Even before I finished my previous blog entry I wanted to document my adventure to Fort Morgan yesterday. I sincerely meant to write some notes in the notebook that I carry with my camera gear, but I didn't. I also meant to take more pictures while I was exploring the town, but I didn't. I guess I should call this a scouting expedition.
There were many reasons that I was drawn to Fort Morgan: the photographs of the plains by the photographers of the Farm Security Administration (FSA) and more recently by Peter Brown, Andy Marquez, and others; and the stage adaptation by Eric Schmiedl of Kent Haruf's book, "Plainsong." Since I've recently taken to looking a museums with a different eye, I'd heard very good things about the Fort Mogan Museum.
The morning was clear and crisp and I managed to dither away most of it. I had in my mind an adventure or expedition of sorts and for the reasons noted above, I decided to head northwest. So, I packed a ham and cheese sandwich, a bottle of Diet Pepsi, and an apple, filled up the car, and headed out onto the open road.
I interrupted my journey for a quick stop at a Toyota dealership. I needed to purchase some new windshield wipers. (For some odd reason, car designers are all about weird sized wipers. Go figure?) When I pulled in, I was not met by the usual deluge of car sales folks. I did overhear two buyers discussing their new cars with their respective salesmen, but it did seem a little too quiet. I half expected a tumble weed to blow by like in the old Westerns. So, with the blades in hand, I jumped back in the truck and headed back onto the highway. (Luck favors the prepared, either that or I could be sure that it wouldn't snow.)
Much of my planned route parallels my normal commute to Fort Collins, so I needed to remember not to go into autopilot mode. I followed Interstate-70 to I-76, which was renamed from 80S for the state centennial in 1976. (See, I did learn something at the museum.) I somehow managed to not turn off onto I-25 and continued past the industrial areas where the smelters were once located. The horizon began to open up as I accelerated to 70 MPH. I began to pass farms, cows, windmills, old cottonwood trees, and oil pumps.
When people refer to Colorado they always think of the mountains. There's nothing out the in plains visitors would say. (I'm not sure that the Great American Desert was applied to this region in particular.) I suspect that the early western settlers crossing the plains upon seeing the mountains on the horizon would wonder when they would get to Denver. (Or more likely, 'OMG, we've got to go over those!') As I headed further east I thought about the song 'Horse With No Name," by America. (I'm sure that I thought the same when crossing the Mojave in California.) Lochbiue, Hudson, Roy, Keenesburg, Tampa, Roggen, and finally I stopped at the rest stop in Wiggins for lunch. I suspect that it was because I wanted to stop somewhere else along the way. BTW, its a nice rest stop and I highly recommend it.
Finally, I made it to Fort Morgan. The sky over the plains was crystal clear as I headed south on Main Street. (After all, what is a town, or city for that matter, without a Main Street.) The streets were wide, clean, and very quiet for an early Saturday afternoon. As I entered the center of town I saw my destination on the east side of the street: the Fort Morgan Museum and Library. As I exited my truck, I could hear a light breeze.
The building is divided between the museum and library. My mission today was the museum first, followed by a walk around the town. I have confirmed the reports on the museum. The exhibits begin like a Michner novel (although not from atoms forming) beginning with the local geology and ending with Glenn Miller. The displays were all very well done. It was a delightful way to spend the afternoon. A second or third visit would not be out of line. The person (librarian?) who greeted me told me that there was an exhibit in the basement which I sadly didn't get a chance to see. Perhaps next time.
I began to walk along the quiet streets. I wondered to myself, is this typical for such a nice day? I passed some cool store fronts and industrial buildings. I took a few pictures in passing, but kept on walking. It was getting late, so I headed back to my wheels and headed back north. I was about to get on the highway when I saw up ahead an old industrial building. It was the Fort Morgan Power Plant built in 1930. It was situated next to a park where I pulled off the road. There was a nice pond in the park, absolutely filled with geese.
I drive back wasn't nearly as exciting as it was to Fort Morgan. I suspect it's because the prairie gives way to the industrial, highways, and cars. Hopefully I can do this again before long.
I can't believe how long it took me to complete this post. I think I would have done better if I had some good pictures to post. Ah, so it goes.
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