The initial 22 miles of the 64 mile ride from Riverton to Hiland, WY was pretty nice ... smooth roads and no wind with which to be concerned. What was of concern was that after this 22 miles into Shoshoni there were reports of no services (water, food, camping sites) for the approximately 100 miles to Casper. That and a headwind! After leaving Shoshoni loaded down with extra water and severe doubts about a campsite for the coming evening, Kim and I headed out. We shortly met up with Roger, and the three of us endured what can only be said as a testing and miserable ride to Hiland. The wind never did decide on a direction, so at one moment you have a headwind, the next a side wind, the next a tailwind.
As the accompanying picture shows, there are no trees to provide shade. At one point we approached the town (as shown on the Wyoming road map) of Moneta ... glory be, trees and structures ... hopes of a place to sit in the shade and refuel. The town of Moneta consisted of a fenced area (said tree was in the fenced area), a nasty sounding dog, and one of the largest Confederate flags I have ever seen. We decided to move on.
Later in the day the skies clouded up, and distant rain storms were visible. Suddenly a very strong and unexpected wind from the right hit us ... it was so quick that it blew both Kim and I out to the center yellow line ... fortunately there were no trucks coming from behind at that moment. As I struggled to get my self and bike back over to the bike lane, I saw Kim fighting a similar battle ... her bike was at about a 45 degree angle to the road, and she was also struggling to get out of the road. Up the road Roger was off in a ditch. Then it started to rain. Not hard, but rain none-the-less. Just one more unique experience of riding the white line.
The day seemed to go on for ever. We had received word earlier that there might be a convenience store open somewhere along this desolate road, and finally after cresting a small hill, I espied what looked like a store. Roger and Kim were about a half mile ahead, and my heart sank as they seemed to be riding past the structures ... but (with great glee) I saw them turn into the parking lot. Glory be!!!!
Turns out this store/town (Hiland, WY) consists of said store along with a bar, small eating establishment, an abandoned house (which became a campground for the night) and a totally unexpected motel. This operation was run by a lady by the name of Mary ... she did it all, and with great graciousness (although there were a few mentions of Stephen King(ish) elements to the area). Kim asked to take a look at the motel room, which turned out to be very nice ... at $50 per night, she did not hesitate. Kim was her typical generous self ... use of her shower/bathroom was extended to we campers. Pure luxury after a very difficult day.
Yesterday's 60 mile ride into Casper, while not overly difficult, was tiring due to the previous two days' hard rides. 100 degrees and a little windy. Did I mention desolate? Today is a rest day ... Kim and I once again opted for hotel rooms and the others are at an RV park. Comfortable is good.
Tomorrow we head toward southwestern South Dakota to make visits to Chief Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore. I will say one positive thing about this area of Wyoming ... it makes you yearn for South Dakota.
My travel plans have changed. Rather than finishing up in Maine, I will be heading to Washington D.C. Time constraints, due to my son's wedding in San Diego on Sept. 15, prompted the change, and the change feels good. Getting back to Tucson in late August (as opposed to early Sept) will allow me to get re-settled into my housing, and get prepared for the gala events in San Diego. Less hectic.
So today is a day of rest. Was thinking about going to the local fireworks display, but since the sun sets around 10:00 PM, and I typically can't get past 9:30 ...
Aaaahhh, sweet rest.
You should have biked into Dubois, WY, located west of Riverton, WY. If you got to Dubois, you might have wanted to stay the rest of your life. Oh, well. There's always another trip!
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