THE ALFA NATIONAL CONVENTION PRE RALLY

Although Gillette only has a population of about 20,000, it is the fourth largest ‘city’ in Wyoming and one of the richest. This is because of coal and gas deposits nearby.

We came to the pre-rally to help to set up the rally. Our chapter of fulltimers (the Roadrunners) was responsible for setting up the rally this year. So many showed up that we didn’t have to do much. So we could catch up on paperwork and writing.

Zoe went to the maintenance seminars and learned more technical stuff. We had more work done on the rig to fine tune it. There isn’t much left to chance for trouble. A satellite glitch that we thought would cost us over $1500 was solved by one of the participants for $1.63. The men in this organization are always eager to step in with a helping hand..

We’ve had a good taste of Wyoming weather, even a nearby tornado. The weather can change in seconds from hot and sunny to cold and rainy. We’ve had some heavy rains that turn the red earth into mud but the local residents are happy as they have had a drought for seven years. (Next the locust?) With nothing to impede its progress, the wind here can cut right through you.

We are having the rig weighed on Wednesday to assure of proper weight distribution. Then we rush toward Seattle with a brief stop at Lake Couer d’Alene.