Day 25: Douglas, WY Elevation: 4815

Miles:  57.59
Average Speed:  9.01
Max Speed:  20.08
Total Miles:  833

Big head wind all day today.  But it wasn't as hot as it has been (100 in Lusk yesterday) and with about 80% cloud cover.  All things considered, not too bad.  Casper tomorrow and more bike repairs.

Lusk also was filled with religious displays and flags everywhere.  This is typical.

With that I'm going to quit with the observations and commentary on religiosity lest this little exercise become banal and lose sight of it's original purpose, which was...what?  Actually, I think its purpose for me is to stay in touch with my real world of family & friends.  And for everyone posting comments please know they are so welcome and go a long way to assuage the loneliness of the solo, slow bike ride.

So thanks again to all.

From Lusk to Douglas -

Saw a couple of mule deer but they were gone before I could photo them.  Mountains to the south.

There were nine, mile long coal trains in 57 miles today.  The planet is doomed.

Functioning school house in Shawnee.  There is an abandoned house, several falling down out buildings and a dozen junked cars and trucks near by.

oh-oh

Douglas, WY in the valley of the North Platte - running fast with high water.

Plains to the north of Douglas.  You can see a gas flare on the right.

Laramie Mountain range south of Douglas.  I'll be heading that way in a few days.

Four young cross-country cyclists are staying at my house in St Paul just now for a couple of days - part of the camaraderie of the long distance cycling world.  T. Baxter is kind enough to turn the house on for them and to turn it off again when they leave - thanks very much Tom!

Stay well.

P.S. - I've discovered something I can no longer deny and have to face, publicly.  I'm hopelessly bourgeois in my preferences and habits.  This trip will do nothing to change that but I'm getting glimpses of a world I only acknowledged intellectually before getting on the road.