Rawlins, Wyoming

Rawlins has all the services one needs. Unfortunately the railroad tracks run behind the main motel row and there seems to be a train coming through every few minutes!! There is also an interesting Museum -the Carbon Co Museum and the old state prison you can tour. There is also bus service to and from the Denver airport, if you need to send riders in or out here.
JAN writes -Today we had record heat (around 100 degrees) as we drove from Lander to Rawlins, Wy. but that didn't stop us from exploring sites along where the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail(to Utah), the California Trail, and the Pony Express Trail all run together. Over this trail about 500,000 pioneers attempted to cross this harsh and desolate country in the mid 1800's, where there is not a tree in sight! We hiked around Independence Rock, where many travelers carved their names. The 136 foot high mound of granite(in picture) covers 27 acres. If you were on target on the journey, you were to arrive at this rock by July 4th. We also stopped at Martin's Cove and learned about some of the tragedies that became some of the people on the Mormon Trail. Amazing to see what people carried with them and what they did without over thousands of miles. The Mormons didn't use wagons, they pulled or pushed two wheeled handcarts!!! We were uncomfortable walking in shorts and without carrying any gear. We can't imagine being out in this country wearing long dresses or wool pants and pushing or pulling a cart!!!r
Jan writes of July 14th-
We explored the area around Rawlins, Wy today while waiting to see if Beth made it through the desert in this tremendous heat. The car thermometer measuring outside temp. actually hit 125 degrees as we were driving. The county historical museum had fascinating pictures and artifacts, but the old state penitentiary, where many famous and colorful criminals had been held, was just creepy. That visit was our husband's idea! The tour guide really tried to gross out the group with her graphic stories and visits to the gallows and the gas chamber which were both used several times. The prison was replaced by a more modern facility in 1980. Beth made it to Rawlins in the afternoon, a sore oozing mess. Her road rash from the fall 3 days ago and sweat don't mix well! We will try to convince her to take a couple of days off to heal.