Wilson Price Hunt Trail (‘Astorians’) 1811 — 1812

Day 35: September 16th, 2006 Evanston — North Platte

Because I drove yesterday more than 100 miles less, I must hurry up today and get up earlier. Yesterday evening, my server recommended the Bear River Cafe for breakfast. But on my drive back yesterday from the restaurant, I have only seen a Bear Town Restaurant in the area. Therefore I ask for the cafe during checking out and they give me the same description, which fits to the Bear Town Restaurant. So I give this one a try.

First of all, it is time to free up my windshield, because it has snowed on during the night. But the roads still look quite good for all that. Hopefully the mountain passes are also free of snow. Anyways, first I have an excellent breakfast with a perfect service. The restaurant looks pretty rustic and comfy. I have almost the impression, that only locals are around here for breakfast. There are also a bunch of cowboys, who are on their way west with their cattle truck. There are also steaks for reasonable prices on the menu. If I should be here in town again, I will definitely try this restaurant for dinner.

88 S10 Blazer, Evanston, WY

BUS189/Bear River Dr, Evanston, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

I pay and walk to my car. It has snowed on a little bit. But it was not more than can be handled by my wipers. At the moment it has stopped snowing, which raises hopes for me. I drive over to the gas station and around a quarter to nine I am on the road. The traffic signs are all covered by snow and there is also snow on the grass. But the roads are only wet.

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Also when I catch up with the bad weather, there is only snow, rain and snow and sleet. But nothing sticks on the roads. It is only wet.

Interstate 80, Continental Divide, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

The temperatures in the morning were around 25 degrees. And nothing changes as long as I am still in the mountains.

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

There is a message coming via my CB radio which confirms I made the right choice in taking the southern route: There was one foot of snow in the north! This could have been ending up very unpleasant for me!

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

But around here it is okay, even when I must sometimes cancel my cruise control and drive slower due to the bad weather. Suddenly the sun comes out and there are only a few clouds left in the sky. But in my rearview mirror I can still see this threatening wall of dark clouds, which I just have passed.

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

Slowly also the temperature starts to raise. In Laramie the temperature already shows 65 degrees. This is where I will have a stopover at the gas station and the restroom. But it is extremely stormy. Therefore it feels much colder.

Interstate 80, WY

Interstate 80, WY

The rest of my drive is now without any issues.

Interstate 80, State Line WY and NE

Interstate 80, NE

Interstate 80, NE

The weather is still mixed, but dry. Without problems I cross the state line to Nebraska.

Interstate 80, NE

Interstate 80, NE

Therefore I arrive pretty fast in North Platte, Nebraska. Now I am back in my original schedule. Around half past seven I check in and check the video taping of today.

Last time around here I had dinner at an Applebee’s, which is pretty close to my motel. Also today I have my dinner there. Because I am extremely hungry after this 600 miles ride, I order the Crispy Chicken Bowl, which is still on the menu. And it is still a huge amount of food, so much, that I am not able to eat all. Around 10pm I pay and drive back to my motel. There I fall dog–tired into my bed — no wonder after that long day…