Wyoming Is Difficult

Togwotee Pass, Typical Wyoming Landscape, Mystery Animal, Worst Camping Site, Click On Picture To Learn About The Winds

I'm in Lander, WY taking a break from the heat and wind. Gone about 45 mile this morning with another 45 to go trying to get to Jeffrey City. Yesterday was tough, left Jackson around 8AM all was well until beginning the 28 mile climb up Togwotee Pass at 9658ft and yes again over the Continental Divide. The climb wasn't really the issue rather the wind which was relentless and the road is under construction so gravel, sand, tar, etc... for a few miles a pick up truck shuttled me as it was not rideable. It's real hot too! I've had brutal wind in my face every mile since leaving Jackson. On the positive side there are nice multi colored rock cliffs in Wyoming. Last night was without question my worst camp site, ever, behind the Crowheart Volunteer Fire Department. Oh, another bonus yesterday was the smoke...I've seen it for weeks but yesterday I was getting teary eyed from riding through it as well as some ash on my shirt (there is a fire in Pineville about 50 miles away). Town names are great; Crowheart comes from when the Shoshoni Indians fought thier last great battle against the Crow and the Shoshoni Chief figured the Crow Chief fought well so he hacked out his heart and put it on top of a stake and planted it on top of a hill, Sweetwater comes from when a wagon of sugar fell into the river, could go on and on but I'll spare you. Yes, they did name the Wind River and reservation in honor of the never ending wind which apparently enbales sheep and such to eat all year round by exposing the lower portions of whatever plants can grow in this dust bowl. All that horror yesterday and still managed 112 miles. In case you're ever in the area they do not sell beer on the Wind River Indian Reservation (probably for a good reason). I visited Sacajaweas' grave this morning, it was along the road, pretty sad as no question that she saved the entire Lewis & Clark expedition during thier darkest hour which in turn resulted in the settlement of the NW and she and her people end up on a reservation comprised of dry dusty rocky windy crap. Arapahoes and Shoshoni share the Wind River Reservation but they were historical enemies, got to wonder if the grand plan was for them to get rid of one another....instead they now co-manage casinos, cow farms, and a few trinket shops. Off to lunch followed by more wind and heat. Final note for today - I'd sacrifice the sheep in a second if someone would turn down the wind machine.