Let's say you're driving through Wyoming, either aimlessly or on purpose.

You earned a month off from work or school and are enjoying on-the-road wandering from Cheyenne in the south to the Wind River Indian Reservation in the west to the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site on the east side of the Big Horn Mountains.

Or maybe you're moving from Omaha to Salt Lake City with a U-Haul packed with furniture and a minivan packed with kids and pets. (You have my condolences.)

You need reading material. Great treks deserve great books, whether to explain the landscape and the flora and fauna, or to help you keep sane. And what better way to get great books than to make rest stops at great independent bookstores?

Here's a partial list. More to be added later.

The Book Shop in Sheridan. Located downtown on Main Street (easy access from I-90), owner Pennie Vance stocks a variety of books by WYO writers and books about WYO. This summer, look for signed copies of the latest novel by crime writer and local legend Craig Johnson.

Two Ocean Books in Dubois. Located in the middle of the town’s two-block-long main drag, Two Ocean Books stocks books by local and regional authors and a selection of best-sellers. After book buying, you can walk two doors down to the town’s new art gallery. On Highways 287-26 from Riverton to the national parks.

Blue Heron Books in Casper. Under new ownership, the store stocks a shelf full of “Book Sense” picks and a great selection of Wyoming authors. Café serves coffee and snacks. The store is a sponsor for the Equality State Book Festival Oct. 19-21, 2006, in Casper. Easy access from I-25. 

Night Heron Books is Laramie’s new kid in town. Stocks flocks of used books and books by WYO writers. The store just initiated a reading series with Second Story Books next door on Ivinson. Great place to browse and buy, located just a short jaunt from I-80 on the Third Street exit. 

The Wyoming State Museum Store is not an indie but looks and acts like one. It’s located on the main floor of the state’s Barrett Building in downtown Cheyenne. You can check out the museum first and buy books on your way out – or do it the other way around. Store manager Beth Miller stocks a great selection of WYO books. Easy access from I-25 and I-80.