Jeffrey City to Alcova, Wyoming
Day 30
Miles: 70.92 – Total accent: 1,381
Totals:. Miles-1,456.01 – Accent- 55,395 feet climbed – 132.13 hrs in the saddle
After a restful night, we have coffee and breakfast at the church. There is a full kitchen with coffee maker, refrigerator, stove and microwave. While eating, we read messages written by the travelers before us. Visitors from all over the road. But it’s time to move on to head to Alcova where there is a reservoir. There are several camps, many on a first come basis. Being the long holiday weekend, we’re hopeful there is still a space for us.
In a groove, we ride east. It’s a beautiful morning. Such a contrast from yesterday’s storm.
We stop for a moment about 20 miles in for a snack and a vehicle pulls over next to us. It’s Chuck and Cindy who we met in Lander! How heartwarming to see them. They said they’d been watching out for us as they head back home. They had a great time in Lander and scored some treasures. So warm. Such wonderful people!!
We travel along several historic sites: Split Rock, Muddy Gap, the intersection of the California Trail/Oregon Trail/Pony Express/Morman Pioneer. Martins Cove.
As we get closer to Alcova, we are riding along a huge ranch-Pathfinder Ranch. There are signs identifying the ranch about every mile. It went on forever.
And along the way, on both sides of the road was a type of brush blooming with yellow flowers that smelled sweet, like honeysuckle. What a joy to have a sweet smell to enjoy!
As we turn, we are met with the stunning site of red rocks and the reservoir. The constant of the red rocks against the azure water was stunning!
A quick stop at Sloanes General Store-a minimart of sorts, we get drinks and the cashier tells us about camps that are full and others that may have space. We find a spot at Grey Reef campground. There is a concrete pad with picnic table with a sun canopy. A few quick calls and 15 minutes laying on the picnic table seats and we’re ready to set camp. There is a dam letting water from the reservoir to a river where several people are fishing. Four pelicans float nearby. This camp has a pit toilet but no water or electricity.
While sitting at the table, preparing dinner, a young man who was fly fishing returns to his truck. The woman with him is attentive. He doesn’t look well. We walk over to offer help. While casting, the hook caught the top of his left ear and was firmly embedded.
With limited first aid supplies, I cut the line, stabilize the hook/ear with gauze and ointment and suggest he present to urgent care. What a bummer for him but it could have been worse.
Back to our shelter, large spiders are coming out. They have the shape of a black widow but are brown and speckled. First one, then another and then they’re all over. Long, skinny ones too.
It’s not surprising given the food supply/mosquitoes present. Time to leave the shelter. All bike bags are closed, all food items are in the tent as raccoon tracks are printed in the mud.
I have one bar on the cell phone and reach out to my son Jake for a chat. While talking, I see something moving across the ground. It’s a turtle! How cool!
Seeking shelter in the tent early has become the norm in mosquito territory.
Once in the tent, we watch the mosquitoes gather and then the spiders in pursuit. So glad they can only get under the rain fly and not in the tent!
Tomorrow is a short day and our first experience staying with a Warm Showers host. Each new day has something exciting to experience!
