We flew into Casper and headed east to Ayers Park. It had a natural bridge and so we had to climb on top of it and look out over the countryside. Meanwhile, our luggage was being broken into at our hotel in Casper.

 

 

Ayers natural bridge park

Ayres Natural Bridge Park's name is derived from the rock formation of the same name. Over the course of millions of years, a bend in LaPrele Creek wore away at a wall of solid rock, creating a natural opening. The creek eventually shifted course through the opening, forming a 30-foot high and 50-foot wide arch, today known as Ayres Natural Bridge.

 

Located about a mile south of the Oregon Trail, the Natural Bridge was often visited by emigrants traveling west. It is considered one of Wyoming's first tourist attractions. In 1843, a pioneer described it as "a natural bridge of solid rock, over a rapid torrent, the arch being regular as tho' shaped by art."

 

After our short and rather disappointing stay in Casper, we drove across the state, seeing the vast nothingness that is Wyoming.

8/7/04—8/14/04