Yikes! Internet is difficult to find in the west

Sorry--again!--that we haven't updated the blog in a while. We promised pictures and videos from Wyoming, but the internet in many of these places isn't fast enough to upload things. So you'll have to wait just a *bit* longer for that priceless video of Freda thrilling the crowd at the Wyoming Idol tryouts. I promise you; it's worth the wait.

But here is a brief update about our time in WY:

We left Casper with heavy hearts. Sutton and Rick were so great, and their house was so cozy... The ride was good, though, and we ate a delicious breakfast at the Sunrise Diner at mid-morning. Thanks to Francine for the awesome eats and for donating to CH. We rolled into our destination, Muddy Gap, pretty early that day. As luck would have it, another cross-country bike tour was passing through there (www.biketheUSforMS.org). First we met Don, Dustin and Dustin's incredible handlebar mustache. As we were all headed in the same direction for the next few days, Don and Mason (and the rest of the riders) generously offered to let us throw our panniers in their sag wagon and ride with them. So after "crushing" all of the blue freeze pops at the only gas station in miles, we freed ourselves from those 40 lb bicycle fetters and took off for Jeffrey City.

Do not camp in Jeffrey City. They have the largest, most aggressive mosquito population in this continent, I think.

The next few days were lovely. We had lots of new company, played some Euchre, ate a lot, didn't have to carry our bags, climbed some mountains (9600 ft!!), didn't get eaten by bears... so great! And to everyone who mentioned that the Tetons are spectacular: you are beyond right. On the way (down) into Moran Junction, the mountains came into full view. It was cold, yes, but absolutely worth the trek.

Yellowstone was wonderful as well. Lisa's parents and cousin, Adam, met us in West Thumb with...SWEET CORN! They also drove us to the parts of the park that we would have been too lazy to bike to (namely anything remotely off of our route) and put us up in a sweet hotel last night. There was a hot tub and a pool! Thanks a million for giving us the chance to rest, restock and refuel before the last leg of our trip. The venison jerkey is a lifesaver, by the way!

We will attempt to upload videos and pictures when we get to another spot that has internet, which we believe will be near Boise. Thanks again to everyone for the support!