Before talking about today, we want to go back to Kirwin and talk about their siren. After settling in on Friday, we were surprised by the loud blowing of a siren at 7 PM. We figured it was likely a test of their tornado warning siren as this is tornado alley. So the next morning, we were trying to be very quiet as we were breaking camp before 7 AM. There was another RV next to us. All of a sudden at 7AM, the siren blew again--so much for quiet!
Today was travel across Wyoming on I80 from Cheyenne at exit 359 to Evanston at exit 6. We had forgotten from our trip through this area in 2008 how hilly and windy it is. Gypsy warned us of strong lateral winds as did roadside signs. They use something called variable speed postings which we surmised was in response to wind velocity as well as precipitation. Posted speed most of the time is 75 mph. David got the brunt of difficult driving as we climbed from Cheyenne's 6060 ft to >8000 ft near Laramie and remained above 6000 ft for the whole trip. Couple climbing, with wind, and again truckers who go the speed limit and you get very tired. Then just before planned rest stops we get a "closed" sign. Wyoming compensates for having few full rest stops by providing pull outs without any relief facilities where truckers and RVers may stop.
Atop several high ridges are massive wind turbine farms. We mused about how much energy these turbines are generating. Also atop many of these ridges are staggered snow fences along the south side of the road. We crossed the Continental Divide several times, too. Interestingly after the Divide the prevailing winds must be from the north because the snow fences were on the north side of the road. (We are not sure if that's a non sequitur!!)
As we passed the town of Sinclair, there was a very large refinery. The sign along the road stated it is the most modern refinery of the West, whatever that means.
When we left Cheyenne this morning it was 54 degrees. Here in Evanston it was 57 when we arrived. The forecast says 37!!!! tonight. Gonna keep the heat on that's for sure!
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| This cottontail rabbit kept us company at the Warren FAMCAMP. We think he's a guard rabbit. | | |
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| Pronghorn deer roam freely on Warren AFB, but there are many fewer than during our visit in 2008. |
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| Hundreds of wind turbines were busily spinning along the I 80 corridor. |
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| Sinclair Petroleum Refinery--"most modern in the West" |
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| We crossed the Continental Divide several times. |
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| We don't know what these blooming bushes are, but they create a beautiful roadside shrub. |
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