Back in Casper

It was an amazingly good trip to Casper. The travel angels must have been smiling, as the potential was for a difficult trip.

Dale took me to the Des Moines airport this morning. The window for the transfer in Salt Lake City was 30 minutes, tight to say the least. After sitting on the runway for 30 minutes in Salt Lake after landing, I was sure that I'd be on the "next" flight to Casper, and not exactly sure when that would be. With five minutes to get from gate 17 to gate 84 things weren't looking good, but off we went to walk right through the gate and onto the Casper plane! Made it!

We can only hope the biking goes as smoothly.

I was reminded several times today why I do this.

The woman next to me on the Salt Lake City to Casper flight was a rancher in the Glenrock area. She and her family ranch 50,000 acres, have 800 head of angus cattle and raise working horses. It was interesting to hear that the closest town for them is 40 miles away. I guess you don't run to town for pizza when you don't want to cook! I was as interested in hearing about what she does as she was to hear about what I was up to. It was enjoyable conversation.

The shuttle driver and I then had a nice visit on the way to the hotel. She had actually dropped me off at the airport last year, which she remembered. She has evidentally been employed by the hotel for a number of years and seems to really enjoy this particular day. She is responsible for taking the bikers anywhere in town they wish to go. She's very accomodating, really appreciated by the group.

The best one, though, was checking in at the hotel. When I provided my address the manager says, "I have family in Holland and Grundy Center!" She actually is a Van Deest (Grandma Meester's maiden name/family). No kidding!

Weather today is in the high 80's, a bit windy and partly cloudy. Tomorrow looks to be similar, a bit cooler than last year at this time when it was near 100.

My bike was here when I arrived. It's now assembled and ready to take to the road tomorrow morning. I've seen two riders that I've been on rides with before. We'll load at 6 tomorrow and will have breakfast following that.

Will try to post tomorrow night from Lusk

~Lisa