D31 6/14 Alcova Reservoir to Casper

(Chilling in my natural habitat after a windy lonely night)

Mileage: 36.5 (I’m claiming that .5)

Video: https://www.relive.cc/view/vPOpZ8E2ARq

Map: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/93307886?privacy_code=R5XfZgr3p58euY6u

Tomorrow’s Destination: Douglas, WY

Tonight’s Accommodations: The Sage and Sand Motel

I’m not going to lie, last night was the lowest point of the trip for me emotionally. I am not a formal religious person. I think that whatever ultimate reality is out there is far beyond our puny minds. Still, I feel that the universe provides. Kim Lewis, who I met on day 5, emailed me to invite me to crash at her and her husband’s place in Philly. I am almost tempted to change up the route just to do that. My brother and his kiddo, Georgia, sent me a silly picture. Several friends texted out of the blue. Most importantly, I called Kisho (twice!) and Hisako once. Thank you to all of you. Your friendship means so much to me.

(The moon hidden above the Reservoir)

I went to bed at 8:15 because there wasn’t much to do other than hunker in the tent. It was weird to see these RVs (and one flapping tent next to an RV) parked with generators humming and nobody outside. I was envious of their creature comforts. I am learning I am not as much of the hardy outdoors person that I thought I was. On a four day backpacking trip you can time a weather window perfectly if you are flexible on time and location. My night at Alcova wasn’t even that bad objectively, but it got me. It just seemed desolate. Maybe that’s it. If I was camping in a town, I could go somewhere to get out of the wind and get some human contact. I’m going to camp tomorrow in Douglas’ town park so I’m not giving up on camping. It’ll be windy, but it’s supposed to die down in the night. 

I woke up at 4:00 am and started packing up my stuff. My tent has a vestibule under the rain fly (great because there were a few windy showers). I was able to fix my Grape Nuts just outside the tent door. I stuffed my bags and made a brief trip outside to brush my teeth and visit the loo. The morning was dawning prettier than the picture I painted for myself inside the tent. The wind and rain always sound worse on the rain fly. By 5:30, I was on the road.

(Alcova looking pretty at Dawn)

The approach to Okie Campground was chock full of boulders, yet it doesn’t seem to be a destination. That’s surprising because one could spend weeks there and just scratch the surface. You just need to be able to deal with the wind. After snapping couple of pictures I made the turn onto Wyoming 220 headed for Casper. I had a powerful tailwind, but it was gusty so I had to be ready for a side blast. That’s always bit stressful at high speed. The road wasn’t busy, but vehicle travel at high speed. 

(Waiting for the sun to break through. It was cold)

I cooked along. My average speed was 15.3 mph. My previous record was 13.3. I entertained ideas of pedalling to Glenrock, the next town east of Casper, but in the end I decided to stick to plan. I want to stop in towns, because I like towns. Stopping in Glenrock would have made the next two days awkward for that plan. Also, the wind is going to get even stronger. It’s a tailwind, but wind is fickle. I have a couple of things I want to do as well. I continue to have trouble with my seatpost. The angle won’t hold. I hit a bump and it pitches back so the nose is pointing up. I’ll see if I can replace it at a bikeshop. I also need a haircut. My bangs are falling in my eyes. (Sorry, Valentine if you are reading this). 

(So cozy and no wind inside!)

Back to the ride. I rolled through the Platte Valley and some hills with red rock rims. Before long I was on the outskirts of Casper. It's a small city of 60,000. I began to see the first housing subdivisions and light industrial since Pocatello. There was even a bike path! And wind. Casper is called Wind City and lives up to its moniker. I needed spirtual uplift so I Googled up coffee shops and bakeries. I hit the nail on the head with the Bourgeois Pig. I arrived shortly after 8:00 am which is a crazy time to arrive. I’m camped out, but so are other members of the laptop class. It feels nice and familiar wihich is what I want now. The bikeshop opens at 10:00 am. I’ll call to see if they have a seatpost. Then I’ll look for a place to get a trim. Casper has an Art Museum. I’ll take that in and make a day of it. 

(The Northern Platte will be a companion for awhile)

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