Lusk, Wyoming to Fort Robinson, Nebraska

We were without wi-fi for a couple of days so playing catch-up....

June 23, 2016

It was a quiet night in the campground last night. Bill was falling asleep on his feet so went to bed at 7:30. I followed about an hour later after working on pictures and the blog. We woke up at 6 and started the day once again. Bill left on his bicycle at 8:15 to meet with the Lusk Police Department, Fire Department, and the County Sheriff’s Office. After he left, I finished packing up and made a run through the grocery store in town. His first stop was the police department. There was no one there, so he went in and talked to the city clerk whose husband was a police officer. She gave him a call to come over and also called the local newspaper to do a story. While the police officer was on his way, Bill went over to the sheriff’s office where he met with Detention Lieutenant Gwen Riter  who was very impressed with what we were doing. She exchanged patches with Bill 

and he got a photo.

He went over to the fire department and found out it was all volunteer so no one was there. They did have a really tough looking truck though.

The reporter called Bill and drove to the fire department to meet with him. He also called the police to meet both of them at the firehouse. When the police arrived they had Bill tell our story and they shot a picture with the bicycle in front of the town hall. (the Chief is on the right)

Bill offered to exchange patches with the Chief and he ran back to his office to get one for us. Bill talked to three officers there and was impressed with what good men they were. The Chief came back with the patch and the exchange was made.

They talked a little more and Bill waved good bye and was on the road again. So far, almost every officer we talk to says that no one says thank-you anymore. He had done just under 20 miles when I caught up to him. Since there was nowhere to pull over, I just stopped and put on my flashers so he could refill his water. Good thing the road is really quiet. Lots of rolling hills today with prairie as far as you can see on all sides. As soon as I crossed into Nebraska, the road improved quite a bit with wide breakdown lanes and smoother pavement. I reached Harrison, Nebraska after 12 miles and there was a pull off there. Looks like Bill might just have some tailwinds today (no tail winds after all) He’s still climbing hills today. He’ll be glad to see I’m parked in a spot just after some downhill. I think we’ll be lunching on the side of the road here in Harrison. When Bill arrived, he bicycled up a couple of streets and found a small park. It was out of the wind and off the side of the highway so we enjoyed a couple of sandwiches. When he went through Van Tassell, he told me how it was the home of the very first American Legion and had a few pictures to show me.

Too soon it was time for him to saddle up again. The temperature is up to 92 degrees now so I extended the awning to keep the sun out. There’s a warm breeze coming in but it’s probably in the 80’s in the little beach house on wheels….whew! Just before Fort Robinson, Nebraska there was a long downhill so I called Bill to let him know there was some relief from all the hills he’s had to climb today. I parked in a small parking lot near the entrance of the state park. Lots of history and conflict here. I’ll attach a link so you can go read about if you would like.  When Bill arrived, he had over 50 miles and the temperature had risen to 98 degrees so we decided to call it a day. There was a campground right here in the state park so we found a spot, registered, and started up the AC! Bacon and eggs for supper! Yum!  See you tomorrow!