Reservoirs and Rodeos (Cody, Wyoming Post)

As we were heading into Cody, we saw signs for the Buffalo Bill Dam and visitor center.  Buffalo Bill Dam was originally named Shoshone (or Shoshoni) dam, for the Shoshone River that feeds into it. When it was completed in 1910, it was the largest dam in the world at 325 feet. The name was changed in 1941 to honor the William Cody.  Originally, the dam was used for irrigation, but  in 1920, workers began to modify the dam to add a power plant.  Later on, an additional 25 feet were added to the top.

  

The reservoir from the parking lot. 

Look at All That Driftwood!

The view of the dam.  It is a hard thing to photograph, and I didn't like any of mine, so this was my Mom's picture.  

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is home to five museums; three of which we explored today.  

 We solved the mystery of the skull I took a picture of a few days ago!

In case you needed a refresher on the skull.

Thanks to the Greater Yellowstone Museum of Natural History, We discovered that my skull probably belonged to the Grey Wolf, as they were similar in size and bone structure.

I didn't take any pictures in the Buffalo Bill part of the museum.  I was too enthralled in the reading and experiencing, but I can give you a brief history of Buffalo Bill.  Buffalo Bill was born William Cody.  As a child, he learned skills from nearby Indian tribes.  He lost his parents at a young age, he lost his father when he was 11, and his mother when he was around 14.  After his father's death, he found work as a "boy extra" with a freight company.   He later was struck with gold fever, but met an agent for the Pony Express and started working for the Pony Express until he was sent home to be at his mother's bedside as her health was failing.  He served with the Calvary during the Civil War, and after the war, he scouted land out west and killed bison to supply the army.  It was due to the fact that he killed over 4,000 bison that he gained his nickname, although he never referred to himself using it, preferring to keep that persona separate from his real identity.  Cody married Louisa Fredrici and they had four children, but two died young. In 1883, Cody became a showman, and created his famed "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" show.  This circus like attraction toured though the United States and later Europe.  It featured Annie Oakley, American Indians, and the Great Buffalo Bill, himself among other attractions.  The show ended in 1907.  In 1895, Cody helped found the town of Cody, Wyoming.  He established a hotel, the Irma, named after his daughter, and a ranch, TE Ranch. He chose the location for its proximity to Yellowstone, and development properties for irrigation, rich soil, and beautiful scenery, and hunting opportunities.  

The firearms exhibit was extensive.  This isn't even a substantial part.  Over two floors there was a total around 2700 firearms.  

US model 1875 Gatling Gun made by Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut.  The Gatling Gun is regarded as the first successful machine gun.    

No trip to Cody is complete without a trip to the Nightly Cody Stampede Rodeo!

A junior steer rider. 

These twins (around 13) and their younger sister (9) gave a spectacular Roman Trick Riding demonstration.  No ropes hold the horses together as the girls stood on their backs and did tricks.  

Early attempts at capturing barrel racing left an almost undetectable blur for the horse and rider.  (My shutter speed was too slow.)  Can you spot it?

The barrel racing event is exciting, as the skilled riders carefully maneuver the horses though tight turns around barrels  without knocking them over.