The beginning of my trip started with a pleasant back road ride from Eagle with John G. to meet Gary & Shawn in Camp Douglas. John also turned me on to a fine Wisconsin Cheese shop in Mauston along the way. With so many samples who needed dinner? I've come through that way often but never noticed. Now I'll know where to stop next time.
For all the times I've ridden through north eastern Wyoming I have NEVER stopped at the Devil's Tower national monument. I guess I was waiting to be old so I could get in for free. Despite the rain (or maybe because of it) my soggy companions indulged my curiosity. Like many places during rain, the weather actually enhanced the beauty of the rock; greening the vegetation and giving a glow to the darkened sky while glossing the parking lot. The monument is more of a hiking area but because we were dressed for weather, we got the wimp's view. The visitor's center told of one wise guy's parachute stunt onto the top. Unfortunately, it took six days to rescue him. Not a good example of thinking ahead . . .
Because Shawn and Gary know people everywhere, a fellow named Gus showed up at our cabin in Sundance shortly after our arrival. I've come to expect this and feign nonchalance. Later we visited Gus at his place and were treated to a very eclectic collection of vehicles and an amazing view. A highlight was the mummified cat on the wall of his shop. Sorry I forgot to photo that one. Gus was A1 with me because he picked up takeout breakfast when we were cabin-bound one rainy day.
What trip through South Dakota is complete without a trip to Wall Drug? En route and returning, we stopped for gas and a meal. The people-watching is superb.
John G. & I at the Mauston Cheese shop
Staging for an early morning departure
Foo-foo coffee
Photographic proof that Gary has visited a Starbucks
Hangin' at Wall Drug
People-watching at Wall Drug
Discounting the porch, this is as big as a small
travel trailer - without the slide-outs.
This was also the last time it was dry
Without closets, storage space was at a premium
Stuck inside all day with the wind and rain outside
One of Gus' fine rides
Shawn making friends
Devil's Tower monument in the rain
It's way bigger than it looks.
Please pass the mashed potatos
Aladdin was a hopping place
Except for the pit toilets, this is about the whole town.
Even the post office is here
. . . and if you ever wanted to buy a town
Visiting Gus
This is Gus' view!
Belle Fourche, SD is the geographical center of the USA
- If you include Alaska and Hawaii
