Day 16 Gillette to Cody

Took my time getting going today. Did some laundry and went to the store for more supplies.

Drove through the Bighorn Mountains and then into a long flat stretch to Cody. The scenery was really nice but it was really hazy. There is a fire on the way to the Tetons, the roads are still open, but I may stay away. We will see what develops, I plan to be here for 7 to 10 days.

Had a nice beef brisket sandwich for dinner, should have brought the Puppums in, it was moist with no fat. Served on garlic bread. Trying to stay healthy once in a while I ordered coleslaw for the side, completely tasteless.

I am approximately one hour from Yellow Stone. Tomorrow I hope to get going early for some sunrise pictures. Then I will stop in at the Park Station to get oriented.

Took a walk around Cody this afternoon, lot of nice little shops. Selling souvenirs made in China. It is hot here I waited for the temp to drop to 93 before walking around

May not hear from me in a while, I have no idea what kind of Internet they have in the park. Most of the time I can receive e-mails but I can’t respond to them.

Day 15 Custer to Wyoming

Took another route to leave Custer and head to Wyoming. It looks like it is going to be another beautiful day.

Woke to a herd of Bison next to the campground. Had to wait for them to clear before leaving.

I entered Wyoming and the temperature went from 80 to 90 crossing the border.

I arrived at Devil’s Tower and took the walk around it was HOT. Saw a couple of climbers almost at the top.

After leaving there I thought I would make it to the Buffalo but stopped at Gillette instead.

Today after doing some chores I will head to the Bighorn scenic drive.

Hope you all have as great a day as I plan too.

Day 13-14 Custer State Park

I am combining a few days, as, I am in the same location traveling to different parts of the park.

Went out in the mornings looking for wildlife, did the same in the evenings.

I spent time in the city of Hill going though shops and the Railroad Museum. Found another chocolate shop, they have a peanut butter cup that was great. Went by a bunch of antique and little out of the way places.

The weather has been great hot with hardly any clouds. Took the kayak out on Center Lake in the park. Just sat out there relaxing and swimming.

Had a couple of nice campfires.

Tuesday, I pack up and move on to Wyoming.

Day 12 Keystone to Custer State Park

Loaded up the car and moved to a campsite at Custer State Park.

Started out the morning with a sunrise at Mount Rushmore. Followed the Ranger’s instructions and arrived at about 6am, too late. The sun was to high up to catch the sunrise and it was beautiful. Grabbed my gear and got to the amphitheater in time to catch the first light on the monument. I was hoping that the sunrays would come though the clouds before rising above them, but it was not to be.

I traveled on and stopped at the Crazy Horse Monument. I had seen the documentary on this and have followed the progress for many years so it was nice to finally see it. The scale is enormous. What they are working to accomplish besides the monument is very impressive. I will continue to follow the project and hope to return.

I have met many people on this trip and heard some great stories and learned of places I should go to.

In the gift shop at Crazy Horse I got into a conversation with Susan, as I was telling her about my trip and where I was headed, she told me she has a condo on the beach south of Olympia an a private drive.  She gave me her number and told me to call when I get near and if it is available she will get me set up in it for a night or two.

I also met Sharon from the Apache Nation in Arizona, they were doing Native American Dance demonstrations. We chatted for a while and she invited me to come by and visit when I get to Arizona.

A number of people told me not to miss Devil’s Tower. One person told me where to go to find Buffalo rutting in Yellow Stone, we will see if I can find it. They said they also saw moose up there.

There are many people out here traveling around to see the beauty our country has to offer.

No internet at the moment, so I will  post when I can.

Day 11 Custer State Park

I woke up to rain so I slept in for a bit and then read. Finally got up and took a drive.

Along the way I found a rusty tractor and a few flocks of wild turkeys.

I then decided to visit Custer State Park and arrange for a campsite for a few nights.

Drove through part of the park and saw Bison, Pronghorn, Whitetail and Turkeys. I will be right by the entrance to the wildlife loop and hope to get more wildlife pictures.

We are supposed to get hail tonight and then clear and hot for a few days.

There is a lake I am hoping to get the kayak out over the next few days.

First, Mount Rushmore, looks good for both sunrise and sunset, it will also be Saturday. I will see what I can do. I plan to go back on Tuesday.

Walked through more of the town and their profusion of shops. Some are really nice others filled with “made in China”.

It started to clear up and warm up around 2pm and the clouds started to gather again by 6pm. I went and got take out and am now posting pictures and watching crap on TV.

It will be nice be out in the silence again, though I think they have Internet out there.

Day 10 Badlands to Keystone

Started the day in the Badlands, it was cloudy and started to rain, so I left for Mt. Rushmore. I did spend some time in Wall getting gifts and being a tourist.

On the way here two idiots going about 90 almost cause a major accident. I had seen them coming up beside me and there were two cars in front of me side by side and these guys were not slowing down. I slowed after they passed me and they came up on the bumpers of the cars in front. They then started weaving to get by and one guy near swerved into the other.

After arriving in Keystone I got a room, due to the rain, it is supposed to warm up in the next day or so and I hope to get outside again.

Since I have been in the car for so many hours I got out and played tourist all day in Keystone. I still have a lot more to explore. I did locate the local chocolate and fudge store so all is good. Good thing I don’t have a girlfriend right now, they have many nice outfits. Of course I would then have to get a Harley to complete the ensemble.

Went up to the monument this evening and as soon as I got there it started pouring. Today was a free day so at least I didn’t have to pay. Tomorrow I will be up before the sun, if the sun comes out. Well I will be up anyway, if it is not pouring I will be on the mountain first thing.

Good night.