Adventurous Economies

A note from West Coast energy blogger Tundranaut on his recent visit to the Wagon Box.

I’m currently writing from Story, Wyoming, and I’m reminded of a 2022 post at Second Power entitled “Rapid Modulation in the Hinterlands,” which touched on an agreement entered into by Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Co. for interruptible service under a Wyoming blockchain tariff.

I suggested then that the agreement—with an un-named Bitcoin mining outfit—might be another indicator that Wyoming, which in 2021 was the first state to legally recognize DAOs, is becoming one of the more adventurous economies in the U.S.

After being here for a couple of days (and doing cold plunges in an icy creek), I can confirm that the pioneering spirit is alive and well.

I spotted copies of Walter Kirn’s old-school Americana newspaper, County Highway.

And I’ve been having discussions at a fascinating locus of innovation and talent called the Wagon Box Inn with a group of friends and writers.

For reference, Paul Kingsnorth writes about the Wagon Box Inn here, detailing the unique mix of individuals who converge at this rustic gathering spot.

A gas station we walked by on our way to a neighborhood bar.

Wyoming provides a welcome respite from the West Coast. I’m hoping to make a return visit soon.

This post first appeared on the Second Power newsletter as “Transmissions from Wyoming.”