Whew, what a day. I had a plan A, and then I switched to plan B, and it just shows that I should stick with plan A. My morning started with a really pretty drive along Bear Lake in SE Idaho. Large and luxurious vacation homes line the lake for miles, and more middle class digs are in clusters away from the water. There were the usual signs of a summer vacation spot- family games, ice cream stand, rental boats. It wasn’t until I reached the south end of the lake that there was public access to the water. The lake is gorgeous, a stunning shade of blue.

I hope you don’t get motion sick but this was fun! US 30 south of Bear Lake, Idaho.

Montpelier, Idaho is still coasting on that Butch Cassidy thing. Jk,it’s actually a booming little crossroads that’s the hub of a string of 3000 people towns.

I always enjoy passing through little towns, especially the ones that were clearly thriving a hundred years ago when their optimistic main street was built. Most of the small towns are shabby now. There aren’t many jobs around, so people make do, and there are no grand new construction projects.

My plan was to enjoy some time off freeway, stop along the way, and find a place to camp at Flaming Gorge in Utah. I knew that I80 ahead would be crossing the Continental Divide, and the drive was long enough that I’d be tired by the time I reached the high part. I would save that for the next day when I could get an earlier start.

The drive to get to Green River, WY was nice, and so relaxing to not be barreling along with semi trucks. But when I reached Green River it was cold and so windy, and I learned that only two campgrounds are open for the season at Flaming Gorge. I decided that was not meant to be, and since it was only noon, I mapped my way to Laramie, saw it was only 3 more hours, and decided what the heck, I think I still have some driving in me.

Well, plan A was definitely a smart plan, and I should have worked with it. It was so windy, dark clouds, and rain. Lots of semi trucks. And the elevation really got to me, since I live near sea level; my head felt like it was in a vise and I was really nauseous. When I reached Laramie it was cold with blasting wind and rain, and I decided I was getting out of this hell called Wyoming lol. Cheyenne was only 45 minutes further, and I knew the elevation was lower. What I didn’t realize was there was one more pass to cross to get there. That’s when I hit blowing snow.

Yep that’s snow. To go with the wind cold and rain. And more wind. Ready to be done with Wyoming.

I reached Cheyenne completely whipped and shaking from exhaustion and whatever altitude thing I had going on. I started googling hotels (WAY too cold to camp and none would be open for the season anyway), and one after another was full. I finally found a room, but as I tried to book it it disappeared and said none available. Then I spotted a room at a Springhill Suites, but the site kept kicking me out when I tried to book, so I drove over to book in person and I got the last room! I think I would have paid any price lol, but glad I didn’t have to.

I have gained an appreciation for truck stops on this trip. They have whatever you need (burger, bathroom, and phone cord for the win), and there is no slant eyed look about using the restroom, that’s what it’s for. And so far they have all been really clean.

I’m chilling and planning the rest of my route. I’m roughly 9 hours from Topeka, but that’s a little far for me in a day so it will be two days. The question is – do I stay off the interstate and add a couple of hours, or do I just set my cruise control and blow through the miles? I’ll decide in the morning.