Summer Adventure in Wyoming

This may be the most unusual summer I’ve ever had. For three months I worked at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY in the Department of Geology and Geophysics. In most respects, I was totally unqualified to do research here, but I worked, studied, and everyone was very supportive of my efforts and contributions.

Krista Rappahahn accompanied me on my drive east. My dog Ben rode in her lap (while I drove), and Barry rode in the crowded back seat with the pillow and luggage. Krista could only stay with me a couple days before she returned by air to the Bay Area and her own summer adventures.

I especially enjoyed the adventure of exploring a new area and learning how to live in a town of 27,000—less than half the size of Palo Alto. Laramie is in the southeast corner of Wyoming between two mountain ranges and sits on the Laramie Plains at 7,200’—same elevation as Donner Pass. Laramie is pretty, and the nearby mountains are beautiful.

Laramie was founded in the mid-1860s as a tent city near the Overland Trail stage route and the Union Pacific portion of the first transcontinental railroad. Laramie’s current claim to fame is as the home to the only university in the state. Bill Bryson, travel writer, said in a recent book:
“I’ve always like college towns. They are about the only places in America that manage to combine the benefits of a small-town pace of life with a dash of big-city sophistication. They usually have nice bars and restaurants, more interesting shops, an altogether worldly air.”

That’s Laramie, and I loved it.

Perhaps you are now curious why this blog about Laramie is on a basketball website. Tune in next week.

Fun Quiz: When Krista went shopping May 6, the day after we arrived, what did she buy for me? (answer next week!)