We'll I'm sure no one noticed but I haven't been on the forum much these last 3 months due to us bouncing around our state and a neighboring state. My wife and I spent the last 2 1/2 months working in Rapid City, SD. We decide it would be advantageous for her to return to doing locums work (temporary assignments) in different areas of the country. So when an assignment came up in Rapid City we jumped at it. We brought our 5th wheel camper out and parked it in Lake Park Campground right next to Canyon Lake. We even weathered the blizzard at the beginning of October. We only had one 2" branch come through the roof, and only the top of 1 tree, about 6" dia, hit the corner of the camper smashing it. Other then those things and running the generator for 5 solid days it was kind of uneventful.

Now the reason for the title of this thread. In our travels around (yes I made sure I had the 180 with us in Rapid City) we flew to various places. One of those places was Lander, Wyoming and we came across a possible business opportunity that would require us moving there.

So I'm just wondering what any of you can tell me about the area, the people, the attitude, the outdoor life, THE FLYING, etc.

Thanks in advance,
Marty

PM Ranch Pilot (Darren). He really seems to enjoy the area and his videos make it look like a backcountry pilot's playground. I've only flown over it at 12,000ft+ so my experience is limited.

I've landed at Lander (ha ha) a few times for fuel and a sandwich. Haven't been into town, but it seems like a really nice area.

Should be lots of outdoor opportunities nearby. I remember the airport being friendly, too.

Right next to the wind river range. You do know how windy it gets in Wyoming, right? Beautiful area.

soyAnarchisto wrote:Right next to the wind river range. You do know how windy it gets in Wyoming, right? Beautiful area.

From what I've researched and talking to some of the locals, Lander just may be the calmest spot in Wyoming as far as wind. One guy I talked with, who is a CFII there, said they often need to go to Riverton to do cross wind training because the wind never blows in Lander. I know the 2 different weekends we were there it never blew over 4 mph.

Marty

Lots of folks pass through Lander and never leave, if they can figure out a way to make a living there. Least windy spot in the state (seriously), beautiful seasons, relatively mild winters, great access to the Winds, and a pretty solid flying community (although I'm always shocked there aren't more people flying, as calm as it usually is). Rock climbing Mecca, if you're into that, and lots of good hunting and fishing close by. Great blend of cowboy and granola.

In my opinion, it's one of the best towns in the state, right up there with Cody and Sheridan. And only 80 miles from my ranch and the playground where I spend most of my time flying.

PM sent. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk more.

If you're so inclined, there's great fishing on the Wind River, too...

Wife 2 and I considered moving to Lander many years ago, so we spent some weekends there. I have acquaintances there, too.

It is a really nice and friendly little town. My DE who did my comm, IR, and CFII moved there, and he told me that he felt more welcomed there than he expected. He had first moved from Cheyenne to Saratoga, where he found it very difficult to become part of the community, but it was entirely different at Lander. He's long since dead now, but I have no reason to dispute that it's still that way.

The only downside with that entire area is some of the difficulties with the Native American population--lots of DUIs, drunk & disorderly, etc. issues. It is a fact of life that many of the tribal members have serious problems with alcohol. From my contacts with friends there, though, it's not the sort of problems which would discourage anyone from moving there.

The reason we considered moving there was that she was offered a job there. The reason she didn't take the job was a better job offer materialized in Laramie, so we decided to stay in Laramie.

Cary

If you have an opportunity to live in Lander, you should take it.

Like the others said, it's nice. The Wind River Range is spectacular hiking and climbing. Some fantastic fishing. Almost Alaska style in certain places for spawning cuts. The natural water slide in Sinks Canyon. Great snowmobiling, if scattering expensive fiberglass across the rocks is your thing.

I haven't lived there, but it is friendly. The Reservation problems Cary pointed out are real, but my perception would be that they mostly end at Riverton. Nobody fears to walk the mean streets of Riverton or even Shoshone, for that matter.

The thing about Lander that's nicer than Cody is; Not so many large, angry bears. It's getting really ridiculous around Jellystone.

We'll it seems at this point the business opportunity we were looking at may have fallen apart, but we are still seriously considering Lander for starting something ourselves. We both have just loved the area and the people we've meet.

Thanks for everyone's comments it helps alot. As far as the rez goes, we're from South Dakota home to 6. My wife has worked IHS on and off, and connects very well with native people. Some do have problems, but many live by the same priorities we do, work and family.

Marty

Some do have problems, but many live by the same priorities we do, work and family.

Absolutely, and I didn't mean to paint all Native Americans with the same brush. The incidence of alcoholism is higher than in the general population, but it's true, most Native Americans have the same basic needs, wants, and goals that everyone has, and most don't want a hand out, though many need a hand up--poverty is higher than in the general population, too.

One thing hasn't been mentioned--good medical care is available in Lander, too. Not sure I understand what has drawn so many good docs there, but some of the best are there.

But you would have to learn how to pronounce Popo Agie!

Cary

I've been thinking on what to say on this one. I pass through Lander once in a while. But only from Riverton to South Pass and on to Farson. From what I can see from the intersection of 287 and 789, looks like a nice town. The drive through South Pass is very scenic and beautiful.

Not sure if you have kids, but I think Wyoming has a great education system and excellent sports program (at least in Cody they do). And if you do have kids in sports, plan to do some traveling! Heck, even my friends daughter is on the student council at Cody HS, they travel to Riverton and other far away towns once in a while.

I'd move to Cody or Lander in a heartbeat! Personally, I like Cody a little better because of the 1.5 hour drive to Billings (MT has no sales tax). Like some others have said, the minute you land in one of those towns, you feel very comfortable and safe!

Good luck!

Cary wrote:

Some do have problems, but many live by the same priorities we do, work and family.

Absolutely, and I didn't mean to paint all Native Americans with the same brush. The incidence of alcoholism is higher than in the general population, but it's true, most Native Americans have the same basic needs, wants, and goals that everyone has, and most don't want a hand out, though many need a hand up--poverty is higher than in the general population, too.

One thing hasn't been mentioned--good medical care is available in Lander, too. Not sure I understand what has drawn so many good docs there, but some of the best are there.

But you would have to learn how to pronounce Popo Agie!

Cary

As for the rez, I think you've said it very we'll. And for the medical care, good to hear as my wife is a Family Nurse Practitioner and will be joining that community. Also, I think we have Popo Agie figured out, (po Po shu).

Marty

Nah, you'll have to work on Popo Agie a little more.

Cary

Cary wrote:Nah, you'll have to work on Popo Agie a little more.

Cary

Hahaha! It seems to really depend on who you ask. So what's your pronunciation? I think I've heard about a dozen so far, and that was from locals.

Marty

po PAH szha Now try Togwotee, as in Togwotee Pass.

Cary

Cary wrote:po PAH szha Now try Togwotee, as in Togwotee Pass.

Cary

I have heard that from a couple people. Interesting, I'll see if I can get that rolling off my tongue.

Marty