07.20.2023 - casper

casper is the 2nd largest city in wyoming, pop. 57,500.  (cheyanne has 65k and larramie has 32k.  almost no one lives in wyoming!)  it's located on the north platte river and under the shadow of casper mountain.  there is no university here, but there is a community college.  the interstate and a couple of highways weave around and across the north edge, but there are several blocks of a downtown and attempts at redevelopment in the downtown.

i spent some time in one of 4 downtown coffee shops.  chai was different and good.  can't emember the name though.  only issue was they played '80's disco pop most of the time.

tonight, there's free music downtown, so i guess i'll check it out.  and three breweries conveniently located.  my host, alan,  will be busy doing his own music with a band at an assisted living facility.

there's about a 4 x 4 block area that makes up the downtown with stores and restaurants, 4 coffee shops.  on one edge their is a redevelopment of an entire block, centered around a public park/performance area, renovated office building with brewery and brand new, modern townhouses.  casper is a cowboy town built around oil derricks, but it's got a funky little edge to it.

i don't know what's getting into me. walked downtown town, less than a mile, listened to the sound check, scoped out the crowd, caught the intro song from the intro act, and headed over to bull horn brewery.  they had music playing, too.  young, local female doing odd mix of oldies, including wwii medley. nice voice, decent guitar, but lacked depth and energy.  tasted the n.e. ipa and the porter, like the music they lacked soul.  opted for the american pale ale.  better.  had the one pint and decided to move on, perhaps spurred on by the mellow sounds of rocky top eminating from the stage.  walked back to the outdoor music, listened to one song, passed by the black tooth brewery without hesitating and came back to the house.

it's a rest day but also a planning day.  130 miles to nebraska + 530 miles across nebraska = 700 miles to omaha. approximately 10 days riding.

douglas is 65 mi staying off the interstate

douglas to harrison another 90 mi

warmshower in chadron, 60 mi from harrison.  i got a confirmation on the ws.  it will be tenting in the backyard, but that's okay.  assuming mosquitos are mild.  shower, laundry, maybe a meal.

i've been looking forward to nebraska ever since i pulled wilma cather down off the shelf and read her pioneer novels.  she painted such wonderful pictures.  the settlements will start getting closer together, amenities easier to find and most towns let you camp in their city park.  warmshowers are few and far between, but i will have one in chadron and hopefully one in omaha.