Terry Bison Ranch, Wyoming

We recently had a great opportunity to spend a few days at the Terry Bison Ranch in Wyoming just south of Cheyenne.  The property was very large with very few trees evident.  There were so many activities for folks to engage in and horse riding was but one of the many available. 

The hills were treeless but the wind farms were in abundance.  Several times a day the train would go out to feed the Bison who would wonder down to greet the train.

The property had many buildings on it all of which had a purpose.  This building was a stable and also provided a platform for the train.

Back to the Bison.  Bison are very large, even-toed with a body mass for an adult of some 1,588  kg, a height of 250cm and length of 460 cm.  Their head weight around 300 lbs so they have great difficulty raising their heads.  They do not like horses.  The baby you can see is only 7 days old.

A magnificent specimen.

This train is made up from from scratch based on an old 21/2 ton Army truck.

The ranch has an amazing assortment of animals.

The small cafe is housed in one of the original buildings and on this morning Trish, Murray, Ross and I meet for brunch.  It was very pleasant sitting outdoors and enjoying time with wonderful friends.

The property has a facade of  the old West.  There were gunslingers to be seen.

Even a wild fox came for a look.

The Bison ranch was a wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature.

After our time at the ranch we drove down to Denver in convoy with Trish and Murray to enjoy Independence Day.

More of that later.

Cheers Bev and Ross

Cheyenne, Wyoming Pt.2

Chyenne is also the home of the Warren Air Force Base where all training is undertaken for the servicemen and women who man the United States missile force.

They have an impressive Capitol Building and is one of only 11 such buildings in the USA that has a gold dome.

Outside of which is this stately monument of Chief Washakie whose fervent wish was that all should live in peace and harmony.

Wyoming takes great pride in equality of people and here is another example of the right for women to have a vote and the role the State played in bringing this about.

The State seal is most impressive.

This was the week leading up to 4 July, Independence day and the streets were lined with red, white and blue.  The centre piece being a T Shirt.  

As you can see the weather was perfect and we enjoyed the chance to experience the hospitality of this part of the country.
More to follow on the bison ranch we stayed at and our time in Denver.

Cheyenne, Wyoming Pt.1

Recently we had the opportunity to travel to Cheyenne which is a very nice part of the world.  Its historic centre is very easy to walk around and every effort has been made to retain the city's original charm.  The original railway station still commands a presence and hosts memorabilia of a bygone past.

Wyoming was the first State to grant women the vote and dotted throughout the city there are many references to this monumental decision.

Wyoming has a number of big cowboy boots.

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A good way to see the sites is to travel by horse and cart.

We enjoyed our city tour where we saw many historic old buildings.  This church was were Buffalo Bill was married.

These grand buildings all came with a story of rich lives having been lived during its early days.

A view downtown still gives the feel of a city that does not rush.  Where citizens appreciate what they have and enjoy time with their fellow man.

They do however, have a very large Wrangler store.

Anyone for a handbag?

Boots for every occasion.

Cheyenne is a fun city with lots to see and do.

More to follow.

Australian Visit 2014 - Pt.2

To our North American friends you will have heard us mention our famous Australian meat pie, well here is. This is what a typical pasty shop in Australia looks like.  You can get all sorts of pies but on this day we were only interested in the meat pie. 

Once home it is removed from its foil liner.

It then has the tomato (ketchup) sauce added.   It is now ready to eat.

We also took the opportunity to spend time with Ross' family.  Here Russell, Toni and Neil joined us at the Thai Corner restaurant  in Canberra for a meal.

Here we are again gathered after Lindy's funeral with Ross' family and Pat Carroll whom Ross has known since his school days.

While some may think that kangaroos jump down the streets in Australia, that is usually not the case however they do enjoy a round of golf (Gold Creek Country Club).

We also took the opportunity to have another look at our home that we have not lived in for the last 6 years. You never know one day when we finally retire we may get to  live in it again.

The view from the side yard  shows the Brindabella Mountains which later as winter progresses will feature a light dusting of snow.

Whilst our trip back to Australia was to say a final farewell to Lindy it was also good to see our family and friends once again.  All of whom remain in our hearts and prayers.  We miss you all.

Fondest wishes,
Beverley and Ross