Wandering Retirees

Another happy day on the road. Starting in Casper, we passed 3,000 miles today and wound up in Powell, WY for the evening. On the way out of town at 8:00, we rode by the city rail station and have the answer you and the rest of the free world has been clamoring for … wait for it … Casper, Wyoming has been served by the Burlington Line, which connected with the old Union Pacific and a number of older western rails. If you knew this, award yourself $500 in Monopoly money right away. Knowledge has its rewards! Also on the way out town, we passed a giant eagle sculpture that was beautifully done. Beneath the statue was a placard dedicated to Kelly Timberman, who in 2004 won the title of World Champion Bareback Rider. He is still a successful rodeo rider on the professional circuits.

Coming north on US 20/26, we processed (in a stately manner, of course!) through some beautiful country, including the narrow Wind River gorge that took us down several thousand feet in elevation over about 25 miles. The road and rail line descended on opposite side of the river, and both road beds passed through tunnels cut through living rock. It was fun!

Several lovely Wyoming towns including, Shoshoni, a town of 652 near the Boysen Reservoir where US 20 splits from US 26; then Thermopolis, (“Hot City”), a town of about 3,000 folks that contains Hot Springs State Park with thermal baths and a lovely range with a herd of bison. We met a lovely couple from Winnipeg who appeared to be on their honeymoon and were loving the Wyoming countryside. They also helped us get “unlost”from among the bison.

We’d also met Jay, an engineer from near New Haven, CT who was riding his new BMW motorcycle home from a dealer near Yellowstone. We later rode by his parked bike outside the thermal baths. They are quite luxurious, we are told, and he clearly wanted to enjoy them before continuing on his way.

Our next route, WY 120 took us toward Yellowstone and through the town of Meeteetse, population 352 and then on to Cody, home to several museums dedicated to Wild Bill Cody of western frontier fame. Racing along Alt. US 14, we beat several big storms to make it safely to our lodgings. We even had time to pick up some supper (salad kit plus some protein) and adult beverage to make the evening comfortable.

We found the countryside breathtaking and the people we’ve met are so generous and welcoming. We are so enjoying our trip through this state.

We reached a milestone today, passing 3,000 miles on the trip. Our backsides are now road conditioned and we can go for extended periods without whining or complaint. We’re so proud.

Tomorrow, we’re headed to repeat a ride we so loved on our last trip: the Beartooth Highway on US 212 that starts (for us) in northwest Wyoming and reaches 68 miles into northeast Montana and the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The road cuts through the Beartooth Mountain range of the Rockies and reaches 11,000 feet at the pass. We’re told the road is clear of snow and open for riding.

Our destination tomorrow will be Cooke City, MT where, unfortunately, there will be no digital service. So our next update probably won’t be until we reach Victor, ID on Monday.

Until then, thanks for keeping us company on our trip. Be well!

—

Casper

Leaving Casper and our view for a long long time

Wind River Canyon. Oh wow.

We found ourselves lost in a park

Scene changes on the way in and our of Cody and running from the storms