I just returned from a 2-day road trip to the great state of Wyoming and let me tell you, it was definitely memorable in some ways. For one, it rained almost the entire time while I was there while in my home in the neighboring state of Utah, it was dry and sunny.
Day 1
Our first stop was the state capitol of Cheyenne. My mom drove through there about 18 years ago when we were moving from Texas to Utah. She said it was pretty boring and empty. I don’t remember much from that trip because I was bored and it was 18 years ago. However, as I headed east on Interstate 80, my mom remarked how much the state had changed like the scattered appearance of wind turbines and the towns.
“I don’t remember seeing wind turbines when I drove through last.” My mom said.
Maybe what people say is right, sometimes, the driver remembers more than the passenger.
Anyway, I drove most of the leg to Cheyenne until my mom made me switch with her in Laramie – about 50 miles from Cheyenne. The moment she got back onto the interstate was the moment the weather began to turn. Quickly, fat drops of rain began to fall and fog descended upon us to the point when we could barely see the two red taillights of the car in front of us. With shaky legs and loud complaints, my mom drove to Cheyenne.
Honestly, I could’ve probably driven that leg with less dramatic flair and more confidence. After all, it was my car and I have driven in such weather before.
Eventually, we arrived in Cheyenne. The first place we headed to was the State Capitol. Google Maps took us on a short cut as opposed to the direct route, which had my mom question me. Google Maps should really stop doing that.
The fog was gone but there was a consistent mist, which was more annoying because it rendered the umbrella useless.
The construction on this building began in 1886 and I found this building to be one of the grander state Capitols I’ve visited. Maybe it’s the golden dome that made it feel grand. This building was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987 because of the original features inside the building and I must say, it’s pretty grand inside as well.
Day 2
The drive on the second day was grueling, to say the least. It started with a 4-and-a-half hour drive from Cheyenne to Devil’s Tower National Monument. It rained throughout the entire drive and my tires kept hydroplaning because of the standing water on the road. It was when the backseat driving took over.
I should probably mention at this point that my mom invited her other sister along, so I had me along with my mom and her sisters on the trip. Before the trip, I had repeatedly told my mom to not invite her sister along but nope, she thought I was just being selfish. Nobody could sleep the night before because that sister had to periodically get up to eat or use the bathroom and when she’s asleep, she’s sawing logs with her snoring while blasting YouTube on her phone. I guess my mom got a taste of her own medicine.
Anyway, with that sister frequently needed to use the restroom and the bad weather, that trip took over 5 hours. Let’s just say, not one of the sisters and my mom were impressed by the towering dead volcano.
I made one final swap with my mom in Casper, Wyoming for her to complete the drive home. We didn’t end up reaching home until quarter after 10 because of road constructions, bad weather, and my mom’s inability to see at night. It made me wish I was more adamant to not swap with her, that I should be the one finishing the 9 hour journey from Devil’s Tower to home. I don’t know why she’s so insistent on driving even though she’s afraid of the very act.
Oh well, what’s done is done. I got to see a beautiful fiery sunset from the road even though my phone’s camera didn’t do it justice. We made home in one piece. Safe and Sound.
This is Another Story 