Day 5-- Jeffrey City, WY to Lander, WY -- 68 Miles

The day started with the requisite mosquito attack. However its much easier to break down a tent under attack than to set one up as you can always throw everything onto the bike, ride away, and sort it out later. Breakfast at the Split Rock Cafe was a nice plate of french toast and sausage.

As I was riding away satisfied with my quick exit from camp and full breakfast, a Jeffrey City mosquito saw to it that I have one more gift from he and his buddies. He flew right into my mouth as I was riding and triggered my gag reflex. I will let you fill in the blank. Not fun.

The big highlight of the day was a harrowing descent of the Beaver Rim into the Wind River Valley. It was a five mile descent with a 6% grade. Lots of fun. I got my first peak at the famous Red Rocks of Wyoming today. They are a stunning shade of rusty orange.

The heat in the valley was noticeable, with my bike computer registering 101 degrees. Although the miles were relatively easy, being rolling to downhill for the most part, the heat just chips away at your spirit as the day unfolds. When I finally arrived in the town of Lander I rode right up to the Gannet Grill and ordered a burger and salad. However, I was so hot that I just stared at my food for 20 minutes as I tried to get myself together again. Several regulars were staring at the scene out of the corner of their eye and I know more than one had a good mind to grab my burger and take a bite. Given my state I would have been powerless to stop them.

My accommodations for the night were gotten through couchsurfing.com. An artist by the name of Juan agreed to put me and Kurt up for the night -- even though he was traveling in Colorado at the time of our visit! Juan's house is a collection of many, many things -- trinkets, action figures, old Volvos, metal working equipent, jars, paints, etc. It is clear that Juan likes to work with his hands.






Kurt and I pitched our tents in the back of Juan's house in a nice shady spot. One of Juan's friends, Earl the Window Washer, had stopped by to check in on the house and to take a shower (he lives in the mountains and presumably doesn't have indoor plumbing in his own house).

Kurt and I had dinner at the Gannet Grill and I actually had the same exact salad I ordered for lunch. For dessert I got a chokecherry shake at an ice cream parlor next door. Delicious!