Driving around

Abandoned trailer north of Laramie.

I've photographed around Laramie for so long that sometimes it's hard for me to get myself out to drive around with my camera, but whenever I do I have fun.  Last weekend I took a break from class preparation to head up to Bosler the back way--on a dirt road that parallels the highway.  It's a classic Laramie Basin drive with wide open grasslands split by the Laramie River and punctuated by a few ranches, some cows and antelope, and a few old trailers.  I've photographed some of this before of course, but every trip is a little different--sometimes because of different light and sometimes just because you're in a different mood.  

Fenceline, Laramie Basin.  I'll post just on fences soon.

Rabbitbrush and trailer, Laramie Basin

Abandoned trailer near Bosler

Trailer detail, Bosler

Abandoned trailer and prairie, Bosler

We've got it good in Laramie

Previously-owned cars in Bosler, Wyoming.  The bumper sticker says it all.

(Click image for larger view)

I don't have time this morning for a significant blog post, but will offer up the above photograph, taken last weekend in Bosler on my way out of town to shoot in Eastern Wyoming.  The bumper sticker tells the tale. 

Bosler Library

 The Bosler (Wyoming) Public Library, 2007.

(Click images to make bigger)

Like many photographers in Laramie, I love visiting Bosler, the near ghost town about 15 miles north of here. I've gone there for years, first shooting photos on film and then digitally after I made the switch.  The few residents, Doc being the most famous, have resulted in many iterations of No Trespassing signs over the years, warning people like me away from certain parts of town, but I've never been hassled as I photograph the comings and goings of old cars and furniture and the slow decay of the buildings that are scattered around in the prairie.  Years ago, when my Dad was in town visiting, I took him to Bosler and we ran into Doc in his cluttered shop, smoking cigarettes and working on his website business, a bottle of "mouthwash for smokers" on the table beside him.  He was enthusiastic, and my Dad enjoyed the experience.  Since then, I've never run into him, but the signs tell me he's there, keeping an eye on things.  

I'd love to see  photos from Bosler when it was vibrant.  According to a website put together by Gary Speck, Bosler was originally a supply depot for the Diamond Ranch, owned by Frank Bosler in the early 1900s.  It grew during the early part of the last century to over 250 people, according to Speck's site, but then began a rapid decline after I-80 was built, diverting most of the traffic that provided business there.  When I first moved to Laramie in the late 80s I knew Ann(e) Bosler and her parents, who were related to the Bosler Boslers, but have long since lost track.  They may still live here.

I'll put up some other Bosler photos from time to time.  

Bosler Public Library, 2007.