August 4, 2015

Every day I meet someone who has an amazing story. I hope I can tell them all in detail eventually.

Colin Leath is bicycling from Atlanta to San Diego, about 3,000 miles with his route, a feat that I suppose has been accomplished by a number of people. But most would have a high-price, high-tech bicycle. Colin got his for about $20, put on some new tires and a chain and was about mid-journey when we encountered him at a rest stop. Look at the "shoes" he wears, made from cutting out soles of old shoes and rope! He carries a small tarp to shelter him from storms. Colin kindly let me interview him, so there will be more about him later.

It is so hard to keep driving when going through scenery like this near DuBois Wyoming.

Bob and Kitty Willis are just two of thousands of people who volunteer for historical societies and museums around the country. The Willis are posing in front of an old doctor's buggy in Upton, Wyoming that is part of a large collection of wagons, sleds and buggies from the 1800s and early 1900s. Every month they help with a buffalo burger feast, served out of one of the wagons to help fund the collection of buildings and other antiques at Old Town, just outside of Upton. So many people have shown me their dedication to preserving history I hope to write a chapter about just that.

So far, the highlight of my trip--a horseback ride into the mountains at the CM Ranch in Wyoming. I will write more about the rich history of this ranch later. My trail guide is Bryce Street on Dex and yes, that's me on a horse named Fudge (and he was as sweet as his name)!