Thursday, July 22, 2021 - Cheyenne, Wyoming and The Terry Bison Ranch

Thursday, July 22, 2021 - Cheyenne, Wyoming and The Terry Bison Ranch

We had planned to leave North Platte, Nebraska by 8:30 this morning so we could have a little extra time when we arrive in Cheyenne, but it didn't work out that way.  It was 9:37am when we pulled out of I-80 Lakeside Campground.  However, it all worked out as we forgot that we would gain an hour during our travels today, so we weren't too far off on time after all. 

I took a few pictures as we completed our drive through Nebraska.  

This cute little trailer was sitting at the first Rest Stop we visited today.  I couldn't resist taking a picture.

The remainder of the pictures are ones I took as we moved across Nebraska.  While there was lots of open country along the way, I enjoyed the landscape of this part of the State.

I love this metal sculpture of a coyote howling!

When I noticed the Welcome to Wyoming sign, I grabbed my phone but I couldn't get the camera turned on fast enough and we blew right past it.  Shoot!  From that point we didn't have too far to go until we arrived at our overnight stay at the Terry Bison Ranch in Cheyenne, WY.  It was 1:14pm when we pulled into our site.  Prior to that we set in line just outside their gate waiting to register.  

Terry Bison Ranch Sign

3 RV's in front of us when we arrived at the entrance gate.  2 were in front of us, and one off to the left.

There were 3 rigs ahead of us.  We waited for a very long time.  Finally, one owner came out and left (he was actually pulling away in the picture above), but the 2 in front of us still had not returned.  In the meantime 3 motor home's pulled up on the outer road as there was no room to pull in behind us.  I finally got out and walked up to the office area. By the time I registered and returned to Bentley, the other two rigs were gone.  We moved to our site, #71.  We quickly got set up, turned the air conditioners on and waited for it to cool down some.  

When registering for our site, I also bought tickets for the Train ride that will take us out to a bison herd on the ranch.  I chose the 3pm ride so we had time to get set up, and relax a bit.  At 2:30 we walked from the RV to the office to ask for directions to the Train Station, took a little time to walk through the gift shop (everything was really expensive), then made our way to the train.  We stopped to look at a few things on the way.

Metal sculpture out of numerous pieces of scrap iron - a horse and rider, leading a pack mule.

When I took this picture, and reviewed it I never thought it would look this good.  Again, I think it looks more like a painting.  

We joined the others who were already boarding the train.  We were in the first row of the second open air car.  We drove through a number of sites within the park area, where we saw horses, peacocks (including an albino peacock), camels, and a few other animals.  From that point we began to make our way to the bison herd.  The train conductor pulled up and stopped this side of a large muddy area, you can see it behind the bison who met us as we stopped. It was interesting to watch the bison as they crossed that muddy area.  They were so heavy half or more of their legs would disappear in the mud.  Most of the bison made their way to the train.  They knew what we were there for - to give them food!  Everyone (except me) had fun feeding them, especially the kids.  I let Dean have the honors of feeding them as I took pictures.  LOL!

This large bison was one of a few males in the group.  

Male bison, Mama Bison and part of the baby bison

 Here's a little closer look at the baby bison

I caught Dean in this picture.  He might have been giving me the evil eye with a half smile.  Lol!  He's such a good sport!

The group in front of us, participating in the hands up, were from a nearby nursing home.  

We left the bison, as our train passed into Colorado for a short distance, before returning to Wyoming as we made our way back to the train station.

We visited Colorado---for a few minutes

Our train, back at the station.

Another metal structure - a buffalo.  I really loved this one.

Dean petting the horses.

It was 4:30 when we returned.  Since Dean was going to grill steaks for our dinner he took the time to get the Blackstone grill out.  While he was doing that I made salads for us - lettuce, fresh tomatoes, bacon pieces, and cheddar cheese with Ranch dressing.  It wasn't long and the steaks were ready.  It was a great meal and very filling.

After dinner, Dean said we needed to get fuel for the truck.  While we were out we spied a Dairy Queen - if you've followed us for very long, you know how our truck seems to take control when we are near one.  We found an empty school parking lot a few blocks away, where we parked to enjoy our treat.

Tomorrow we move to the west side of Wyoming for a one night stay at Red Desert Rose RV Park as we continue our trek to Winnemucca, NV.