day 62, Muddy Gap to Lander, WY 82 MILES! (2830 total)

A new distance record for us-The wind gods were good to us today! We awoke to cool temps (50's) and , cloudless skies and not even a whisper of a breeze! We hit the road without delay, knowing that the typical westerlies could start any minute.

to be continued after we get out of the hot tub!

Hot tub SOOTHED those fatigued muscles! Very nice.

Back to our story. Not only did the headwinds never materialize, but we were actually treated to a slight tailwind the last 15 miles into Lander.

Today we rode along the Sweetwater River,whose Valley encompasses some wagon wheel ruts of the Oregon, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails. Our progress was slowed as I rarely pass up a historical marker sign and one of the benefits of traveling by bicycle is going slow enough to safely pull off to read them! Needless to say there were many, including one at Split Rock, a navigational landmark visible for miles aiding the pioneers on their journey.

Also visible on the horizon was the Wind River Range, and some of Wyoming's red rock country.

Halfway into a glorious 5 mile downhill, we met Emma and Patrick, a young, rookie tandem couple on their maiden voyage, starting in Portland, OR, They were doing great, but we managed to give them a few tips.

One last note, our first flat on our front tire (fourth overall) today, still traveling on the original front tire and tube after almost 3000 miles of loaded touring. We highly recommend Schwalbe Marathons!