Goofing off all day

It could have been a typical three hour drive day, but there were so many things I wanted to see. So drive time increased to 6 1/2 hours with the two added loops, but it took me all day with all the stops. Where did I squander that time? Read on…

I rolled into my Harvest Host site on Tuesday, but it was too hot to do anything except dig out the generator for the first time on this trip — and boy that was a hassle. I don’t handle extreme heat well, and I’m out of practice since … early in this trip. Remember Sedona? Anyway, I had to come in and rest to make my legs stop shaking twice.

Once I had it set up I just climbed inside the trailer with the dogs and literally chilled. (It will be easier if I need it again, I just hadn’t reorganized since dropping all the extra stuff in Florida.)

In the morning I went to the museum just after they opened.

One of dozens of exhibits/rooms/buildings at my Harvest Host site; Pioneer Auto Show

There were motorcycles, tractors, toys, teacups, wigs, outboard motors. You name it. Many with a connection to south Dakota and a majority with a connection to motor vehicles… but many with little connection to anything.

After we engaged in an interesting political debate, the old guy working at the museum gave me some advice about how to spend my day getting to Devil’s Tower. I took all of his advice about the drive, let’s hope he took mine about the vaccine.

First up, Town 1880. Sort of a fake western town. They filmed Dances with Wolves there and the place acquired a bunch of paraphernalia from the movie and put it on exhibit.

Town 1880. Yes, the donkeys are cute but check out the stuffed camel.

The dogs were welcome, so it was a nice break for all four of us.

Moseying on down the freeway, we take the offramp for the Badlands. At the exit there is a prairie dog field with a convenience store, complete with a giant statue of a prairie dog, where they sell peanuts by the bag to feed the little guys. They are quite unafraid.

Back in the rig and into the Badlands. Just took the scenic drive through, stopping at lots of overlooks. Saw buffalo, sheep and deer.

Overlook (one of many, a little different from each other but same basic theme.)

This loop reconnects with the I-90 in Wall, SD. Which is of course the home of the infamous Wall Drug. This place is as much a drug store as my lawn mower.

Outside front. It takes up a whole large city block.

Many different rooms and shops in a sprawling labyrinth, but the cafe with its myriad Tiffany lamps earned the photo representation.

I asked an employee advice on the most interesting ice cream to try. She recommended a huckleberry milkshake. Good call.

Moving on, I exited the I-90 a short time later once again to loop through Custer State Park. Only one road I can use with the trailer, the others have tunnels. Beautiful park - I’d been thru there before on my motorcycle when attending the rally in Sturgis. It was worth a repeat visit.

Buncha donkeys - several babies. Lots of tourists.

Traveled the remaining part of the journey to Devil’s Tower without stopping but while enjoying some of the most glorious views out the windshield. No pics, of course (driving.) Come see for yourself.

Bear Lodge

Little adventures