Today my luck changed. What started as a modest tailwind changed to a headwind. There were no service areas along this route but at Sweetwater, which is either a rest stop, or a museum for the 6th Mormon wagon train to the Great Salt Lake I met some of nicest people at the rest stop. One guy and in his teenage son from the Rio Grande area of Texas were very curious what I was doing, why I was doing, how far I traveled each day, where did I start, and where was I going. When he asked how old I was he was even more amazed. After we finished chatting I sat at a picnic bench for a few pieces of beef jerky. This same guy comes up and gives me a pear, a peach, a nectarine and a bag of peanuts for no reason, other than he had a kind soul. It always amazes me with the kindness people show and I wish it happened more. Needless to say my lunch was replaced with all 4 fruits and the nuts and where exactly what I needed on another hot day. Even the chipmunks liked the nuts that slipped through my fingers.
After Sweetwater, and how sweet it was, it was onto Jeffrey City, population 39. My plan was to spend the night here at a no longer used church which has become a hostel of sorts for bicyclists only. First I needed to figure out where it was and how to get inside. My maps said to inquire at the cafe, but there was no sign for a cafe, just some poorly lite Budweiser and Miller Lite signs in the windows. The bar was the cafe. In there Billy the bartender provided me with the location and how to get inside. After arriving at the hostel, picking my room and getting cleaned up. Yes there were showers and a kitchen it was back to the bar/cafe for a hamburger steak. Billy the bartender kept the Budweiser flowing. It was colder than the water and the price was right so why not. I spent the evening in the abandoned church and pretty much had it to myself until another cyclist, Jeremy, arrived at 8:30.
What was really cool about this building is for the past 6 years people write on the walls their names and where they are going. It is pretty amazing to see and read. Maybe if I come back my name will still be there.
Today’s stats: total mileage 60.63; average speed 11.9 mph; max speed 30.0 mph; elevation gain 2392 feet; total descent 1460 feet.