Robert Stuart Trail 1812 — 1813

Day 29: September 9th, 2007 Casper — Wheatland

The weather has changed today. It is cloudy and slightly raining. I have breakfast at a JB’s. The breakfast is really okay, only the bacon is very small. I pay and drive over to the next gas station.

Highway 220, N Poplar St, Casper, WY

Just past ten I am driving on Highway 20 in eastern direction. It has cooled down pretty much and I am glad to have my sweater when being outside.

Highway 20/26/87/Old Glenrock Hwy, WY

CR27/Tank Farm Rd, WY

CR27/Tank Farm Rd, WY

Cattle, CR27/Tank Farm Rd, WY

When I am finally entering the backroads, the rain stops at least.

Highway 93, WY

Due to private property I am not able to drive all of my planned road.

At Douglas I get lost when trying to find the Irvine Road along the North Platte River. But finally I am able to discover the correct exit from the main road.

Then I continue on Highway 319.

Highway 319, WY

Highway 319, WY

Backroad, WY

Horses, Backroad, WY

For a short distance I am able to follow my planned backroad. But then this road also comes to an end.

Highway 319/Frontage Rd, WY

Cottonwood Rd, WY

Therefore I must turn around once again and reach the road along the North Platte River via a different road. Also here, everything is private property. But you are allowed to drive there.

At one point also this road comes to an end and I am continuing on Highway 26/319.

Highway 26, Guernsey, WY

On Highway 26 I cross the North Platte River and drive through Guernsey, Wyoming.

Oregon Trail Ruts/Guernsey Ruts, WY

Oregon Trail Ruts, Historical Marker, WY

Oregon Trail Ruts, WY

Oregon Trail Ruts Sign, WY

Finally I arrive at the Oregon Trail Ruts. These are hard granite rocks where the settler treks have carved three feet deep ruts in. This is really impressive. Unfortunately it is pretty chilly and the wind blows uncomfortable. Therefore I rush to get back into my car.

S Guernsey Rd, WY

Register Cliff, WY

Register Cliff, WY

Register Cliff Historical Marker, WY

Then I continue to Register Cliff. This is again a rock, where the settlers of the first treks have carved their names in. There you can hike half around the rock and that is it. Also a small cave is here, which has been blast into the rock by the previous owners. They used it then as a “refrigerator”.

Register Cliff Sign, WY

I again take some pictures from a bit farther away to capture the whole area. When I am walking back to my car I start to wonder why it is so dark at my right rear brake drum. When looking closer I realize, that some fluid is dropping out. First I assume it is brake fluid. But then I discover that it is gear oil! It seems like my right rear axle seal is gone — and this after just a couple of thousand miles!

Highway 26, WY

Highway 26, WY

Because I don’t know how much oil I have already lost, I hurry up to get to Wheatland, where I planned to stay for the night. Unfortunately, this is a very small village. Let’s see, if there is anyone around who can help me out! But I still have hope!

Already at a quarter to four I check in at the Motel 6. The employee recommends to go to Wheatco at the north end of the city. I say thank you and put my stuff into the room. For dinner she recommends the restaurant next door, the Dusty Boots Vimbo’s. Perfect, this saves me from driving!

Because I have plenty of time now, I check all of my video taping. Then I walk over for dinner. From the outside this restaurant does not look much. But the inside shows dignified atmosphere — with the according prices! But the dinner is fantastic and the service is exceptional!

Around eight I pay and walk back. The motel is really fancy for a Motel 6. I just enter my new GPS data, write my diary and do my bookkeeping and listen to my new CDs before I go to bed. Hopefully it will work out with the mechanic tomorrow…