Goodbye Colorado and hello Montana!
Great news - not all people on Craigslist's rideshare are total flakes! The previous times I've posted rideshares they have both flaked out last minute. This time, however, it all went smoothly and I picked up Forrest and his kayak in Fort Collins.
The town seems like cycling capital of Colorado. Even at the break of dawn I saw a ton of cyclists zooming past me on the back roads. Also, surprisingly good coffee shop called The Bean Cycle. French press, pour over, what ever your little coffee-snob heart desires. It was nice to check out the town, since CSU's ecology program is at the top of my list. But the mountains are kind of far away!
With the kayak securely attached to the roof of my car we were off towards Wyoming. As outdoorsy people we could not go past the Sierra Trading Post store in Cheyenne. I spent an hour being tempted by all kinds of gear and clothes, but in the end, my good sense prevailed and I was able to walk out of there empty-handed. Phew! What a challenge!
As we drove through beautiful Wyoming landscapes we talked about adventures, past and future, about American culture, our generation in particular and just life in general. Long drives go by so much faster when you are in good company.
From Sheridan, WY we decided to take the scenic route to Billings, over the Big Horn Mountains. Forrest has biked over them before, on his 6,000 mile cycling adventure and I've never even been close to this gorgeous range.
The pass was a steep ascent of many switchbacks, but unlike most other mountain passes that sort of feel like a roller-coaster where you get to the top point and immediately start going down, these mountains have a large plateau at the top. So once you climb up to about 9,000 ft in elevation you drive for 10-15 miles across the most beautiful meadows, snow-covered hills and lush forest. Having a cabin up there, deep in the woods would be amazing. Soon we began the steeper descent into the much drier valley on the other side. There is the Wyoming I know and love. Hello sage! I never thought I'd miss you.
Another 30 minutes of driving and we are in Montana! It still feels unreal to be back. Finally made it to Miranda's house. We spent the rest of the night catching up on life. Conservation Corps talk times a million. Great times!
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