8 Days In

So here we are in Lander WY. I connot post pictures off the public library computer. We will add some in when we reach Missoula. It has been since Laramie (day 2 and 3) which we had on line access. So we have moved on a bit from there.

We headed to Medicine Bow National Forrest just west of Laramie on day 3. I was bit hung over from the generousity of our warmshowers.org hosts. Even was also hosting a mountain bike club get-together at the near by park. Two kegs of local beer. It was imposible not to indulge.

We were greeted first off by our now well known acquaintance, the infamous Wyoming winds. Always soaring in from the west, northwest, or southwest. Depending on the direction we are headed. Always in our faces. It was a mostly flat terrain heading to Centennial WY, a small town of 50 which sits at the base of the Snowy Range Pass in the Medicine Bow Nat. Forrest.

Highway 130 runs from Laramie through the Mountains and on north of Saratoga until it hits I 80. We were  advised to turn off onto Barber Lake Road just past the park entrance. It was a narrow road with seldom vehicles and an amazing view. We Pressed up the mountain at 4 to 5 miles an hour. The winds had calmed, the air was was thin but fresh. The sights were rewarding as we climbed. Four miles up, Barber Lake Road spills back on to 130. This is when the thunder rolled in and the rain had started. We hit a picnic site and took cover under the shelter of a restroom roof. The showers gave way and we comenced on our journy up. The next campsite was about a mile up. And we were in need of water.

We reached Nash Fork Campsite around 5:30 pm. Water Taps a plenty. We chose a lovely spot next to a stream. Scotty set up camp while I forged together a very spicy Lentil Soup. The air had cooled and the wind picked up while we slept. But we rested well.

The brisk morning kept us in the tent until nearly 7 am. Breakfast was skipped. We were still full of lentils. Saratoga was only 40 miles or so out, and we were nearly to the pass. Wyoming blew her vengeful winds on us again. As we pushed up, and up. The wild sky moving quickly over head. Though it didn't add to our comfort, it was impossible not to admire.

There were several miles of climbing, then rolling, then finally, 10 miles of decent, right into Ryan Park. We enjoyed hot coffee and split an order of chili cheese fries at the Ryan Park Lodge. It was nearly noon. We left Nash Fork around 9 am. another 28 miles or so to Saratoga. The terrain was rolling, the winds were at our heads until the road split due north. Our first tail wind coasted us 18 miles in to town.

Saratoga is a two gas station town. Known for it excellent fishing and the hot springs on the North Platte River. Once camping options were secured, we loaded up on provisions and headed to the Hobo Pool section of the hot springs. This offers a cement enclosed 4-5 foot deep pool of the mineral rich 100+ degree spring water. And a few other "natural" pools sectioned just on the river on the other side of the wall. It wasn't packed, a half dozen other patrons. Pleasant, and very soothing to our sore muscles.

Camping was easy to find just off the Saratoga Lake. The wind picked up as we tried to set up camp. Then a hard but brief rain/hail shower interrupted our efforts. More lentils for dinner, and some rest. Only 40 miles or so out to Rawlins.

Instant Oatmeal and coffee got us going as the clouds rolled in once again. The winds from all directions. We couldn't tell where the storm was heading, but it was viscous. That was sure. We quickly broke camp and hoped for the best. A few yards onto highway, the rain hit. We geared up as it got worse. Then we moved and then we didn't stop. The wind rushed into from the east but also assisted us from the south. A thick grey haze from all directions, on all horizons. we were drenched in minutes, despite the gear. 45 minutes of pure down pour. We managed to make it to the I 80 junction where 130 ends, in about an hour and a half, 20 miles. Our best time to yet.

Long story short, because my 30 minutes are up........

Wind wind, head wind, cross winds. From Sinclair to Lander. Wyoming is beautiful, the people are gracious. But the wind is the over powering evil master of the land.

We are taking a day off in Lander. Getting ready to head west into the Grand Tetons. We will be climbing for days. Hopefully the wind will one day be at our backs. More details will be filled in as well.