May 5 - 6

On Sat. May 5th, it was windy, rainy and cold in Rawlins, WY. We did go out tho, visiting the town. I used to live here about 6 years ago and found many changes. So many businesses had closed and a few new ones had opened. One business that remains open is in Sinclair, a town 6 miles east of here. Su Casa is a wonderful Mexican restaurant that we stopped at and had lunch. They make green chili to die for. They only have 5 tables and are always busy. A locally owned business doing very well.

We were going to go fishing but with the weather like this, it was impossible.

May 6th, I woke to find about 6" of snow on the ground. It was quiet in the campground, so I donned my boots (which I'm glad I had) and headed outside before sunrise and snapped this photo. After Bob got up we took a drive to Ft. Steele, east of Sinclair, WY. It was an old fort in 1867 - 1869. This was one of many separated by 200 miles. Because of the construction of the UPRR across southern Wyo. It created towns, increased population, stimulated ranching and started major timber and mining operations. But because of the construction the workmen had to defend themselves from Indian raiders who objected to the construction in their territory. This is a picture of the bridge tenders house still standing that was reconstructed. Also one of the North Platte River.

After that we drove to Saratoga to check out possible camping spots before making the trip to Laramie later on. We drove to Saratoga lake, they do have a campground with electricity but our trailer is too long. It will accommodate trailers probably 22' or shorter. After a drive thru Saratoga and finding only one other RV campground who charges $30 per night, we stopped and had lunch at the only place in town that was open. When we got back to Rawlins, our campground was starting to fill up. Since I-80 was closed for part of the day, many decided to stay in town.