeful to seed these when I return to my home – wherever that is.. HA! HA!
Never traveled cross country, and it has always been on my bucket list. When the opportunity came, I grabbed it. Writing post drive am grateful that the infrastructure bill is on track. Much is being done on Route 80, but man we need more. Contact your congressman to VOTE YES on the bill.
What to bring on the drive and remember to do:
RELAX AND ENJOY THE DRIVE
All good things come to an end. Have found some wonderful spots to visit in North Carolina. Biltmore was my favorite despite enjoying Lake James hikes, and many other sites.
What I won’t miss are the confederate flags, and signs for those who lost the election. Come on y’all, let’s bond.
And one final note.. out of state residents keep speed limit 5 to 10 mph below the posted limit.
Good-Bye North Carolina, it was a memorable visit. Let’s hope my blogs bring many to your lovely state.
What a fun event watching the “girls,” as well as the audience. Sitting with table mate who had never been to a drag event, and celebrating her birthday contributed to the merrymaking, Enough of that, let’s see the performers..
Event began with a bearded MC warming up the crowd.
Then rolling into the performers, first up was Celine.
The following performers were equally amazing –great entertainment, with Pink next..
Madonna
And all this for a good cause for seniors. What a great group and hat’s off to the vendor for sponsoring.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 