Day 43: Gillette, WY to Pine Haven, WY

July 11, 2023

43 miles

1,510 miles so far

The next several days will take us into the Black Hills of eastern Wyoming and South Dakota. After yesterday, we decided to break down the next leg into two days rather than face another 70 mile day and rode to Pine Haven, population 329. It took us about six weeks miles off trail but it was worth it!

Today’s route was not very scenic. We followed the trains hauling mostly coal East out of Gillette. I’ve never seen so many trains, especially engines, in one place. I later learned that coal shipments have been significantly curtailed due to environmental concerns which is why so many train engines sit idle in Gillette. We passed through a town called Moorcroft and stopped for lunch at Donna’s Diner. I exerted more energy over lunch than I had hoped..swatting flys with a fly swatter that was conveniently left close by. My “kill ratio” was improving by the time we got our kiddie sized soft serve ice cream!

Most of our ride today followed highway 51 which is an older, low traffic two lane highway which took us to Moorcroft where we turned north onto old highway 14. We then detoured East to Pine Haven, a small community that sits beside the Keyhole Reservoir. Sharon had found us a nice little cabin with a shower and AC at the Empire Lodge which is owned by Chip, a young, retired veteran. We then had dinner at The R Place Bar and Grill where they still allow indoor smoking. Enough said, as we’re not smokers. As we were getting ready to leave, our waitress told us to be careful, since the forecast was calling for golf ball sized hail..and the clouds were looking a little green. We raced back to the cabin..uphill. We could see some lightning in the distance, but that was all.

Today's Route