Rapid City and more….

The “real” reason for this epic road trip was to see my son and his family before they transfer to his next Air Force station in Dayton, Ohio—within two months. I got in on a Thursday night, and my son had to work the next day.  

Initially, I thought I’d just rest for the day, but l suppose I can rest when I am dead.  I took off early (of course) to explore. About a half hour down the highway, I stopped at Sturgis, home of the infamous yearly motorcycle rally.  Sturgis is the hub for many scenic rides around the beautiful state of South Dakota.

While I was walking around, I stopped a local person and asked, “Where do locals go for breakfast?”  She pointed me to Red’s.  

I then drove through Deadwood and Lead.  I attended a few rallies in my Harley riding day, and I could not believe how these slow and sleepy towns have exploded into massive tourist destinations.  

On my way back to Rapid City in the afternoon, I stopped in at the Black Hills National Cemetery. 

“Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

And then I saw this chapel across the highway at the entrance of the Fort Meade Recreation Area.

Off to dinner with the family…next entry….

And then right down the road….

 …..is Mount Rushmore!

That Crazy Horse!

Crazy Horse was born as a member of the Oglala Lakota circa 1840.  By the time he was in his mid teens, he was already a warrior, and his bravery was well known throughout the Lakota people. 

It is well-known that many Native Americans refused to have their picture taken or likeness made, as they believed that their souls would be taken.  Crazy Horse was killed by an infantry man on September 5, 1877.

Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski decided to created a monument of Crazy Horse to honor the principles and values for which Native Americans stood. 

                                          This monument has been in progress since 1948.

Fighting Stallions

Rendition of the Final Project

Early start from Moab, Utah

Normally, I would stop, but I was on a tear, so 250 miles down the road, I finally stopped in Vail, Colorado.  

I am not a skier, but I get how winter sports enthusiasts would love this little spot on the world. Actually, it is not as little as it once was.  Lots and lots of new construction, housing, traffic, parking, etc.  Sigh……

Ski runs galore!

But I prefer a leisurely break from travel

And there was this……

Before getting to Moab, UT

 And a few more places the turquoise jeep visited on the way to Moab….

Cameron Trading Post, Arizona

Scenic Byway 163 through Monument Valley, Utah

Monument Valley Landscape

Bridge over the San Juan River in Mexican Hat, Utah

Epic Road Trip

Most of my road trips are epic, so I suppose that is a silly title of this entry, but I am keeping it’ll anyway. I made this trip to see my son and his family in Rapid City, South Dakota, before they move to Dayton, Ohio—their next Air Force station. 

My first stop was in Moab, Utah, which is about 400 miles from where I live in Scottsdale, Arizona. Moab is home to The Arches National Park. 

My plan what to get up before sunrise after the first night and take photos during the golden hour (just before sunrise) in the park. Unfortunately, some bozo didn’t completely douse his campfire and started a massive wildfire in the region just days before. So, even though I got up really early, drove to the top of the park, the smoke was too thick to see anything good!

So, I made my way to the scenic byway U-128 along the Colorado River.

Sun about to rise over the Colorado River

Reflections

More reflections

Sun rising over a Utah butte

P.s.  Solo balloon at sunrise in Scottsdale, Arizona

Seriously, Los Cerrillos!

I am always up for a road trip and finding things off the beaten path.  

A few months ago, I made another trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  And although The Plaza never gets old I wanted to explore along the famous Turquoise Trail (State Highway 14). Viola!  I come across a little…..town?

The Tano Natives were the first to dwell in Cerrillos in large pueblos spread throughout the Galisteo Basin. Many materials were mined out of the area—turquoise, gold, silver and lead.  Several mine collapses caused the mines to be filled in, and they laid dormant for 150 years.

Cerrillos was re-discovered in 1879 by Colorado prospectors.  Word spread fast about the riches to be had and a boom began!

By 1900, the mines started to shut down once again, and today only a fraction of the boom remains.  

For explorers, it is well worth the stop on the side of The Turquoise Trail!