More from Bear Trap

More Images from Bear Trap Meadow-Casper, Wyoming-Early July

And there's mum. I told her to stand and wait for the butterfly's to land to photograph.

Blooming Bear Trap Meadow

Although these images were not taken in August I'm going to show them anyway as I didn't show them last bloom day. Bear Trap meadow is an open meadow on top of Casper Mountain. Casper mountain is a long mountain on the north part of the Laramie mountains overlooking Casper, Wyoming along the North Platte River. Elevation is 8130 and there is a 3000 foot climb to the top.
 It holds a special place in my heart as I have fond memories picnicing there while young with my parents, taking my boys there when they were young, and of course enjoying it even more in my "later" years. This is part of the Natrona County Park System and when I was in junior high I had a summer job picking up trash and downed lumber. I didn't appreciate the splendor then but I do now.
The meadow is used extensively for winter sports such as snowmobile races, cross country and of course sledding. In the summer large parties use the pavilions, camping and picnic areas. Wildflowers are abundant as you will see. In early August there is the Beartrap Music Festival which brings in quite a few bluegrass bands.

 A Juncus variety I think Allium canadense-wild onion-(thanks Susan for the ID)

I have spent hours trying to identify some of these plants, as above.

Geum triflorium-Prairie smoke, Antennaria arcuata-meadow pussytoes with Juncus-above

 

Balsamorhiza-Balsamroot

More photos to come.

As always the 15h of the month means Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, join Carol at May Dreams Garden to view blooms from around the world.

Near Muddy Mountain

During our recent vacation to Wyoming in late June, my mother took us on a tour of an old cemetery near Muddy Mountain. As we were traveling over BLM land we would see old wagon wheel ruts left from the Oregon trail as the area is near Independence Rock. We were traveling in a four door sedan, and with it's low clearance, it caused a few moments of questioning our travel on this particular non maintained rural road. However we did arrive without knocking a muffler or rear end off the auto.

I had been curious about why my mother wanted me to visit a cemetery of all places. However, it turned out to be an interesting first stop in our Casper Mountain journey. Freeland cemetery is not your normal cemetery. I wonder how they get the funeral procession here?

The photo above shows how smoky it was at the time as there were many fires around the state. The old single loop galvanized fence with the post finials really gives a rustic look. Not exactly your typical manicured cemetery.

Many of the tombstones were made of natives stones derived from nearby areas. This particular one is made of petrified wood.

I speculate that this fenced in area may have been built for the original family to be buried here.

Another petrified tombstone.

Now here is an unusual tomb. Must have been a rock collector.

The gravesite about is more my style. Native!

In conclusion, this last tombstone is really cool.

Wouldn't you like to hear the story behind this pilot's grave-site?

Memories of Crimson Dawn

"History and mystery beckon from atop Casper Mountain in the heart of central Wyoming. Trails wind gently among the pine and aspen while the log cabin museum provides a warm step back in time. Crimson Dawn Park and Museum welcomes you to the enchanted world of Neal Forsling's creative and inspirational legacy." This is the description from Crimson Dawns web page of a hidden log cabin found on top of Casper Mountain Wyoming. This post doesn't have anything  to do with the history of the place but of a visit we made in summer of 1987. Cindy and I were in our seventh year of marriage and had two tag-a-longs: Jeremy 5 and John 19 months. That summer was a hot summer if I remember right, similar to this summers heat wave. We went to the top of the mountain with my mother and of course my camera to cool off and inspect the museum. Upon arrival my boys ran to this unique looking bench made from twisted tree limbs. Wow, what a photo op. There were not digital cameras at this day and age, so film had to be developed. The day of taking multiple photos had not yet arrived and also you could not preview them. Fortunately one photo turned out well as you can see below.

I had to take another image of the original photograph as we do not have a negative. It tuned out well, however. John probably spelled Koolade or something on himself and took his clothes off . Hee hee. It is definetly our favorite picture of the boys.

On the trip this summer we wanted to go back to Crimson Dawn and possibly relive some memories. Mother had a little difficulty finding the correct road. After finding the right turn, I had visions of finding the same bench and taking a photo of Cindy and I sitting on it.

Twenty five years later and little worst for wear, the bench is still there. However, like us, it is a little worn and aged. A unique patina I suppose. The bench was not strong enough to sit on, so we just enjoyed the fact that it was still there and provided fond memories.

Back in the Saddle Again

I got my laptop back! After a new screen, motherboard, and power adapter(the dog chewed on the original) I'm back on the blogging trail. I'm probably going to miss Bloom Day (or did), so I will post on Pam Penick's meme, Foliage Followup. Actually this isn't a garden but what the heck. Imagine yourself on a horse holding the reins, looking for foliage combos, spitting out a chew, and shouting out "morning glory!

Bear Trap Meadow-Casper Mountain-Near Casper, Wyoming.  

Mostly Lodgepole Pine, Spruce, and Aspen.

Sage and prairie-Witches Mountain near Casper Wyoming.

Many photos to follow.......