Maya “The Polite Bandit”
Wyoming is the start of cowboy country! We spent much of today in the Thunder Basin National Grassland, which is found along the ecotone, or transition zone, between the Great Plains to the east and the sagebrush steppe to the west. The northeastern BSNF railway (The Burlington Route) followed us nearly all the way to Gillette— or rather, we followed it. It was hot and kind of monotonous, but we got trains to choo-choo at us and saw pronghorn antelope!
Trying to get a train to choo-choo at us
We had amazing tailwinds today! The wind pushed us at up to 21 mph and we did the first 50 miles in 2.5 hours (the first 30 miles in an hour and 15!) Then things went a little sideways (literally, crosswinds) and we were back to normal speeds, and even got some headwinds. But that first part of the day— whew! Super fun!
Bang took this great photo
We got to Gillette super early for a 79 mile ride— the first group arrived just after noon! And by now you might know that after showers, we just ran errands in our free time. Ah, exciting! Our amazing hosts gave us lunch, dinner, and laundry! Woohoo! Today has been awesome. I even had time to make a movie with Maya, Rahul, Gibby, and Willard. So long, partner!
— Marielle
Aadi, Bang, and Sofie next to BNSF engines
Devil’s Tower in the distance! About 10 miles north of us at this moment
Whyyyyyy oh whyyyy oh wyoming
Wild West Willard found a license plate
Next to the railroad
Ready to roll out from a bathroom break
Marielle The Merciless, Ramblin’ Ra Ra, Gunslingin’ Gibby, Wild West Willy, and Maya “The Polite” Bandit
Tension in the air…
DRAW!
This town’s too small for the both of them
The Volvo, the trusty steed