Ep 4. Mountains and Plains

Stephen Fry in America is a travel documentary television series hosted by Stephen Fry. In season 1 episode 4 titled "Mountains and Plains," Stephen travels through the American West, exploring the stunning natural beauty of the region and meeting the locals who call it home.

The episode begins with Stephen driving through the rugged terrain of the Colorado Rockies. He stops at the town of Leadville, which holds the distinction of being one of the highest towns in North America. Here, he meets a group of miners who work in the local silver mines and learn about the challenges they face working at such high altitudes.

As he continues his journey westward, Stephen visits the Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado. Here, he marvels at the 750-foot-tall sand dunes and learns about the unique ecology of the area, which includes rare species of plants and animals. He meets with a local ranger to learn about the park's conservation efforts and the challenges faced in protecting such a fragile environment.

Next, Stephen travels to the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he explores the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. He learns about the history of the monument and the challenges faced in its creation. He also meets with members of the local Lakota Sioux Tribe, who share their perspectives on the monument and the history of their people in the region.

As he moves further west, Stephen visits the iconic Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. He experiences the park's famous geothermal features, including the Old Faithful geyser and the colorful hot springs. He also meets with conservationists who work to protect the park's unique ecosystem, including its famous grizzly bears.

Finally, Stephen travels to the Great Plains of Montana, where he spends time with a ranching family who have been working the land for generations. He learns about the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers in the region, including the effects of climate change on their livelihoods.

Throughout the episode, Stephen offers his usual insightful commentary and thoughtful reflections on the places he visits and the people he meets. His journey through the American West allows viewers to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region and gain a deeper appreciation for the people who call it home.