We often avoid using those wide comfortable interstates and choose to use the road less traveled – Least Heat Moon called them Blue Highways (in reference to the book ‘Blue Highways’ by Least Heat Moon). Sometimes it leads to some boring stretches. Other times we stumble across interesting spots or people. We entered Wyoming on a two lane road that passed through some of those lesser know towns of Hulett and Aladdin.
Aladdin is a one time coal town. The historic marker ahead sign on the road was small and we almost missed the entrance to the Aladdin Tippler but just made it in (we did pass it but having a nimble vehicle we u-turned back to it). Mrs. Ram was not very happy with that particular maneuver. The parking lot was small but no one else was there. The path, partly covered with sand, led to the base of the tipple which is what sorted the coal. A longer path took you to the mine entrance. The shed at the mine entrance was creepy as we could hear what sounded like a moaning animal inside (probably an owl or mourning doves). We were glad there was fence stopping us or it from getting too close (he was scared!) (I said it might be a yeti!).
This is one of those roadside attractions that was updated several years ago but has been neglected since.
Also Hulett is the first road we noticed signs which said if hazard lights are blinking the road is closed and you must turn around and return the way you came. It actually had RR type gates too and a $750 fine for ignoring the gate. These are common in Montana due to white out conditions, ice and snow.
