D30 6/13 Jeffrey City to Alcova Reservoir

(Wild horses!)

Mileage: 69

Video: Mileage: 69

Video: https://www.relive.cc/view/vE6J91w8ZxO

Map: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/93247118

Tomorrow's Destination: Casper

Tonight's Accommodations: Okie Campground

It was a beautiful morning and a long afternoon. I arrived at the Okie Campground on the Alcova Reservoir. Frankly, it was a tough afternoon. It's windy which has kept people in their RVs so it seems empty. There are tons of seagulls that try to raid my campsite if I leave. I worry about my tent too. It's being buffeted by the wind. Mainly, I miss you all. Having a long afternoon with no distractions reminds me of that. Writing this is good medicine. So was talking with Hisako and Kisho.

(Bleak campsite with tent hugging a retaining wall that I was grateful for)

I continue to meet nice people. Some guys two sites over suggested I move into their site when they left. It has a retaining wall that blocks some of the wind. They also gave me some water and granola bars.

Tomorrow is a short ride into Casper - only 40 miles with the wind at my back. Once again I'll have a lot of time, but there will be more to do. The wind is predicted to be worse so I got a motel. It's the fourth of the trip and the first that's strictly functional. 

The day began at 4:15. I had some grape nuts and coffee with fellow cyclist John. He's heading to Colorado and his home in Denver before continuing on the Transamerica route. We had 22 miles to ride on same road, but he was enjoying riding solo at his own pace so I didn't suggest riding out together. I left around 5:45. The morning was calm and cool with the rising sun illuminating clouds. The range was peaceful and green. I saw pronghorn and wild horses. 

(The church on the high plains)

At 22 miles I made Muddy Gap which is exactly one gas station, but it's a cool one. Apparently, writing on walls is a Wyoming thing because, like the church, their walls were covered too. I got a strawberry milk and two satsumas. As I was eating John pedalled up. We had another goodbye.

(Muddy Gap service station)

I headed down Wyoming 220. I passed a site memorializing Mormon pioneers who crossed the Plains with handcarts. Several companies got caught by winter and were rescued by parties sent from Salt Lake. One of the docents had ancestors among the rescuers and rescuees.

(Handcarts. These folks were tough)

Further down the road was Independence Rock, a major landmark for most overland pioneer trails. I didn't stay long because I wanted to beat the wind and heat, which I was able to do, but then I had my too long afternoon and evening. It's 8:15 now. The wind picked up after a lull. The new wind has brought spitting showers. 

(Blue flax, which was one the pride of our garden was everywhere)

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