This has been a crazy day! After leaving Cody and then Dayton, Wyoming I started over the 'hills' of the Big Horn National Forest. The lead up to the 'hill' was amazing and wound through a series of deep canyons and gorges. However, shortly thereafter I started going up and up and up and up....you get the idea. The 'upping' part was okay until I hit snow - this was not good but managed to get through it okay. Then the 'downing' part started...in a downpour....in the midst of 10 miles of construction....in high winds....big big trucks....and lead footed non-tourists bent on chasing me!
It was actually quite scary and there were hairpin corners and switchbacks that indicated I should slow down to 20 mph. I complied happily. Of course the worst corners had no side rails and overlooked drops of 300 - 400 feet straight down. I was not impressed but I did make it. I thought I was in the clear until I hit 'extreme weather warnings' down on the flats west of Gillette, Wyoming - quarter sized hail was predicted and ntil I hit 'extreme weather warnings' down on the flats west of Gillette, Wyoming - quarter sized hail was predicted and this I heard just in time to get a flat tire right in the middle of it. Okay, I still remember all the horrid old movies I watched as a kid and they came flooding back to me with a vengence. I yanked stuff as quick as anything out of the back of the car and set to getting the flat changed hoping no one would stop. Focus Kelly focus lol.
Just when I was almost done of course a truck pulls up and I had the privilege of meeting one of Gillette's finest, Mr. Kasey O'Dell who kindly helped me change the tire and let me follow him into town to not one, but two tire stores. If you are reading this Kasey, you made my day and thank you again for your kind assistance. I am however, $214.00 lighter in the wallet but I have two brand new shiny tires on my front end. In reflection I am most grateful that this did not happen has I careened down that damned mountain. Somebody up there likes me!
Anyway, I am safe and sound and hanging out at the Flying J. Love this place. Feeling much better for having such a hectic day but still smiling and soon will be off to bed in my FFF (Ford Focus Fort). I am totally exhausted but did find time to fit in a shower and something to eat and took Finnigan for a short walk. We will both sleep better for you.
Until tomorrow, this is Kelly signing off.......
Distance: 397 kilometers
Next stops: Rapid City and Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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