Day 49: Rawlins, WY to Jeffrey City, WY (69.7 miles)
After a peaceful night at the RV park, we headed out at 6:45am. The first crossing of the Continental Divide occurred at Mile 12. Continuing on 297/789 we passed through Lamont before passing the Divide again. At Muddy Gap, we stopped to eat lunch. The road turned west and we lost the tailwind.
Heading toward Jeffrey City, tonight’s destination, the headwinds became strong. I stopped at Split Rocks Monument Park, and climbed the rock formations. (They reminded me of Mohonk in New York)
Jeffrey City has an interesting past. It used to be a bustling uranium mining town, but went bust when the Three Mile Island nuclear accident occurred. It is now sparsely populated, but buildings still remain. We are staying at a “cyclists only” facility called the Jeffrey City Community Church, which you get to via a dirt road on the edge of town. Based on the many writings on the walls, many ACA riders have stayed here. It’s a funky place.
Image above: Crossing the Continental Divide near Rawlins
RV camping - Wyoming style
Landscape near Lamont
Snow fences by the Divide
Scenery near Muddy Gap
Split Rock Monument Park
Split Rock Monument Park
Split Rock, an easily recognized landmark from the days of the Pony Express
Jeffrey City Community Church - open to bicyclists only
Landscape near Jeffrey City
