Day 43, April 12th 2026: Windy Wyoming

 

KOA in Rock Springs, WY

Sunday morning was 32F but sunny, it felt like 50F.

It was our intention to drive to Scottsbluff, NE and have a look around in the afternoon. 

We set out on I80 and headed west, we did not get far and the Banner on the Highway said it was closed for all Campers less than 20,000 pounds (we are about 11,000 pounds) due to winds. The wind was not that bad, we have driven in far worse conditions. I don't even understand the logic, do they think that people are going to park it and wait, like we did yesterday afternoon? Well I sure wasn't. Do they think the wind doesn't blow on the secondary roads? I just get very frustrated when the government bureaucrats think for me. So we got off in Rawlins, I needed propane so went to a Tractor Supply. I said to the guy filling me, "It's windy today", he said "No it's not, this is Wyoming", EXACTLY. So we got off I80 and diverted to Casper, WY via Rt 287. 

In Casper, we picked up I25 towards Scottsbluff, and again they closed it to Campers under 20,000 lbs. I can not express how pissed I was, this is some serious BS; the winds were not that bad but some bureaucrat is doing CYA calls from their office.  If you have an RV, don't put Wyoming in your route, the wind always blows and they will not let you on the highways. We ended up taking secondary roads, including 3 miles of dirt road, to get to Rt26 that goes to Scottsbluff; we arrived around 18:30, about 3 1/2 hours later and 100 miles longer than we planned 😖.

Papa Moon Headquarters Brewing and BBQ

When were were in Rawlins we requested a Harvest Host stay in Scottsbluff at 'The Farm at Papa Moon'. By mid afternoon we had not been approved or denied, so June called the business. It turns out the Farm is seasonal and is closed until 1May, but they said come to our town location 'Papa Moon Headquarters Brewing & BBQ'. 

Papa Moon HH

Papa Moon, was a great stop, we enjoyed their brews (Cider and Beer) and had a nice meal. the staff was very friendly and helpful.

Monday we plan to check out Scotts Bluff National Park.