Scattered attachment

State Highway 487 back to Casper.

Third trip to Laramie, second time for work.

The best part about the project I’m working on is that it takes me around the state. Next week Kerry and I are going up to Ranchester, near the Big Horn Mountains. The location of each story was a factor in deciding where to go, one in each corner of the state.

I’ve always had a thing for Midwestern college towns and Laramie comes close, but with a Western twist. There is a downtown with restaurants and boutiques. Neighborhoods that border the campus are old and well-kept — if a student doesn’t live there. The twist: the landscape and the people. Driving in and out of town takes you through the Snowy or Laramie Mountain Ranges. Although it was 50 degrees outside, snow drifts from last week’s storm clung to ditches and snow fences. I’ve heard Wyomingites aren’t the most welcoming people, but so far I haven’t run into problems yet. Everyone I meet questions why I’m here but then goes on to tell me why it’s a good place to be.

While reporting every story I write, I learn a little more about Wyoming — history, tradition, spirit — from the people I talk to and what I see. Furthermore, each place is its own to explore within Wyoming. So of course I’m more than alright out here, but not everyone else would be. As I do everywhere I move, I’m learning as much as I can, trying to live true to the place and, gradually, falling in love with pieces of my new life.

After three months, I’m still impressed by the mountains and buttes. Warmer weather and sunshine follows windy storms. Every sunrise and sunset picture looks new. And it hasn’t hit me yet that I live in the middle of it.