Russell tells us that east of Gillette is Donkey Creek Junction where the east-west and north-south mainlines cross. The name alone is worth visiting. We head there hoping to see some more trains. A gravel parking lot of sorts is next to the Interstate bridge over the rail line south to where we have been for the last few days. Nothing is happening so we hang around for a while. I spot an old tank truck at the far end of the lot. It’s been there clearly for quite a while, rusting and peeling paint. I love to photograph things like this so I wander over. It was painted blue and white and I can make out some red lettering that says “Water” – makes sense. I explore the rust and paint and welds until we hear the train’s horn. The engine appears under the bridge heading south. Russell is taking pictures and gives the crew a big wave and smile. They give it right back. Train crews are another one of those anonymous professions and I imagine that they probably appreciate a big hello like that - perhaps more than we think. I’ve heard it said that smiling to strangers is one of the greatest gifts you can give. We hang around a while longer but it stays quiet.

On our way back towards Gillette, we stop at the Wyodak power plant and mine. I find that this kind of highly functional architecture has a unique visual beauty. When this plant went on line in 1978, it was the largest air cooled power plant in the world. This technology has continued to be developed, but it appears to be mostly in other countries even though one of the leaders in this technology appears to be in Kansas.