While doing an internet search for a stopover en route to Yellowstone, Buffalo Wyoming sounded like the right place, and Deer Park RV Campground appealed to us: near the highway, level campsites, trees, deer wandering through and reasonable rates, so that was our next stop - and our stay there exceeded all expectations! We were pretty travel-weary by the time we arrived and we really liked the park, so we decided to spend a few days of down-time, relaxing and getting to know our way around the area, especially as Buffalo was about to host the annual Basque festival that weekend. After the recent intense heat it was a relief to see snow-covered mountains again and we welcomed the more tolerable temperatures with joy! 
The campsite owners were friendly and helpful, and we met a great couple who work there as work-campers, so we were soon happily attending ice-cream socials in the evenings and sitting chatting late into the night, 
learning about an alternate lifestyle as work-campers, that really holds great appeal! We could see ourselves living in our RV and working at various campgrounds enough hours a week to pay for our keep – what a lovely way to see the country and meet the people!
learning about an alternate lifestyle as work-campers, that really holds great appeal! We could see ourselves living in our RV and working at various campgrounds enough hours a week to pay for our keep – what a lovely way to see the country and meet the people!The wildlife in the camp was a delight –
the first morning there I spotted two fawns in a far corner of the campground, and they were interested in a turkey that was resting under the 
trees. The turkey did not welcome their attention, and the result was most entertaining! Later in the day I spotted mama turkey again, with a brood of young – no wonder she was annoyed with the fawns!
the first morning there I spotted two fawns in a far corner of the campground, and they were interested in a turkey that was resting under the 
trees. The turkey did not welcome their attention, and the result was most entertaining! Later in the day I spotted mama turkey again, with a brood of young – no wonder she was annoyed with the fawns!The Basques came to USA from France 
and Spain in the early days as sheep herders, and they have retained their own language and a strong identity, celebrating their heritage 
annually with music, dance and procession. Their sheep wagons were on display around the town park, and after looking at them and walking through the flea market where traditional Basque food and goods were on sale, we made our way to the arena to watch the dancing and listen to the music. The folk were very friendly and
we were soon chatting to the people next to us, who had come from far away to join in the festivities. They were interested to hear that we were from South Africa, and after a few minutes one of the party left to join the music ensemble for the dancing. We did not give the matter any further thought until, to our surprise, two girls in Basque costume took us by the hands and invited us to join the folk dance! 
The announcer told the audience that we were guests from South Africa, and we were welcomed by a wave of clapping and shouting as we joined in the dance – talk about confused feet! The dancers instructed us as the dance proceeded, and we were able (more or less!!) to get the hang of it, though we were greatly relieved and very breathless by the end of the round! We were then asked to stand in front, and assured that we would not be dancing any more, while four young men performed a welcoming dance in our honor, after which it was announced that we were now honorary South African Basques! What an honor, and we were given a Basque t-shirt as a memento of a memorable day!
and Spain in the early days as sheep herders, and they have retained their own language and a strong identity, celebrating their heritage 
annually with music, dance and procession. Their sheep wagons were on display around the town park, and after looking at them and walking through the flea market where traditional Basque food and goods were on sale, we made our way to the arena to watch the dancing and listen to the music. The folk were very friendly and
we were soon chatting to the people next to us, who had come from far away to join in the festivities. They were interested to hear that we were from South Africa, and after a few minutes one of the party left to join the music ensemble for the dancing. We did not give the matter any further thought until, to our surprise, two girls in Basque costume took us by the hands and invited us to join the folk dance! 
The announcer told the audience that we were guests from South Africa, and we were welcomed by a wave of clapping and shouting as we joined in the dance – talk about confused feet! The dancers instructed us as the dance proceeded, and we were able (more or less!!) to get the hang of it, though we were greatly relieved and very breathless by the end of the round! We were then asked to stand in front, and assured that we would not be dancing any more, while four young men performed a welcoming dance in our honor, after which it was announced that we were now honorary South African Basques! What an honor, and we were given a Basque t-shirt as a memento of a memorable day!
Our stay at Deer Park was one of the
most pleasant stops along our way, and as we said goodbye to Connie and Truman the morning we left, we had very mixed emotions – it is always difficult to leave good friends, even though the road ahead is inviting!
1 comment:
wow looks like you having a great time! great pics
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