Day 18
Not much to do out here but pedal to Casper

DAILY REPORT: 

The terrain today was desolate to say the least. I didn't see one dwelling after we left town through the first 40 miles except for the small town of Shoshoni...barely a spot on the road. The landscape is so wide open that it's hard to describe it to anyone. The term 'vast' comes to mind, but it's not nearly descriptive enough to give one an accurate picture of the area. I reminds me of Arizona or New Mexico . . .high desert covered with sage with not much life to be seen anywhere aside from desert critters. I haven't seen any wildlife or domestic animals for quite some time. As desolate as it is, there were still a few spots that had interesting formations. As we neared Casper, we began to see cattle and antelope scattered across the landscape...tough land for us city slickers. About 26 miles out of Riverton, I happened to catch a few riders as they passed these rock sculptures that have been carved by the wind over thousands of years (below left).  These were about the only interesting formations we passed all day.

Today started out clear but a balmy 60 degrees at 5:00 a.m. After breakfast at 5:00 (yawn), we quickly loaded the luggage and everyone hustled to get on the road to enjoy the few hours of cool temperatures they expected today. The first 70 miles of today's route rose steadily 1200 feet to about 6200 feet. Not all of it was climb; there were several nice downhill sections that gave everyone a bit of a rest, but overall we were going up all morning. The morning looked to be shaping up pretty well as the winds were light and the temperatures didn't start to rise until late morning.  The biggest challenge, aside from the fact we were riding 120 miles today, was the headwinds we picked up in the afternoon...they weren't strong, but any headwinds today were unwelcome.

To say we are out in the middle of nowhere is not stretching it in the least.  We pass through 3 or 4 'towns' on our way to Casper but none of them are more than 1 or 2 buildings. Barb set up the second SAG in Hiland where the sign post said population 10. Ten!!!  Where? I'm not sure there was anyone within the boundaries of the 'city limits'...at least I didn't see anyone.  The only shade she had was under a billboard where the shade kept shifting and getting narrower as the sun moved higher in the sky.  There's a mini gas station and store in Hiland, run by a middle-aged couple. Since they're the only thing for miles, they get a fair amount of business, and our riders and some motorcyclists increased that even more today.

About 15 miles before the last SAG we came upon a small dot called Hell's Half Acre. In the past, this has been a fabulous sight...an oasis in the desert...food and shade.  But alas, it closed last year and we were denied our only chance for food between Shishoni and Casper.  The old, closed restaurant sits right on the edge of a scenic gorge that Indians used to slaughter buffalo years ago. They must have faced budget issues even in those days as they would stampede a herd over the cliffs to get meat for the winter...probably to save the cost of expensive arrows. Today the gorge is a beautiful, peaceful sight that belies its intended use. 

SAG 3 was set up in the dirt in front of an abandoned building, a rusting out 70s automobile, and a house trailer that obviously housed a family who were not home. The metal swing set blew noisily in the wind.  Between riders we pondered the lives of this little family so isolated from others.  What on earth caused them to live out here?  What did the adults do to earn money?  Where did they buy their groceries?  Where did the children go to school?  Who did they play with? Not for the first time, I counted the blessings of my birth. 

From the last SAG it was only about 30 miles to Casper.  The headwinds made that last effort a real challenge.  I don't think there was any rider that didn't feel they had been pushed beyond what they had originally thought was their limit.  The final riders had to contend with some road construction that popped up after the front end had gone through.  They put down oil on the shoulder either to seal the shoulder or to set up for repaving...either way, it made a mess on tires as the thick petroleum stuck to tires and frames.  Jan's S's tires got so thick with the goo that her tires wouldn't go through her seatstays...what a mess.  The final miles were tough, but we made it and were proud of the accomplishment.  Now that we've done that...bring on something else!

  At rap we said good bye to 5 riders...Roger, Mike, Naomi, Lois, and Al who all only rode with us for this leg.  We'll miss them and hope they will come and ride with us again. 

Now that we are here...it's time for a little time off.  The riders sure are ready for a rest day and you can bet the staff is too.  We'll welcome 1 new rider tomorrow...Alfredo Lueje.  He'll ride the rest of the way to Portsmouth. 

No posting from our day off so we'll see you again on Saturday when we go to Lusk...what's at Lusk you ask...tune in tomorrow and find out.  M

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