I left my home in Georgia, heading west toward Memphis to visit my sister. From there, I headed north to St. Louis then west toward Kansas City; stopping in Independence, Mo. to visit the Presidential Library of Harry S. Truman.
President Harry Truman Library
Unfortunately it was closed for renovations.
I then head north again passing through Omaha, NE and on to Sioux Falls, SD.
Once out of Sioux Falls heading west, there is not much but blowing wind, the prairie and signs of all sizes, colors and shapes advertising Wall Drugs… and motorcycles. Literally hundreds of motorcycles heading to Sturgis for the largest bike rally in the country.
Sturgis Bound
Dignity – A sculpture on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River near Chamberlain, SD. The 50′ high stainless steel statue by South Dakota artist laureate Dale Claude Lamphere depicts an indigenous woman in Plains-style dress receiving a star quilt. According to Lamphere, the sculpture honors the culture of the Lakota and Dakota peoples who are indigenous to South Dakota. (source-Wikipedia)
Missouri River as seen from the base of Dignity.
The closer I got to western South Dakota, the more motorcycles I saw. Rapid City was alive with the sound of Harley’s. After spending the night in Rapid City, I headed out for Mount Rushmore. The highway leading to the Black Hills was packed full of motorcycles. Finding a parking place at Mount Rushmore became a major challenge. Not only is this summer vacation time, but the Sturgis Rally brought in thousands and thousands of bikers from all over the world.
Mount Rushmore
A side view of Washington’s face from outside the park
Driving through the Black Hills
Deadwood, SD
Welcome to Wyoming
Devil’s Tower Wyoming from 5 miles out
Devil’s Tower with Buffalo peacefully grazing nearby
After spending several wonderful days in South Dakota and Wyoming, I headed south into Colorado and the beautiful town of Buena Vista nestled high in the Rocky Mountains.
A perfect and free camping spot way above and overlooking the town of Buena Vista
Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado. Like being at the beach with no water. Note the people so far away. People trudge through this burning sand and climb to the top of the dunes and slide down on waterboards, cardboard or other makeshift items.
Lake Meredith, north of Amarillo, Texas. Free camping in this beautiful location that also includes showers and facilities.
I then make my way down through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama and finally back home in Georgia.
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Until next time…
