Day 17, July 9: Dubois, WY to Riverton, WY
80.5 miles, 17.0 mph, 4 hr 44 min 11 sec

Up at 5:15, 6:oo breakfast at Cowboy Cafe - scrambled eggs, sausage, cowboy fries (small hash browns), juice and coffee, 6:30 load luggage, 7:00 on the road.

Today we started out in Dubois (elev. 6,917 feet) and slowly descended to Riverton (elev. 5,500 feet). There were not climbs, just a few little hills. What a relief! (80.5 miles of riding) There were no "close by" majestic mountains but plenty of prairie with bluffs, buttes and mesas. The snow capped mountains are still in sight off in the distance. The beauty is still all around me. I stop a lot to soak it up and take photos. Therefore I get into the hotel usually between 2 and 3 PM. I like to take pics of streams with interesting structure in and around them. As you will see, I also find pleasure in close up pics of wild flowers.

Click here for a movie of the scenery between Dubois and Riverton

It was quite chilly this morning when we started out in Dubois and it gradually warmed up to about 85F. I seldom perspire in this hot dry heat. It's not like the humid 85F back in CT.

I got to Riverton and the Holiday Inn about 2 PM. Hotel doesn't have a jacuzzi but the pool is very warm so I got in and pretended it was a jacuzzi. [Editor's note: Too much information there, John...]

Dinner was here at the Holiday Inn at 6 PM and then route rap. Tomorrow is a 120 mile ride to Casper. There is major construction at 42 miles out for 12 miles. ABB will shuttle us through the construction as needed. Mike also told us that we should try to get a ride from a friendly pickup truck. Steve and I have our alarm set for 4:30 cause breakfast is at 5 AM. An early start is necessary because of the distance and unknown delay at the construction.