The Oregon Trail (part 2)

We continued following the Oregon Trail today, along the North Platte River from Casper to Fort Laramie.

Casper the town didn't exist in 1845 when the Kolmers, my ancestors, camped here before fording the river. Today it is home to a fabulous museum, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Centre, that is well worth a visit.

Along the North Platte River are sandstone bluffs where the wheels of the heavy wagons carved deep ruts still visible today.

Also visible are the names of travelers carved in the same sandstone at a place called Register Cliff. Leaving our mark for posterity is a universal urge. Perhaps it's one of the motivations for me to write this blog!