South Pass

It's out in the middle of nowhere today, but South Pass in Wyoming was the main crossing point over the Continental Divide for the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails back in the 19th century. It was "discovered" by Europeans in the 1820s and used by thousands of emigrants (including a few of my ancestors) drawn to a new life in the West over the ensuing decades. Manifest destiny in action.

It was very windy here. Dad had to chase about 50 yards after our picnic tablecloth which was being carried away. It was hilarious. That being said, I'm sure that the early pioneers were grateful that they didn't have to trek over the Wind River Range just to the north of here. This year the high country was snowbound even in late June.

Fun fact: Wyoming is the only state in the Union that has land in all four major western watersheds (Columbia, Mississippi-Missouri, Colorado and Great Basin). We've been in all of them on this trip.