Day 8; CDT 6: Atlantic City, WY to Steamboat Springs, CO

Last night we camped in a BLM Campground in Atlantic City and paid $6.00 for the night. The campground exceeded all expectations and was a very nice place to stay.

We were on the bikes by 7:15 AM with our first stop at Rawlins, WY, over 130 miles southeast. To arrive at Rawlins, we had to drive across the Great Divide Basin in Southern Wyoming. The Great Basin is a high desert dominated by sand dunes, bluffs and alkali flats. Not much grows here, except small shrubs and low ground cover. Animals we saw in the Basin included pronghorn, mule deer, rabbits, and feral horses.

The contrast between the Great Basin of Wyoming and the lush forests of Northern Colorado was stunning. Once we neared the border of Wyoming and Colorado, the landscape suddenly turned to rolling hills of Pine and Aspen trees, swift running streams, and lots of greenery. The dirt roads of Colorado were noticeably better as well. As we entered Colorado, the skies got dark and we experienced a light and short rain. Tonight, a large thunder storm is brewing as I wright.

We rode 270 "fast" miles today, hit a max elevation of 8,549 feet and arrived in camp at 3:30 PM.

Highlights of the day included: Seeing and following several herds of Pronghorn, seeing wild horses, experiencing the vast yet desolate Great Basin, seeing cows and sheep on the road, walking the town of Steamboat Springs.

Tomorrow, Paul Miller leaves for the Denver airport to return home. I have not written much about Paul, but he is a retired Fireman who has been with us from the start of the trip. Paul is a great guy and has been a HUGE help to our adventure. Paul has been moving the truck and trailer each day, getting gas, shopping, setting up camp, and cooking for us. Our adventure would certainly not be the same without him and would certainly be a lot harder. On behalf of Bill, Lance and myself; we thank you, Paul, and will miss your companionship and your help.

We will remain in Steamboat Springs another day for R&R, to take Paul to the airport, and to welcome Dennis (Bill's dad) to our adventure. Dennis will be with us until the end of the trip.

Here are some pictures from our trip: