Nomad Life - Day 144

Overnight, I had a very restless sleep and was wide awake at 0500 (before my alarm rang).  Despite my plan to work only a half day (and, therefore, the chance to get some more sleep), I ended up getting up and starting my day.  I did take a short break at 0730 so I could eat breakfast in the lobby of the Super 8 (Cheyenne).  Outside, there was snow on the ground and it was noticeably colder (20s) - the sky was clear, though.  After that, it was back to teleworking.  I'd requested a late check out but the cleaning ladies were knocking on my door by 0900.  Despite this interruption, I managed to return to my work and didn't knock off \until 1100.  After that, I packed up car and departed the hotel (1130).  I stopped for fuel at the nearby Sinclair (1135) - while I was pumping gas, it was VERY windy.  Next, I drove back to Francis E. Warren AFB so I could investigate a building I'd noticed (on a sign) a few days before: "Indoor Track".  At the time, I'd wondered why the base might have something so extravagant - after a few days in Cheyenne, though, I now understand.  When I arrived (1150), I quickly changed in the locker room - I wore my "Navy" workout shirt but no one ever commented on it.  I then began working out on the nice track (1155) - when I was finished (1255), I'd walked 3+ miles.  After that, I rode a stationary bike for 20 minutes (4 miles) between 1300 and 1320.  Finished with my workout, I changed back into street clothes and drove a short distance to the "Chow Hall" (I'd heard they were the only real food option on Base).  Unfortunately, they were closed for "made to order" meals but the staff allowed me to pick up some "grab & go" items (1345), which I ate in my car.  After that, I drove a short distance to the Base Gas Station and got (free) air for my tires - hopefully, I won't get any more pressure warnings...  Feeling good about getting all of my fitness goals completed for the day, I finally departed Cheyenne at 1415.  Using I-25 and I-80, I drove east towards Nebraska (listened to audiobooks on the way).  Like I'd seen earlier, it was VERY windy.  Alongside the road, there were plenty of warning signs about 70 mph wind.  From the locals, though, I've learned that this is "normal" for the area.  After a bit of struggling to keep my car centered in its lane, I made it to the town of Pine Bluffs, where I visited a Texas Trail Monument (memorial to the cowboys who brought beef from Texas to Montana) - a nearby Museum on the subject was closed, however.  Nearby, I located the Our Lady of Peace Shrine, which featured a huge statue of St. Mary that somehow withstands the steady breezes.  As I was departing (1500), I passed a sign that indicated I was entering the State of Nebraska.  Instead of backtracking to the Interstate, I stayed on the road I was on (US-30, the "Lincoln Highway") and continued east.  During this stretch of road, it seemed a bit less windy...  Along the way, I passed through the town of Kimball (1525).  Meanwhile, in the distance, I noticed a huge dust cloud - closer to my immediately location, I seemed to be constantly dodging tumbleweeds...  This area was a mix of flat prairie (although I was still above 4K feet elevation) and some distant "table lands".  At 1600, I arrived at my planned destination, Sidney, and checked into the Rodeway Inn (I'd made a reservation).  After unpacking the car and setting up the internet for my laptop, I departed in search of the first Cabela's store.  Google Maps said it was located close to I-80 but, when I arrived, the building looked just like every other Cabela's I've ever seen.  From talking with the staff and reviewing some signs inside the store, I learned that the building was the first Superstore built (in 1991); however, it was not the company's original location in Sidney.  Before I departed, I had the address for the original building.  Outside, the sun went down in spectacular colors and the wind continued - I noticed that the many flocks of Canada geese were having trouble flying against the wind.  In the parking lot, there was a nice monument to the Pony Express NHT (I'd previously seen signs that some of the pioneers on the California NHT also came this way).  From the area of town that was near I-80, I made the trip to pay homage to the first Cabela's - it was located at the corner of US-30 (Illinois) and 13th and was a non-descript brick building.  Apparently, the locals call it something like "the red building in the center of town").  After that, I stopped for a drink (and light meal of hummus, veggies and flatbread) at the nearby Boss City Brewing Company.  I stayed there from 1715 to 1815 and had an interesting conversation with the bartender and some other staff.  It appears that the brewery doesn't get a lot of out of town visitors...  After returning to the hotel (arrived at 1820), I spent the rest of the evening watching movies, with bed time at 2215.  Feeling very good about achieving my fitness goals today and having a leisurely drive from Wyoming into Nebraska!