I went from Casper, Wyo., to Cozad, Neb., yesterday. I'll get home today. I took US26 from south of Casper to Ogallala. There was a constant strong wind from the east and when I got off I-25, it was mostly a head wind. It was sunny and I even put my sheepskin seat cover on in the morning. But as I approached Bridgeport, Neb., there were dark clouds in front of me, so I stopped at a station and put on my rain gear and replaced the sheepskin with the seat rain cover. Sure enough I rode right into the rain.
The temperature dropped from mid-90s to high 60s. At first it wasn't too bad, except for the wind gusts. More than a few times I felt like it would blow me off my seat. Then the wind got stronger and the rain heavier. I went through a little "grain elevator" town and there was a huge quonset hut building (big like an airplane hangar) with wide open doors and I considered ducking into those doors to get some relief from the wind, but I didn't and kept on. I don't know if it was sleet or hail or just rain, but it felt like it was raining needles on my left shoulder. Then it got so dark and thick the visibility was only about 6 car-lengths. Suddenly I saw the tail-lights of a bob-tail semi tractor and just keep pace with him. Finally, just like I could see the storm clouds way ahead I saw blue sky up ahead. Temps went back up to the 90s, the wind was almost as bad, but was blowing dust and chaff from the fields. I breathed much easier when I got to Ogallala on I-80.
Joe, my water-proofing on my boots did its job! My rain suit mostly kept me dry, except for my butt.
Mostly on familiar territory today and can't wait to be home.
