Tuesday, June 14, 2022 - Spearfish, SD - Once we got set up in our spot for the next five nights, we headed for Deadwood, SD. This was an interesting drive on US85 to Deadwood. Once we arrived, we drove through the town, dominated by casinos, including the infamous Cadillac Jack’s. Of course a gun fight on main street caused us to detour a few blocks. Deb was satisfied that we had seen enough of Deadwood to know that we would come back, so off we went toward Sturgis, SD. Taking MT 14A from Deadwood we went through some more of the famous Black Hills (Black Hills National Forest).
Arriving in Sturgis, we drove through the town looking at the sites that we see on TV when the streets are full of motorcycles. We found a carwash and got thousands of miles of grime washed off the Jeep, then stopped at a T-Shirt/Souvenir shop. We went in and shopped the wears that were on display, settling on a T-Shirt touting the 85th Annual Motorcycle Rally 2022, and a magnet. Talking to the clerk of the shop, she did not sound really enthused about the annual rally, which she stated started the middle of July and ended after the first of August. She stated that coming prior to that event was a good idea, as the only thing missing were the thousands of motorcycles and people. She stated that at least now they made the intersections four-way stops so that you could get onto, or across a street without having to wait for a break in the never ending stream of motorcycles. A quick stop at the Hotel Sturgis for a Frappuccino, and a stop at Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone, then back to Spearfish on I-90. Along the way we located Wal-Mart where we have a pick-up order scheduled for later today. At the Motor Home we settled in for home made stroganoff and TV.
A little more about Spearfish KOA, this park backs up to a natural area that has trails that will take you to the other parts of the town. It is a great place to take the dog.
 |
| Spearfish Creek |
 |
| Map of the Natural Area adjacent to the KOA |
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - Today was the Badlands Cruise. Out on the road by 10A , we headed east on I90 to
Rapid City. In Rapid City, we took US16 Truck Route south to SD44 and headed east
to the town of Scenic, SD. Just east of Scenic, we turned onto County Road 590, (Sage Creek Road) which makes a loop, with intersections with several other roads, through the
Badlands National Park. The road was gravel, but it was the smoothest gravel
road that I had ever driven on.
 |
| Start of Sage Creek Road (County 590) |
 |
| US Flag along Sage Creek Road |
 |
| Entry to Badlands NP |
 |
| Sage Creek Road |
The speed limit when we first turned onto it
was 50MPH and it was easy to travel that fast and maintain control. When the
road entered the National Park the speed limit was reduced, but the road surface
was still excellent gravel. Scenery started out to be rolling green hills and
flat pastures. Once we entered the park the landscape changed to arroyos, rocky
hills and rocky outcroppings.
 |
| Looking more like "Badlands" |
 |
| Badlands |
The floor continued to be green grass that seemed
to go on forever. Traffic was light initially, but it increased the further we
got into the park, Of course if an animal was sighted, then you had a traffic jam
as everyone stopped to take photos of whatever the unlucky subject was. In our
case we only saw Bison. This is very beautiful country, but it still was not
what I had expected. I remember the westerns on TV talking about the Badlands.
Lines like “we chased them into the Badlands, but they probably won’t make it
out.” I expected to see and finally did see a harsh desert environment with steep cliffs and lack of
water. It has been an extremely wet year so far, so the pretty green we saw would probably be brown and parched. When we
reached the junction of State 240, we turned north and headed to Wall, SD and
the infamous Wall Drug.
Arriving in Wall, I was disappointed to find that Wall
Drug was 3-4 blocks off I90. All the pictures that you see indicate that it is
right on I90. Getting to Wall Drug, we had no trouble finding a parking place on
the street that runs in front of the store. There were a lot of people there. The
parking area was filled, but not packed. Then I saw the two tour buses stop and
disgorge their passengers. That is why there were so many people there. Inside
the front door (Entry #1) it reminded me of walking into the Big Texan
Restaurant in Amarillo, TX. You got kind of an arcade feeling. Lots of western
memorabilia, figures you could pose with for photos, stuffed animals on the wall,
wooden floors and wooden walls.
 |
| Covered porch outside of Wall Drug |
 |
| Inside Entry #1 of Wall Drug |
 |
| Stand alongside "Slim" and have your photo taken |
This was a place to have fun, eat and spend your
money. All of which we did. The interior is divided into sections, with each
section hosts a different type of goods or service. There is one section for
jewelry, one section for T-Shirts, one section for knick-knacks, and on and on.
We made a few purchases and then found ourselves in the café. Even the café has
separate dining rooms, one showcasing what is billed as the largest private
collection of Western Art. We found a table (one of three pushed together with
two others) sharing the space with three gentlemen riding motorcycles around the
country. Two were from Florida and one, the father of one of the ones from
Florida was from Illinois. As we ate lunch, (Deb had a cheeseburger and I had a
fried chicken sandwich) Deb talked to them about their travels, where they had
been and where they were headed. They also talked about the number of people
leaving Illinois and the number arriving in Florida. Fun conversation. We stayed
in Wall Drug about 30 minutes after we ate and came across one or all three of
our lunch companions several times more.
 |
| Interior of Wall Drug |
 |
| Wild Bill Hickok |
After expending our limit on trinkets,
we got into the car for the hundred mile drive back to Spearfish. Most of the
freeway east of Rapid City has an 80 MPH speed limit and a 75 MPH limit on the
west side of Rapid City.
Thursday, June 16, 2022 - Today we went to see Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. We
started the trip by again going to Rapid City and then south. A GPS/Map Program
confusion caused us to go several miles the wrong direction, which we discovered
when we turned into the same fueling station to get gas as we did yesterday.
Once fueled, we started off in the proper direction, going south on US 16 and
US16A to SD244. We turned west on SD244 and arrived at the Mt. Rushmore Parking
Garage.
 |
| From the road, prior to the Memorial Entry |
Parking on the fourth level, we took the elevator up to the Monument
level and the entrance to the Memorial.
 |
| From walkway from Parking Garage to Entry |
The first thing that struck us was that
the carvings were so small.
 |
| From entry to the Avenue of Flags |
Every picture you see show the giant carved faces of
the Presidents. Then standing there, you take your camera and zoom in, suddenly
you have the pictures that you see in books.
 |
| Using zoom lens |
You never see the grand plaza area,
the avenue of flags or the amphitheater at the base of the Mountain. All you see
are the magnificent, awe inspiring carvings of the President’s likenesses.
 |
| Avenue of Flags |
 |
| From the viewing Plaza |
 |
| Amphitheater |
Spending time taking photos from many different locations including in the
surrounding Plaza, and the hundreds (seemed like thousands) of people posing for group photos and
selfies, you get a better perspective of the size of the carvings. After taking
multiple photos from multiple angles, we adjourned to the Ice Cream Parlor and
had ice cream cones. Deb had Praline Pecan and mine Strawberry Swirl and
each with a scoop of Thomas Jefferson Vanilla Ice Cream. This ice cream is made
from Jefferson’s own hand written recipe. We both found the vanilla to be
excellent. Returning to the Jeep, we left along SD244 toward US16. Along this
route, a pull-off gives a great profile view of George Washington’s likeness.
 |
| George Washington in profile |
 |
| With zoom feature on camera |
On
US16 we headed south to the Crazy Horse Monument. On arriving at the Monument, we
were surprised to have to pay a $30 entry fee. This allowed us into the parking
lot and the Interpretive Center.
 |
| Entry to Crazy Horse Memorial |
 |
| Interpretive Center, Conference Center and Native American Education and Cultural Center |
After watching a short film on the history of
the carving and what the future vision of the site was, we exited the theater into a room where several Native Americans were selling their wares. We went into the main
section of the Center and found out that it cost $4 per person to take a bus to
a location within 1,000 feet of the carving. We both decided that after spending
$30 to get in that we would leave and continue with our travels.
 |
| From upper parking area |
 |
| From upper parking are with telephoto lens |
After leaving
Crazy Horse Monument, we headed for Custer State Park. Entering the park via the
west entrance, we took the Wildlife Drive, going south and looping to the east
and then back to the west where we came to the Needles Highway. The Wildlife
Loop takes in some splendid scenery and a large number of Bison that control the
road. A traffic jam caused by the Bison roaming the road and going back and
forth across it took about 20 minutes to clear.
 |
| Can't roller skate, let alone drive, in a Buffalo herd. |
 |
| This is their land... |
At the intersection of the
Needles Highway, we turned north. This road winds its way up through the Black
Hills, going through stands of pine and other evergreens.
 |
| Needles Highway |
 |
| Needles Highway |
At one point I
mentioned that the name Needles Highway must have come from all of the pine
needles. Then the road got narrow, a very narrow two lane road without a center
stripe. Higher we climbed and then there was a sign that stated two tunnels were
ahead and the dimensions were something like 8ft high and 8ft wide. This would
be interesting. We passed through the first two tunnels and continued climbing
up on this narrow road with no guard rail, until we hit and intersection.
 |
| Iron Creek Tunnel |
Suddenly through the trees and brush we saw the “Needles” that the road is named for. Rock formations that look like needles protruded along the side of the mountain. The windy narrow road suddenly became worth the drive, well almost.
 |
| The Needles?? |
 |
| Looks like we are getting closer |
 |
| Oh Boy! Glad we are not in the Motor Home |
 |
| Got to be the "Needles" |
 |
| Needles Eye Tunnel |
 |
| Along the Needles Highway |
 |
| Sylvan Lake |
 |
| Sylvan Lake |
A left
turn would take us back toward Custer (city of) and a right turn would
take us toward north toward Deadwood, which is where we wanted to go. The road
did not get better, we continued to climb and then another sign warning of two
tunnels ahead, about the same dimensions as the previous two tunnels.
 |
| Low narrow tunnel ahead |
 |
| Hood Tunnel |
We came
around a corner to the right and crept around the rock outcropping, to enter the
tunnel, only to find it filled with a pickup truck coming the opposite
direction. Luckily no one was behind us and I was able to back up and let the
pickup pass. We then continued through the tunnel and on up the road.
 |
| Along Needles Highway |
 |
| Along Needles Highway |
 |
| Along Needles Highway |
Deb took the pictures as I kept a tight grasp (ok white knuckle grip) on the steering wheel. Beautiful country and well worth the drive. We found out later that you can get a tour and leave the driving to someone else.
We finally
made it back to US385/85 and headed north through Deadwood and then onto
Spearfish KOA.
Friday, June 17, 2022 - Today we decided to take a drive through Spearfish Canyon and then spend some
time in Deadwood, SD. Spearfish Canyon is about a 15 mile drive that follows Spearfish creek through a canyon that connects Spearfish, SD to Lead,
SD. The drive is beautiful paved two lane road with a limited number of marked
pull outs. One of the highlights was Bridal Veil Falls. Deb and I know that
there are Bridal Veil Falls in Oregon, Alaska, Canada and now this one. Guess it
is a common name for waterfalls.
 |
| Bridal Veil Falls |
 |
| Bridal Veil Falls |
 |
| One of many photos of Spearfish Creek |
 |
| Spearfish Creek |
Getting through the canyon we went in and drove
through the town of Lead, SD.
Lead is another old west town that came to be
during the gold rush days of the 1850’s. There are a number of buildings in Lead
that have been there since the city came to be. Though not the same inside, the
outside of the buildings reflect the era they were built in. Down the road a
piece, you come to Deadwood, SD.
 |
| Sign says it all |
This town has so many western legends tied to
it that Deadwood is synonymous to the old west.
Deadwood’s favorite son is Wild
Bill Hickok who was shot in the back while playing cards in Saloon #10.
 |
| Wild Bill Hickok - Watching the people go by |
 |
| Site of Wild Bill's murder |
Holding
the infamous “dead man’s hand” of black aces and black eights, Hickok is revered here today
as he was back in 1856.
"While in Deadwood, South Dakota, Wild Bill Hickok became a regular poker player at Nuttal & Mann's Saloon. On the afternoon of August 2, 1876, he was playing cards with his back to the door, something he seldom did. A young drifter named Jack McCall walked in and approached Hickok from behind. Not wasting a second, he quietly drew his revolver and shot Hickok in the back of the head, instantly killing him. Even in death Hickok's legend grew. The cards he was holding at the time – a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights – became known as "the dead man's hand."" From Biography.com (https://www.biography.com/personality/wild-bill-hickok)
Wild Bill was joined here by other wild west icons such
as Calamity Jane. After having a terrific Rueben sandwich at Paddy O'Neill’s, we
walked up the “old” main street.
 |
| Robot Waiter brings food from the kitchen to the Human waiters |
Since we just happened to be there on Wild Bill
Hickok Days, the town was preparing for a series of concerts on the “old” Main
Street, there were stages and seating areas filling an entire three block area.
Numerous photos were taken, including the Saloon that Wild Bill died in, and
some people dressed in period clothing.
 |
| There is a Marshal in town |
 |
| Hope he is a "good" guy |
 |
| Interesting Bar Stool - Probably not a lot of male customers |
 |
| Bullock Hotel |
 |
| Main Street |
It also happened to be the week of the
Cowboy Fast Draw competition. Having seen as much as the feet would take, we
headed for the car and “home” at the Spearfish KOA.
Saturday, June 18, 2022 - Since this is our last day here, we figured it was time to do laundry.
Thankfully the RV Park and a laundry facility with enough washers and dryers
that we were able to get it completed in relatively short order. With the
laundry complete, we decided to go eleven miles back north to Belle Fourche, SD.
Belle Fourche bills itself as the “Center of the Nation.” Arriving at the
Interpretive Center, we found that the “Center of the Nation” is technically 20
miles north of Belle Fourche. Now by the “Center of the Nation” it is the north
south center, with Alaska and Hawaii being part of the nation.
 |
| Geo Center of the US Plaque - Belle Fourche, SD |
When I questioned
the location, the docent stated that Belle Fourche was within 5 degrees of the
location of the actual point. I asked about going to the actual point and she
stated it was on a dirt road in the middle of a farmer’s field and the only
thing there was the USGS Brass Cap, a “stick” and an American Flag.
 |
| Monument to the Geo Center of the US |
 |
| Close up of the Monument |
So, we have
been to the farthest western point of the US while we were in Alaska, have been
to the southernmost point in Key West, FL, I guess we need to go to the farthest
eastern point in the US.
Belle Fourche is also listed as the end of the Great Western Cattle Trail, with a railhead being established here.
 |
| Great Western Cattle Trail plaque |
A trip to the grocery store to restock was next on
the list, then back to the Motor Home to pack for travel.
Sunday, June 19, 2022 - On the road, travelling to Plankinton, SD – Hills RV Park. This was an easy
drive on I90 the entire way. Hills RV Park turned out to be a very nice 30+
space RV Park, some with full hookups and some with just power and water. This
Park is like one or two others we have encountered on this trip, and unattended
Park.
 |
| Hills RV Park - Plankinton, SD |
No on-site personnel, though there is a make shift office. There is a
laundry and a swimming pool. The park is gravel base with fairly wide sites with
grass and trees between them. Electrical, water and sewer are at the back of the
site, so long runs of both sewer and water were required.
 |
| Swimming Pool and Laundry |
I could have unhooked
the jeep and moved it in front of the Motor Home for the night and then put the
Motor Home at the back of the site which would have shortened the hose runs.
Definitely designed more for a vehicle towing a trailer. Satellite TV was fine,
few if any over the air stations.
Monday, June 20, 2022 - On the road today to KOA in Albert Lea/Austin, MN. Today's drive was
another full day of I90 eastbound. The Albert Lea/Austin KOA is located just
east of I35.This KOA is like most of the rest we have encountered along the
way. The sites were a little close, but well maintained. A good stop for the
night when travelling in the area.
 |
| Albert Lea/Austin KOA |
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 - Breakfast at Perkins Family Restaurant, then on the road to Forest City, IA,
home of Winnebago Industries. This was a very easy 50 mile drive, partly on I35 and then a good two lane road – IA9 for 15 miles or so into Forest City, IA
Part 4 - the last page (I know, your getting bored) will cover our time in Forest City, IA and the service at Winnebago, It will also cover the trip home and our two days in Dodge City, KS. -
No comments:
Post a Comment