Lander --> DuBois

In the middle of the night a giant storm moved in, lightening, thunder, rain and wind.  The sirens went off in the middle of the night too, which was a bit of a concern as we were not sure if it was for a tornado or what.  Luckily it was an alarm for the volunteer fire fighters. 

Getting all my gear packed and then eating a quick breakfast in the lobby I headed out.  The temp was still pretty cold and I was well bundled up for the first couple of hours.  I got into a small town called Fort Washakie, named after a famous Native America chief of the Wind River tribe (I think).  Being on a Indian Reservation is a different world, I stopped at the fuel station for a coffee and got to chatting with the guy working behind the counter, who ironically was a Crow Indian (the Crow and Wind were enemies through most of history) and he gave me his perspective on the government and how Indians are treated.  It was one of the best conversations about history and perspective I have had all trip.

Leaving the station I headed on to the town of Crowheart, travelling through some really pretty territory.

Arriving at Crowheart I again got some coffee (which was REALLY old) and then headed out on the road.  I was quickly approaching the "Red Desert" which was hoping would be as cool as everyone had said it would be.  It was. 

After turning the corner in the above photo the wind started, and didn't stop until I got into DuBois.  The rest of the ride to DuBois was pretty slow and tiring, finally getting into town I rolled into the KOA and found Robin at the site.  I set up my tent and got settled in for the firework show in the evening.  Happy Fourth!