Day 17 (Weds, July 6) Dubois to Riverton (with Flood Detour)

There is an old saying that 80% of the things we worry about never happen, 15% when they happen one can easily handle, and 5% we can do nothing about.   Today was a five percenter.   The road was flooded downstream and the DOT helped us with a detour that added 20 miles and 3 major climbs.  All of us moaned and groaned about the additional distance, yet there was little we could do.

As it turned out, this detour was a beautiful addition to the ride along the Wind River and the Wind River Indian Reservation with some of the prettiest country we've seen yet.  You'll see in the pics below:


Our early morning start along the swollen Wind River


The Wind River continues rushing downhill where it becomes the Bighorn River in Montana


Barry checking the road ahead.   It is so quiet when you stop.   You can hear the birds, the water rushing, the wind.  Only a few passing cars.  The speed bumps (on the right of the white line)  will definitely keep you awake if you hit them at 30 mph.


We are now on the Wind River Indian Reservation.   See the painted canyon we are approaching


High desert scenery in the Wind River Valley.  Here is some of the great desert scenery just east of the Divide....sagebrush, canyon, Wind River mountains in the distance.   The Shoshone and Arapaho loved the Wind River Range, called it their sacred Absaroka (paradise).


Snow Covered Peaks to the West of the Wind River


Jim and Barry slowing up for pic


Horses grazing in the grasslands, young colts testing their legs


The Great Pyramid of Wyoming.   I was looking for a spot for nearly an hour to photograph this butte.   What a landmark.

Barry and Mike east of the Divide

Stopping at our first SAG Stop (Barry and Blythe).  Most people think a SAG stop is a place to stop when you are sagging, which is often the case for me.   Actually SAG stands for Support and Gear.   Here is Barry and Blythe (Susan Blythe Herrold).   Susan is a Navy CAPTAIN in the medical corps who is on terminal leave and wrapping up her career in the Navy with a bike trip across the country.   You go Blythe!


Summer School on the Wind River Reservation.  The government originally place both Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes (longstanding enemies) on the Wind River reservation.   Today these animosities have diminished.   The reservation is nearly 1,000 square miles of beautiful land, truly a national treasure.


Here are several happy Indian ponies on the Reservation


Horses are like people.   They like to be together....hows this shot?


The painted desert (in the distance.   Every color of the rainbow found here and later in the Indian Pottery


The Wind River Indian Casino (I went inside to cool off in the air conditioning).

Leslie, Ed, and Doyle having some fun!

Mike on the Wind River Indian Reservation!

The Wind River at flood stage


The Wind River approaching Riverton and the end of our ride.

Our ride to Riverton wound up being 96 miles after the added detour thru the Wind River Reservation.   It was beautiful country.   We stayed overnight in a Comfort Inn.   Everyone went to bed early in preparation for Thursday's 120 mile ride to Casper.   I am excited as Judi, son Mike and Veronica will join me for our day off in Casper.   Yippee!

More later,

Love to All,

ME