Will weed for a room

DAY 41
Lander, WY to Dubois, WY

The Wind River Mountain range dominates the Western horizon. We have been paralleling these majestic mountains for the past day and a half. As we travel along the valley floor, foothills partially obstruct our view. Every now and then, a jagged snow capped peak towers above. To the East of us lies a completely different landscape. Colorful badlands are scattered amongst the dry Wyoming terrain. Crumbling layered rock alternates between red, pink, grey, purple, white, and on occasion blue. The Wind River tirelessly carves at the land guiding our way north. We follow it as it meanders up valley.

Fort Washakie

The mood of the day is glum. We had exhausted most of our energy and reserves the day before on the marathon 130 miles into Lander. The meager 76 miles today into Dubois shouldn't be this demanding. But it is... Equally because we're tired and because the whole day is spent steadily gaining elevation. No significant elevation or climbs, but just enough to slow us down. And the constant headwind isn't helping either.

Arriving in Dubois, our fall back plan is to stay at the local KOA. Free camping is better. Free indoor accommodation is best. An older lady kneels over a flower garden at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Her feisty response to our inquiry as to whether the church hosts cyclists is that each of us has to weed a 5 square foot patch of garden. She smiles and directs us to Mary Ellen, the church director. Mary Ellen and her rambunctious (overly hyper, quite annoying) dog show us our sleeping quarters for the night. Even though they're not listed on our maps, the St. Thomas Episcopal Church has been hosting cyclists for over 30 years. Thank you for the roof over our head, the fresh fruit, the kitchen to cook in, and your kindness!

Stats:
Miles: 76.45
Average speed: 10.6 mph
Max speed: 28.8 mph
Odometer: 2928 miles