Independence Rock: The Register of the Desert

Independence Rock, a natural landmark along the old Oregon Trail, can be found near
Casper, Wyoming. The rock was an important landmark for pioneers; it served as a
campground and watering hole, and it marked their progress westward. Three main
pioneer trails the Oregon, California, and Wyoming led past Independence Rock.

Measuring approximately 1900 feet long, 800 feet wide, and 130 feet tall, the massive
granite outcropping is hard to miss. The distance around its base measures 5,900 feet, or
more than a mile. Some say it looks like a giant whale emerging from the plateau. The
rock is now believed to have been carved by glaciers during the last ice age.

Its believed that the first white people to pass the rock were fur trappers working under
General William Ashley. Some of these men were famous adventurers, including
Jedediah Smith. They would have passed by in 1823. Legend says that in 1830, another
group of fur traders reached the rock in time for a Fourth of July celebration. This
occasion supposedly lent Independence Rock its current name. In a competing theory,
however, its said that people leaving the Missouri River in early spring would use the
rock as a benchmark; if they reached it by July 4th, then they knew they were on schedule
to evade winter snowstorms in the mountains.

Once pioneers arrived at the rock, they could rest, camp, and let their animals drink from
the Sweetwater River. Arrival usually included a celebration with gunfire, drink, and
dancing. The pioneer Rachel Simmons wrote, We heard so much of Independence Rock
long before we got there. They said we should have a dance on top of it, as we had many
a dance while on the plains. Sometimes campground revelry got out of hand. Traveler
Samuel Smith wrote in his diary, The evening of our arrival I went up to the top of the
Rock to hear the Band play, and also to sing several hymns; while here, one of the
companys cows was poisoned by drinking below. Other people wrote of using
Independence Rock as an area for recuperation and buffalo hunting. Some stayed to build
transitory communities nearby, but most people stayed for only a night or two and then
followed the Sweetwater westward.

Thousands of people left their names and messages on the surface of Independence Rock.
Some painted with buffalo oil or grease from their wagon wheels axels. Others etched
their names with tools carried for wagon repair. Professional stonecutters even stationed
themselves at the rock and charged per carving. Considering all the signatures, a Jesuit
missionary dubbed the rock the Great Register of the Desert. Many names have eroded
away or are covered with lichen, but thousands are still visible. In order to preserve the
historic messages and signatures, further writing on the rock is prohibited.

Before white pioneers took interest in the rock, it was an important meeting ground for
Native Americans such as the Shoshone and Ute. They also carved into the rock, and the
granite outcropping appears in many traditional legends.

Today the rock is part of Independence Rock State Historic Site. It was designated a
National Historic Landmark in 1961. Wagon ruts left by the early pioneers are still
visible, but today tt can be accessed by Wyoming Highway 220.

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What Does It Mean to Privately Charter a Yacht?

Are you looking for the perfect destination for your next romantic getaway, honeymoon, or family vacation? If you are, have you done any research online? If you have been researching your travel options online, there is a good chance that you may have come across the private chartering of a yacht. Although privately chartered yachts are rapidly increasing in popularity, you might not necessarily know what it means to charter a yacht or better yet what it entails. If you would like to find out, you are encouraged to read on.

When it comes to chartering something, we tend to automatically think of buses or airplanes. If you were to choose to charter a bus, you would be given that bus for a set period of time; the period of time that you and bus company agreed on. To make your travelers easier for you and to protect their property, bus companies also supply you with a driver. The same goes for the chartering of a yacht. All around the world, there are a fairly large number of individuals and companies that allow their private yachts to be chartered, by individuals just like you. As with chartering a bus, you are given your own personal yacht staff. That yacht staff or crew will help to guide you on your way.

As it was previously mentioned, there are many individuals and companies that have yachts available for charter. Those companies are often referred to as yacht chartering companies. Since these companies are actually in the business to make money, you will find that most yacht chartering companies have more than one yacht, more like a fleet of them. This makes it easier to accommodate more travelers; travelers just like you. As for individuals who allow their yachts to be chartered. It is not uncommon for a yacht owner to want to make extra money. Many times, the owner in question will actually be the one guiding you on your voyage.

What many individuals do not realize about privately chartered yachts is that they can be chartered for different lengths of time. For instance, there are some individuals, like business owners who want to host a unique business meeting, that only end up chartering a yacht for a few hours or a whole day. There are also other groups of individuals who actually want to make a vacation out of it. These individuals choose to charter a yacht for a couple of days all the way up to a couple of weeks. While it is not uncommon to find yacht chartering companies that have strict guidelines on their lengths of charter, it is also common to find companies that would be willing to accommodate you.

If the chartering of a private yacht seems like something that you would be interested in doing, whether it is for a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, or a family vacation, you will need to find a yacht chartering company to do business with. When doing so, it may first be best to decide which area of the ocean you would like to visit, as many yacht chartering companies only operate in certain areas. Once you have a destination narrowed down, it should be easier to examine all of the yacht chartering companies that you have to choose from. When actually making your decision it is advised that you keep reputation and cost in mind.

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Military Discounts for Universal Studios Tours

Universal Studios Tours is proud of the men and women who serve the United States of America, and to reward them for the great service that they provide, specially priced tickets are offered. These tickets are available for all active duty military personnel, retirees, DOD personnel, members of the National Guard, Reserves, all other military personnel, and all dependants.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for these special military prices, you should contact your Commander, Universal Studios, or Commander, Navy Region, Southwest at 619-767-6000.

In order to benefit from the special military prices, your tickets must be purchased in advance. These specially priced tickets are not available at the gate, online, or over the telephone. Instead, these tickets can only be purchased from MWR ITT/ITR offices located throughout the United States. You must present a military or US Government Identification card when purchasing these specially priced tickets.

If for any reason your local base does not have tickets available for purchase, they will order them for you. This typically takes about five days, so take this into consideration when planning your trip get your tickets as early as possible. Dont wait too late, or your tickets will not arrive in time for your scheduled leave, and you will have to pay the full price for admission into the park. No exceptions will be made.

The only way you can order your tickets by telephone, and still receive the special military prices is by contacting the Commander, Navy Region, Southwest at 619-767-6000. Your tickets will be mailed to you, and should arrive within seven business days. Overnight service may be available, but there will be an additional fee. Do not call the regular phone number for Universal Studio tickets or you will be charged the regular price. You will be charged the regular full price if you order your tickets online, purchase them through a Ticket Masters Outlet, or order them through a travel agent as well.

The special military rates do not apply to tickets that are sold through the Universal Studios Hollywood Box Office. Again, for more information on these specially prices military tickets for Universal Studios Tours, contact your local base MWR ticket office or Commander, Navy Region, Southwest at 619-767-6000.

Universal Studios welcomes military personnel. If you have served your country, make sure that you take advantage of these very special military prices they were hard earned, and are well deserved!

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