Sorry, this is a Long post with too many pictures, today!

A beautiful, sunny 64° this morning with no wind.  It was a wonderful start to the day as we biked away from our little town and out into the country.  The flat frontage road this morning was elevated from the railroad, so views abound.  After seven miles, we crossed the interstate to pick up our course on the other side. Though scenic, it was much hillier than our other frontage road and turned to dirt two miles out.  We had to decide to continue on dirt or turn back and ride the interstate.  Not knowing if the flat packed road would deteriorate, we backtracked.  The six mile stretch on the highway was quieter than some of the roads we’d already traveled and the wide shoulder made it comfortable (safe).

We pedaled through the historic town of Sheridan; with plenty places for the tourist to shop and the cowboy to wet his whistle.  We spent far too much time in this cute town, but did manage to gather food supplies for the next day’s ride and grab an early lunch.  When we finally pulled out of town it was really beginning to warm up and there was a breeze coming out of the southeast.  This is when the climbing began, too!  We snaked and climbed, climbed and snaked our way around the hills in the stupendously beautiful valley.With all the climbing, it didn’t “seem” like a valley to us, but that is what the locals call it.  Wildlife abound, can you spot the two deer?Here’s a hint.The snow capped Big Horn Mountains were majestic on the western horizon.   By 1:00 it was 100° in the full sun; we relished the breeze in our face, just for it’s cooling effect and tried to distract ourselves with the lush landscape.  We could have used some of this horse power as we slowly climbed to 4800 feet.  After 18 miles, we were blessed with a cooling albeit short downhill then a flat ride along the Tongue River to our stop – the only place to stay in a over 100 miles.  And what a treat after our hard fought 50 mile day.  The Ranch at Ucross is a beautiful cowboy oasis with the purr-fect hostess! Meet Evil or as LynnBug would say, E-Val.

We tied up our steeds up to our cabin for the night and relaxed like cowboys after a hard day’s work.  When the dinner bell rang (literally), we were ready.  Well fed(Trout Almondine and London Broil) and with proper nightcap, we retired for a long night’s sleep….tomorrow will be a day off!