This morning we actually went to visit the Temple in Salt Lake City. It was a very impressive structure and the grounds were very pretty. However, when we saw the representative of the Church standing out front trying to “save” people, we figured it was time to go. You’re not allowed inside because it’s their most sacred place so just walking around outside was all we could do. It was interesting, however, that there was a huge wall surrounding the entire grounds of the Temple and a few other buildings. Not sure what’s with all the secrecy.
Going through the Rockies was beautiful. I almost felt like I was robbed of an even better experience because the mountains were green instead of white. It must look so amazing with a blanket of snow. We saw Park City where the Olympics were held, and were able to see the area they used for the ski jump and down hill competitions. Also parts of Utah and Wyoming look just so western. It’s so cool to see impressions I’ve only had in my head come to life.
Well the scenery here in Wyoming is significantly better than Nevada. It is absolutely beautiful here. So much wide-open space and these beautiful plateaus popping out of the earth all over the place. It is a little slower here. And by that I mean the people. We ran into a Walgreens to buy a few things, and the woman working the cashier was taking her grand ol’ time. In California, the people in line would be tapping their feet and rolling their eyes if someone took that long. But other than that, my mom and I have decided that we love Wyoming. I took a few pictures of a beautiful view and with the help of Photoshop have turned it into a panoramic picture.
It’s been nice to see actual wildlife on this part of our trip. We’ve seen quite a few antelope and lots of horses and cows. We also saw a couple bunnies when we made a stop at Independence Rock. They’re just too cute!!
Speaking of Independence Rock, if any of you have played Oregon Trail you’ll know what it is…because coincidently it is in fact along the real Oregon Trail. I put a picture below, but basically it’s a huge granite formation that is rounded and just kind of sticking up out of nowhere. It got its name because on the Fourth of July, pioneers were passing that rock and therefore named it after Independence Day. It was right off of the highway and it was well worth the stop.
Loren had to drop her rental car off at the air port, so we picked her up there. We had to do a lot of shuffling around to make all the bags fit and to make a person fit in the back seat. But we did it, and it was still comfortable! As we were ready to go, Loren asks, "So where is my red bag?". We looked out the window--thankfully we hadn't left yet--and there it was sitting on the bench!
We’re staying in Casper, Wyoming tonight and the town is actually bigger than I expected. There’s even a Wal Mart Supercenter here!! But we found this cute place to eat at called Sanford’s Grub and Pub. All out front are random statue-like things. There was a huge Bugs Bunny and a Daffy Duck that you can see off the highway, and once you get closer there’s a replica of Jaws, alligators coming out of an old truck, and Scooby Doo racecar out front. The food was delicious, but I’m not sure the brick of onion rings was a good idea.
Also, I should mention that the floor we’re staying at in this Holiday Inn is the “Quiet Floor”. That means there is no: running in the hallways, excessive door slamming, loud music or TVs, unnecessary conversations in the hallway, and my personal favorite, no loud singing in the shower. My mom and Loren are both seasoned travelers and have never heard of such a floor. We’re also wondering why they would put us in such a room.
Tomorrow is Mount Rushmore! I’m very excited but extremely tired because I did not sleep very good last night.
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