Even though it was another warm day here in Gillette, after breakfast we headed out to see some more of the sites around the town.  Coal mining plays a big part in the economics of Campbell County and makes it possible for the county to be financially sound.  This morning we took a ride to just outside of the city limits and saw one of the open pit coal mines in the area.  The coal company has made a little observation area where one can pull off the highway and look down on the mine and watch the operations.  John and I were amazed by the size of the trucks hauling dirt and coal up from the mine--they are at least two stories high.

 John, Dave, Amy, and Caleb on observation platform

Notice the size of the road grader as compared

to the trucks hauling coal and dirt

 

Open pit coat mine

 

Spraying road to keep down dust

 Large truck heading back down into mine

for another load of dirt or coal 

After leaving the mine, we toured more of the town and then made a stop at Wal Mart for a few groceries before heading back home for lunch.  This afternoon we went to the Rock Pile Museum which displayed  much of the history of Gillette along with many historical western artifacts. 

 

There was an area in the museum where kids

could try on old western garb.  Noah

tried on a Western vest and cowboy hat. 

  Dave and Caleb looking at a few exhibits