Dry, Warm in the Great Basin

I just walked into Rawlins, Wyoming, where I am staying at the 1st Choice Inn.  The last day and a half has had abundant sunshine, and it's been arid and dry.  However, the first three days through the Red Desert were mild, and afternoon thunder showers frequently chased me.  I survived it all.

The group I am hiking with managed 30-miles a day through the desert.  I have read that one is to "hike 30's and get the desert over with,"  but I have to say that I was very impressed with the abundant wildlife in the Great Basin of Wyoming.  Coyotes, wild horses, antelope, horned lizards, and a badger were among the many animals I saw roaming the desert.  I saw a lot of cows roaming the desert too, fouling water sources that are unfortunately not protected by fencing.  The BLM has erected fences around some very important springs, but one day I had to drink some nasty cow-ass water over a twenty mile stretch.  Despite treating the water with Aqua Mira and flavoring it with Crystal Light, I gagged down the water and stayed hydrated - miraculously.

A couple highlights from the stretch: Visiting South Pass City, which is an old mining camp town that Butch Cassidy used to frequent.  I was amazed to know that in this small mining town, there were three saloons for cards and drinking.  I guess there was not much to do in Wyoming back in the late 1800's.  The other highlight was a drive-by visit from a guy named Bob, who shared cold PBRs with the group, and who claimed he had lost a half a million dollars worth of guns, ammo, and fireworks confiscated by the feds who raided his ranch a few years ago.  Apparently, he spent time in Leavenworth until 1971, and he has not been able to catch a break from the law since that time.  Hmmmmm...

I am leaving Rawlins tomorrow, and my next stop will be in Encampment, Wyoming for a quick resupply (I have been told that Encampment is not the place to spend time).  After that, I will continue my hike into Colorado, and I think I will cross the border on the 31st or 1st of September.  I will take my next zero day in Steamboat Springs.  Wow!  I cannot believe that I am almost in Colorado.  Hike on!