DKG NW Regional Conference - Cheyenne, Wyoming

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

July 28 - August 4, 2013:

Cheyenne, Wyoming

For over thirty years I have belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma, a prestigious teachers’ society for women. Over most of those years I have been involved at the chapter and state levels and I am currently the Oregon State Webmaster. I enjoy attending state, regional and International events. Last year I went to New York City for the International Convention and this year I attended the Northwest Regional Conference in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Diane, Marietta, Grace and Jim in the RMNP

Since Paul didn’t want to go with me, I traveled with Marietta who was also my roommate. One of the draws for this particular location was the chance to do some pre-conference touring. We were met at the Denver airport by my good friend Jim Hein who so graciously agreed to pick us up and take us for an overnight stay at his and Diane’s home in Estes Park, CO. After lots of visiting, good food and a night’s sleep, we had a personalized tour of parts of the Rocky Mountain National Park where Jim is a ranger and where Diane works in an information site. We could not have asked for better hosts and tour guides.

Snowy Range at Lake Marie

Monday afternoon Jim and Diane drove us to Cheyenne where we checked in to the Little America Resort – site of the conference. We also had Tuesday for touring and had chosen a full day tour of the Snowy Range, west of Cheyenne. There was a fun group in our van along with a good driver and a local guide who was also a DKG member. The day was sunny and very pleasant. There were a number of stops along the way.

Boot at Railroad Station

Wednesday morning Marietta and I took a half-day city tour of Cheyenne in an old trolley. The driver-guide took us around many of the significant places in town and shared many interesting historical facts. One thing that impressed me was the number of trees in the city. At some time, there had been a push for people to plant trees and they still line the streets. Given some shopping time, I got a little carried away and bought my first pair of cowboy (girl) boots, which drew considerable attention when I wore them later. ;-)

We made it back to the hotel in time for me to attend a luncheon and a special session for webmasters and editors. I learned a few things and it was enjoyable to see some familiar faces from previous conventions and conferences.

Wednesday evening the official conference began with a Summer Gathering with the Cheyenne Trotters horse-riding group performing in the parking lot. We had a chance to enjoy nuzzling with the horses. Following that was the first of three general sessions and fun entertainment.

Feeding bison at the ranch

During the conference we enjoyed great guest speakers and informative workshops. For the Friday “Night on the Town” Marietta and I and others from Oregon had chosen to visit the Terry Bison Ranch south of Cheyenne, along the Colorado border. After a small train ride out into the prairie to visit a herd of bison – they came up to the train to be hand fed - we returned and had an interesting BBQ dinner of either beef or bison steaks.

Oregon participants at the conference

Saturday evening concluded the conference with the traditional “President’s Banquet” where our new state president, Kathy Martell, was installed. It was an enjoyable conclusion to another great regional conference.  Next year is the International Convention, which will be held in Toronto, Canada. I’m hoping to attend that event as well.

That's it for now. Grace