Cora and Daniel, WY (5/25 & 26/2021)

These tiny villages are located fairly close to Pinedale, so I decided to pay them a visit. Cora had a population of 142 in the 2010 census and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. I have no idea why it is considered historic. It may be due to the Post office, which is definitely historic. In 2011, the USPS had plans to close the Cora post office, but residents pleaded to retain it, as it serves as a community gathering place. It's still there and still operating. They say that dog sleds were once used to deliver mail in the Winter, but not anymore.

I saw very few houses in Cora, but there are numerous ranches in the area, so I suspect most of the homes are far out of town and not readily visible. Cora does have some great mountain views and a man-made lake that provides water for drinking, irrigation and recreation. You'll also notice amazing clouds in all the photos.

Daniel's claim to fame is the site of the "mountain men rendezvous". In the early 1800s, this valley had more beaver than anywhere else, so mountain men such as Jim Bridger, Kit Carson, etc, came and trapped the furry critters. Each summer, a gathering took place where the mountain men, fur traders from back East and Indians gathered to trade furs for goods. Some partying may have gone on, too. Anyway, the tradition of the rendezvous continues today, even without the cooperation of the beaver. There are historic buildings in Daniel, as well, including a post office. They also have mountain views.

I was surprised to find badlands way out here in what is basically a flat valley. I'm not sure, but they seem to be comprised of volcanic ash, although I saw no other evidence of volcanic activity in the area.

Driving around, I encountered a herd of horses that seemed to be wild mustangs. They had no brands and didn't appear to have been saddled. Still, they were on private property behind a fence, so I just don't know. Either way, I think they were worth a couple photos.