Vacationing when you live in paradise

By Dina Mishev

Tiny towns are common in the least populated state in the country.

Wherever I am — Nepal, Kosrae, Elko, San Francisco -— whatever I’m there for –—climbing, hunting for lost pirate treasure, skiing, visiting family -— as soon as it comes out that I’m a visitor, the first question is always the same: “Where are you visiting from?”

If there’s a better answer to that question than, “Wyoming,” I have yet to discover it.  Talk about a conversation starter. It seems most everyone in the Western world knows of Wyoming, despite our tiny population and lack of big cities. And they all love it, even if they haven’t been there.

I once read that Steve McQueen brought fiancé Ali McGraw to Cheyenne on the train from Denver to get married because he knew their wedding would be news. He wanted the dateline to read “Cheyenne” instead of “Denver.” Evidently, Denver was just too, well, pedestrian and uninteresting. I get it.

After graduating from college, I could have moved to any number of ski towns. Aspen has cachet. Whitefish is cool because it’s in Montana, where beautiful movies like “A River Runs Through It” were filmed. Vail is huge. But I settled on Jackson.

Photo of the Month!

Kelly Conroy descending from a ridge on BLM land near Lander, Wyoming, through the colors of early summer.

When the grass begins to green up, and the rivers are high and muddy, mountain biking is a terrific Wyoming distraction. The state is laced with some excellent and challenging single track — check with the local US Forest Service, BLM office or local bike shop for more info. "Create your own adventure" rides that stitch together a network of old BLM roads on public land can make for a great day of exploring some of Wyoming's less-visited yet still-stunning landscapes - all within a short drive from home. Hotspots include the divide between Laramie and Cheyenne; Jackson, Dubois, Lander, Cody and Sheridan. Get out and ride Wyoming's trails today!

Credit: schnitzerphoto.com

Russell Schnitzer is an award-winning photographer based in Lander, Wyoming, and ranging throughout the West. Recent gallery shows have been in Denver, Kansas City, and Jackson, WY with awards received for both color and black-and-white images. Publication credits include ESPNOutdoors.com, TU.org, TROUT Magazine, Patagonia (tm) catalogs, Fly Fish America, Fly Rod & Reel, NewWest.net, and several conservation titles. In addition to photography and fly fishing, Russ happily resides in rural Wyoming with his wife, Kelly, along with their two dogs, a cat, and some chickens. Learn more at www.schnitzerphoto.com.

The Road Less Traveled (Because you can’t see it!)

By Helen Coronato
The Accidental Cowgirl

Growing up with sidewalks, streetlights, railroad crossings and intersections, it was pretty easy to give someone from out of town directions. There are familiar landmarks, highly visible signs and plenty of turning lanes to help travelers on their way. However, in Wyoming, I am learning that the term “road” tends to be used more poetically.

The picture to the left is an actual, drivable “road.” Do you see it? I certainly didn’t. While following the directions to this road, it was hard not to become frustrated with the lack of landmarks and the constant gnawing feeling that “I must be going the wrong way.” It’s in these moments that I want to attend a town hall meeting and pontificate on the finer points of concrete pavement. But between my checking the mayor’s schedule and actually finding my destination, a few ah-ha moments make themselves known:

   1. I moved here to get away from the sidewalks, streetlights, railroad crossings and intersections.
   2. I moved here to get away from the sidewalks, streetlights, railroad crossings and intersections.
   3. I moved here to get away from the sidewalks, streetlights, railroad crossings and intersections.