The day dawned cold and relatively clear, and after the previous day's adventures, most everyone overdressed. As a result, the gear bags at the first rest stop on the ascent into the Ashley National Forest were jammed. As we climbed further, beautiful fresh snow covered the landscape (it wasn't so beautiful the day before!). In the mud alongside the road the observant could see fresh deer tracks.
After a swift descent, the next stop was at the Flaming Gorge dam. A vast lake now covers the Flaming Gorge, but we could look over the other side to see what it must have looked like before the dam. We then began a long climb up into the high prairies of southern Wyoming. At lunch, a farmer pulled up and regaled us with tales about how the entire area (and we had an expansive view of it) belonged to his family and was used to graze sheep.
After more climbing, we kept waiting for the downhill as we fought heavy crosswinds while riding along what seemed to be the edge of a ridge. We finally dropped down into a barren looking valley and wound our way into Rock Springs. Those who scouted the town reported that the only thing of "interest" was a building that was painted to look like a giant loaf of bread.