Day 15 Lander, WY / South Pass City

"When Life hands you lemons, make lemonade"
Had a great day!--thanks to Susan! We decided to "never give up" and try once again to get down to South Pass City. That is where we were headed when our truck gave up the ghost! We found out that South Pass City and the South Pass are actually 2 unrelated places and events! I actually could have done some panning for Gold today, and may still have to after we pay for our new transmission! South Pass City is an old, deserted mining town off the highway down a curving, dirt road. We didn't care today, we were in our "Rent a Wreck". The sad thing is that it is very unadvertised, but one lady told me they get about 14,000 visitors a season so someone must know about it! Not touristy at all, more like a giant, spread out museum. South Pass City was laid out in 1867 when gold was rediscovered there. It quickly became populated by 3,000 people, mostly miners, and was the largest town in the territory of Wyoming! As we walked through I could picture the movie "Paint Your Wagon"--anyone remember that one? The town is pretty much non-existent now, but what they have done is remarkable. They have completely restored any remaining buildings, down to having the original wall paper reproduced, re-nailing painted muslin on the walls which I have never seen done before. In several buildings they even had photographs of the original rooms so you could see how accurately they have been restored. It was amazing! In each building they have added all the furnishings which you can observe behind a glassed-in wall. Some buildings had only a two foot space inside the entry way for you to stand and see the entire room. The buildings included homes, general store, hotel, saloon, butcher shop, and barber shop. Where the buildings no longer remain, they have put markers in their spots. We spent several hours here going through each building. The most amazing one was the hotel, with 9 of the upper bedrooms all completely restored with old iron beds and some high back beds. During those times you might have to share a bed with a stranger who might even be dirtier than you! And often they woke up with a thin layer of frost covering their blankets. South Pass City was in a windy desolate draw. I also got to go in a real dugout, which I have been wanting to do since we started seeing them up here. You would not believe how much cooler the part underground, or dug into the hill was! But, a little creepy for claustrophobic Duellen. I did learn one interesting fact: Ever heard, when you were a kid the old joke about which is heavier, a pound of gold or a pound of feathers? I always thought the answer was that they both weighed the same....INCORRECT! Gold is measured by the Troy weight system, where 12 oz. equals 1 pound. Feathers are measured by the Avoirdupois weight (American and English) system where 16 oz. equals a pound. So really a pound of feathers weighs more! Am I the only dummy here?
We got directions to the South Pass, which Susan recommended! Either the lady did not give directions well or Phil and I both thought the other was paying attention but really neither of us were! I think we went down every dirt road for miles searching for the wagon wheel ruts of the Oregon Trail! We were mostly on public land so we weren't too worried about tresspassing and proclaimed several farm roads as being The Trail! Even had my friend Mary Alice searching in her travel books...and she was in Helena at the time! We finally stumbled on 2 game wardens. Today is opening day for antelope hunters. And ladies--I might add that the game wardens here in Wyoming are mighty fine looking men! Well, believe it or not, we were finally on the right road, just needed to go about 1-2 more miles. I cannot describe the awesomeness of standing there and seeing that trail stretching for miles into nothing with the lonely sounding wind blowing dust! Found a pillar marking the trial as the Oregon Trail, The California Trail, The Mormon Trail and the Pony Express! Travel had worn down the ruts 2 feet and even 3 feet in a few places. What perseverance those emigrants had. I was hot and dusty after just standing there 10 minutes or so! Thanks Susan, great experience!
And to my Scrapbooking friends and Jacalyn, both daughter-in-law and scrapbooking friend---I am trying to stay up with my scrapbook, at least printing the pictures and putting them in the slots. Not much decoration yet...no time! and will probably save that for home.
The last bit of news from the McCamp...the McCampers have "seen the elephant". If you have read the blog, you know that means we are heading home--hopefully tomorrow. If all goes well with the truck repair we plan to head south back to good old Texas either tomorrow afternoon or early Saturday morning. I'll let you know if we happen to Whiz by anything interesting! When Phil picks up the scent for home, he doesn't like to stop! So, goodnight from the McCamp where the women are ready to go home, the men are readier to go home and the above average children are the readiest of all!