The trail in the background is said to be the tracks from the wagons heading west.

Our drive north was again very beautiful.  The plains were lined with bighorn antelope (which we of course then had to research) that are currently migrating north to Yellowstone.  We learned that they migrate very quickly and we can verify that after seeing them moving through the plains.

We also stopped to explore Split Rock.  Part of the Oregon Trail, this was an important marker to the wagon trains as they headed west as they could see it from a full day away on their way west and could use it as a marker for two days after they passed through the valley.  Not content to simply look from the overlook, we scrambled up the rocks and across the top to the far end and looked out over the meadow.  From there we could still see traces of the wagon trail as it would through the two rocky outcroppings and along a small stream.  It was amazing to see the tracks still clearly visible.  We learned that Wyoming was the best state to pass through because of its plentiful water, food, grass and trees (haven’t seen an abundance of those yet).

Always looking for a tree to climb

We did have a bit of a scare when my oldest disappeared.  Sure that she had fallen over the edge or slipped and knocked herself out by hitting her head, we began to search in earnest, calling her name and getting more and more concerned as time passed.  Finally, my husband headed back to the parking lot (a good distance away) and we set up lookout posts between us with the rest of the clan so I could continue searching where we were, but he could communicate with me if he found her.  Sure enough, she had headed back to the bathrooms (she had told us but we were so busy setting up photo ops and talking about the history of the trail, neither of us heard her).

Lessons from this?  Most important–make sure you get a response before assuming your parents know what you are doing.  Second-how in the early days before telegraphs and other communication devices, lookout posts were the only way to communicate back and forth.

We pulled in to Cody, WY last night and set up camp in a KOA with a pool (much to the girls delight).  The day we arrived, we simply enjoyed the campground (we had arrived late due to several stops along the way for a short hike or to enjoy the views from a lookout point).

On day two, we headed into Cody to tour the museums.  There are five museums in one-each with a different focus.  The kids especially enjoyed the museum of natural history (which focused on the animals in the area), while Mark and I enjoyed the historical museums on Bill Cody, the Plains Indians, and the expedition of Lewis and Clark.

Needless to say, our second day was very educational.  To culminate the museum trips, we had the kids each write a short essay on Bill Cody.

We finished the day with a trip to the Cody Night Rodeo-the first rodeo ever for the kids.  We were impressed with their opening prayer, which was a genuine prayer to our Heavenly Father that not only asked for His protection but also thanked Him for the gift of His son.  What a testimony!  I was so thankful to see their commitment to using this outlet for the Lord.

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