Day 60 4th July in Lander, Wyoming

This is a massive day over here clebrating the day in 1776 that independence was gained from the British.

Consequently it was a carnival atmosphere in town with a parade of over 75 floats. Notmally alcohol cannot be drunk on the street but today the Police turn a blind eye.

Tonight there will be a huge firework display and as our campsite ovetlooks the town we will have the best seats. Unfortunately we will not be able to join in the revelry as we have another tough 74 mile ascent tomorrow in the direction of Yellowstone Park . . . Serious bear country ahead!

Day 59 Sweetwater to Lander

We couldn't get out of the campsite quick enough this morning. The mosquitos were so bad even at 5AM that we skipped breakfast and cycled straight through to Lander.

Only 40 miles and with an amazing 10 mile descent most of us were in camp by 10 30AM. As there were no services again on the route I cannot tell you the pleasure generated by the Mcdonalds sign just before we got to Lander. Junk food is an essential ingredient for long distance cycling.

Mcdonalds also has reliable wifi unlike the AT & T signal which has gone walkabout in this part of America.

We now have a rest day in Lander where we will be joining in the 4th July celebrations and watching a Rodeo before we begin our ascent to Yellowstone Park and the Tetons.

Miles Today  39
Total             2945

The Lander Rodeo

Last night we met up with Greg and Dara ( imagine a Baywatch Babe on roller skates ) who is over from California for a few days and we all went to the Rodeo and ate popcorn. We were treated to calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, indian bareback racing and I have to say it was a thorouvhly entertaining 8$ night out. With my limited knowledge of matters horse I could see that a considerable amount of skill was involved. There was also something for the children where all the under 10's chased 2 calfs around the rodeo field with the objective of removing a ribbon from the calf's tail.  They start them young here.

TBC