Glenrock, Wyoming: Why, you could be asking yourself, are Terry and David in Glenrock, Wyoming for two days? We are here because My Driver needs to be in front of his laptop/cell phone for a few hours this afternoon for Lenny's NFL Fantasy Draft. Dave, Lisa, and Leo have a team. (So why he chose this particular rustic campground in the middle of nowhere with lousy cellular service for his zoom session is beyond me. We passed by several fine places in Casper. Not. My. Problem... but I am choosing the campgrounds from now on.) But the Platte River RV Park is on the beautiful Platte River!
I've been noticing this variety of tree since Idaho. They are a Russian Olive, and I noticed it because it looks just the like the (non-fruiting) olive trees we have at our house in La Quinta... except they were at 5000 feet elevation and I know our olive trees can't take that much cold/snow. Turns out the Russian Olive, native to Asia and Europe, were introduced to America in the early 1900s as wind break and shelter, and thrive at 4500 to 6000 feet. Turns out, they are a weed and take over every where, especially where there is a river or marsh... but they can tolerate drought as well. It is listed as a "do not plant me" species in California and the state urges property owners to do their best to eradicate the species, and replant native oaks instead. Birds do eat the fruit though! Anyway, there is one planted on our campsite and it is very pretty.
One thing My Driver did not realize? This weekend is the big 5th Annual Sheepherders Rendezvous in the city park in Glenrock. Not gonna lie, we've never been to a Sheepherders Rendezvous, so we went to learn what it is all about. First we watched Border Collies compete to herd sheep into a trailer. That was fun - but very few of the dogs could out-trick the three sheep.
There were food trucks, and the obligatory Kettle Korn tent, vendors selling their homemade jams, doilies, and NFL toilet seat covers. Most interesting to us were the collection of antique miniature "covered wagon" vehicles used as housing for the sheepherders while they are out on the range with the flock. A few people still use their wagons.
Every wagon had some sort of heat/cooking source as well, and a lofted bed. I loved the pillow in the far right wagon: I JUST LIKE SHEEP, OK. Another group were chuck wagons (sometimes called a chuck box), with the American Chuckwagon Association. Who knew?
We then visited the area where sheep wool is sold, spun, and knitted. Lastly, we went to see kids preparing to take their Alpacas through an obstacle course. There were people riding around on horseback, an acapella choir singing Leonard Cohen, a blacksmith demo, and people cooking vats of chili over open flames. (The chili cook-off was cancelled because they couldn't find a judge. Guess they didn't know I was in town?)
This was a fun event and we enjoyed ourselves quite a bit. On the way back to our RV, we stopped to the local grocer to buy fresh basil for our pizza tonight. No such thing. DT wanted a six pack of beer and the only place to buy beer in this town is a drive-through-window liquor store. Another new experience. We saw campaign signs with this slogan: FOSSIL FUELS YES! Something tells me we're not in California anymore, Dorothy.
Then it was time for the Father-Daughter-Grandson team fantasy draft. Leo is a great asset, as he knows as much as anyone about the players. Last day of freedom for our grandchildren - home from Costa Rica and back to school Monday!
When life doesn't give you fresh basil, make chicken enchiladas:
I used the last of the “rotisserie” chicken I prepped in the slow cooker a while ago (frozen!) with salsa verde for an easy meal. We watched the Diamond League meet from Switzerland (recorded) and called it a night.
Until my next update, where we plan to continue south, I remain, your herded correspondent.
Years ago the county extension services in Montana gave us Russian olive trees–now they are considered a noxious weed–maybe a little more research was in order Montana??? I moved to WY from Houston in the early 1990’s–talk about culture shock! Drive through liquor stores!! You could literally drive up and ask for a gin and tonic–they gave you a cup of ice and tonic, an airline bottle of gin and off you went–isn’t that drinking and driving??? Weird. You do make the best meals in your coach!