Nomad Life - Day 141

After a pretty good night of sleep, I was up (before alarm) at 0515 and started teleworking.  At 0715, I ate breakfast in Lobby of the Super 8 (Cheyenne) and then returned to my computer for the rest of my work day.  Like yesterday, I deferred lunch and powered on through to 1400.  After logging off-line, I got ready to depart - this required a few trips/to from the car.  Hilariously, it was SO windy when I tried to put things into my car and I struggled to hold on to my belongings!  Ignoring the breeze, it was a beautiful day again: 56 F & sunny.  Departing the Super 8, I drove back to the mall area where I'd been yesterday and ordered lunch at Freddy's Steakburgers (1420).  It's been a while since I was at this restaurant chain and was pleasantly surprised that the food (especially the burger and frozen custard) were just as good as I remembered.  Finished with my meal, I went shopping at Dollar Tree (1450) and then decided to head into the historic downtown area of Cheyenne.  On the way there, I drove by Frontier Park, Lions Park and the Arboretum - perhaps I'll check those out before I depart...  When I arrived at the State Capitol building, I was able to park within a stone's throw (1515) - gotta love that "Small State" vibe!  Even better, I'd learned that parking was free everywhere (for up to two hours and then more after 1700) in the downtown area.   Just as I was getting out of my car, Brenna called and we talked about a car problem she was having.  After that, I went walking on Capitol Avenue.  There were all kinds of interesting statues and signs (they all looked new) and I read a lots of historical plaques.  Along the way, I found the Cathedral of St. Mary and the HQ for the Diocese of Cheyenne.  Bonus: the city offered free WiFi.  Near the southern end of the road, I checked out the old Train Depot and then walked over to nearby Gunslinger Square.  As I was retracing my steps (towards my car), I stumbled across the Freedom's Edge Brewing Company and thought it might be fun to visit.  Inside, I sampled a tasty flight of beers.  In the middle of my enjoyable, relaxing happy hour, Mollie called - we talked briefly about her job before we promised to catch up again soon.  After that, I got lots of local feedback (weather, activities, changes in the downtown) from the bartender lady and the other patrons at the bar.  One of them told me he was a relative of Mike Bray, the former coach of the Notre Dame Men's Basketball Team.  I was finished at 1630 and then resumed my walk around Cheyenne (hoping to get more steps).  I should note that I'd already felt a very strong Deja Vu feeling about the nearby Wrangler Western Wear Store.  Wondering if that was the actual place where I bought my Stetson Crushable *(hat) during a 2010 visit, I went inside to inquire.  My notes had said "Boot Barn" and, sure enough, the staff confirmed that was the actual business inside the building; apparently, the Wrangler name is historic and any business that had occupies the building must retain the name.  I shared my story about how the hat had accompanied me on a large bulk of the Appalachian Trail - the staff was impressed and said they appreciated that I'd returned with this news.  I ended up talking for a long time with the nice lady working there and, before leaving, checked out their (renovated) hat room.  When I departed, I was feeling quite good about being able to confirm my memories - I'm not THAT old yet, I guess!  At 1700, I went back to walking.  Just then, I witnessed was a beautiful sunset - wow!  As I was passing the Cathedral of St. Mary, I thought I'd check out the inside of the building.  Up until then, I hadn't expected they'd be open; however, I found one door unlocked.  When I went inside, I found that the parish had just started Mass (1715).  Since I was there already (and had nowhere else to be), I decided to stay.  In the end (1745), I was glad I'd attended when the service because I got another data point on "is Cheyenne a good place for Jim after Nomad Life?"  A short time later, I finished up my 10K step goal (1825) - by then, temps in mid 40s.  Hoping not to have to use my map app, I tried to drive back to the Super 8 (Cheyenne).  Unfortunately, I was stymied by several railroad tracks, fenced lots and the presence of a waterway (Crow Creek).  Eventually, though, I figured out a way to Business Loop 80 (West Lincolnway).  At my hotel again. I got a great parking spot.  Inside my room, I finished listening to my audiobook and then spent the rest of the evening watching movies.  Bed time was at 2230.  So far, I've really been enjoying life in Cheyenne!