FORT BRIDGER, Wyoming

I'm fascinated by history and especially in my area of the world. THE WEST. It's the story of my pioneer ancestors-Mormons who traveled across 1000 miles of plains, hills, mountains, deserts walking all the way as they contended with the elements, weather, diseases, inconveniences and danger from Indians and wildlife. It wasn't easy but they did it. We all have PIONEERS who came to AMERICA at some time-on the Mayflower or other ships to start a new life. Some of us have ancestors who were already here on this land NATIVE AMERICANS and some unfortunately were brought here as SLAVES. What a complex history is the story of this country. Here's more about Fort Bridger:

Model of Fort Bridger when it was an army outpost

Original foundation of the fort

Cooking area for the fort

Pioneer handcarts stopped at fort to restock their supplies

Cheaper than wagons but labor intensive

Lots of displays showing the history of the fort

Indians were part of the Fort history also

The fort area was originally a mountain men trading area with the Indians

Squaw collecting firewood with help of large dog

Officers quarters were larger and nicer than the enlisted men's barracks

Info on officers quarters

Outhouses for officers quarters

Pioneer Trails across Wyoming

The 1800s brought pioneers going to California, Utah and Oregon

Remains of wagon ruts remain

Fort Bridger, a welcome sight for weary pioneers to stock up on supplies and rest.

Hubby recalls a receipt book like this his g-parents had in their country store

Any thing you needed to resupply your wagon train to complete the journey

Interesting bathing tub with back rest for small children

Barracks or sleeping quarters

Ice house and stables for animals and wagons

Many repairs were needed on the wagon wheels because of rough roads/trails

Some came in carriages, a little more comfortable than wagons

Guard house for soldiers, has a prison cell too for when needs arose

Beds were elevated so guards wouldn't sleep???

Guard house of shelters during inclement weather

Commissary of goods available to buy, note brown paper and string to wrap up purchases

Freight wagons used to haul supplies to sell at Fort Bridger

Wyoming History and Beauty

Wyoming and US flags

Wide open spaces....

Room to roam

Rock formations are beautiful...

Red rock formations are a surprise in Wyoming

Close up-this area is a wildlife management area

On Vacation-believe it or not!

We actually decided to take a trip somewhere and ended up in Wyoming then Colorado searching for cool air and greenness. Having fun more photos later coming.
 

This is Wyoming-lots of wide open spaces, can you image being a pioneer here?

Interesting rock formations and redrocks like Utah has...

Love the fluffy clouds that come each day and bring cooling shade

First night out spent at Rock Springs Wyoming

Another MILESTONE #77

LIN letters, angels-Hope on left, Healing on right & motto-Hanging in there

Yesterday was my 77th birthday. I always remember my mom thinking she'd die at age 76 because her mother and sister did, but she lived to be almost 90-dying at age 89. Interesting that we don't know how long we  have here on earth or how we will check out or graduate. Looking back I'm wondering what my greatest accomplishment has been thus far. Personally-it was dancing professionally in a ballet company, graduating from college, teaching college dance classes, then later 1st grade and being an elementary school librarian, but my biggest accomplishment was becoming a wife and mother to four sons who are all adults now with their own lives.

Mommy dove using our old robin's nest

Families can teach us so much more than any job ever will in the way of taking responsibility 24/7 for others welfare including your spouse and any children you bring into this world. The opportunity to develop new personal skills, and personality strengths-patience, love, creativity and endurance are all part of it. With many young people today choosing NOT to assume these God-given responsibilities, they are missing the personal growth that can come. The satisfaction of guiding and supporting other human beings in a family as they search for their potential. (Just doing what comes naturally like the dove outside our bedroom window...)

Monsoons are HERE!

First it gets very hot like 110 degrees+, then clouds form and the wind blows

After some thunder, you hear rain on the roof top!

The monsoons are here bringing cooler temps but high humidity!

Missionary preparation time...

My 19 year old grand daughter Emilee Hatch went to the Missionary Training Center in Provo Utah today to begin 9 weeks of training before she leaves for her mission in Paris France. She will be practicing the French language and learning how to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all so excited for her.  Her family pays her way about $350/month and she will be gone 18 months.