July 13,
2001. Walden, CO to Riverside, WY. (50 mi.) Mile 2628
Wide
open Wyoming
We crossed over another state
border today, leaving Colorado without spotting a moose. This country is Moose
Preoccupied though. In the last few days, we've eaten at the Lone Moose Cafe,
The Mangy Moose Saloon, had moose cakes for breakfast, stayed in the Moose
Spotting Capital. This country doesn't look a bit like moose habitat. And what
about the neglected antelope? At least they are out there, seemingly
interested in our passing.
Yesterday we rode 62
miles between any type of service, and today it was similar. We have to be
sure to take enough water and food with us. Yesterday we were a little nervous
because we had forgotten 2 of our water bottles back at the campground, but we
had enough extra to get by. Like the pioneers traveling West, we have left a
trail of articles behind: water bottles, a debit card, 2 pairs of sandals,
bike gloves, a phone card...
We had heard many
cyclists didn't like Wyoming because of the miles and miles of desolation.
Some of this depends a lot on the wind. Today it was in our favor, so we are
finding Wyoming scenic so far. We have had a constant smell of sagebrush for
the last week. The afternoon thunderstorms didn't build until well after we
arrived at the Lazy Acres campground, had set up our tent, eaten a big lunch,
and were trying to take naps. We've had cooler temperatures, starting out
chilly in the morning and not getting much above the 70s. We have received
email from our German friends, Peter and Maren, who are still pedaling across
Kansas. They are having cooler temperatures too, and doing well.
1)
2) 
1) North Platte River
2) Big Creek
3) 
4) 
3) Our camp at the
Lazy Acres Campground
4) The Encampment
Museum with historic buildings and fire lookout tower, a mile down the road.
The afternoon thunderheads are starting to build in the background. The two
communities of Encampment and Riverside have a total population of about
400-500. Copper mining was once the basis of the economy. Now it is forestry,
tourism, and ranching.
This has truly been a
trip of discovery. Besides learning about our country, for example, I have
discovered the cure for cellulite. Forget those messy creams. Simply get on a
60-80 lb bicycle and pedal up and down mountains across the country 50 miles/day every day for 3
months. "And it really really works". (You'll still have lumpy legs
though, from mosquito bites.)
