September, 2011
Last year Roz and I had planned to include this part of the country in our trip out West, however had to abandon this phase due to a mishap. During the past month or so we have been making plans to return and “finish the trip.”
This trip our camping experience was to be just a little bit different…instead of taking the camper we chose to take our 6X12’ cargo trailer and convert it to a Toy Hauler/Camper…Having experimented with this setup a couple of times locally, just to see if Roz could adapt to the somewhat confined environment, we decided it was Doable…The plan, transport the motorcycle by day in the trailer and by night roll out the bike and ..SHAZZAM…a camper, of sorts.
Actually, it is a lot more comfortable than it appears. After adjusting to the MUCH smaller area, it wasn’t bad at all. We had about all the conveniences of the Big Camper, ie, satellite TV, microwave, refrigerator(small), toaster oven, Porta-Potti, air conditioning….we had the routine down pat, including laying out the air mattresses, bed making, cooking…like a fine Swiss watch.
Leaving Kentucky for our 3000 mile trip our first night was spent at Scott AFB FAMCAMP in Illinois, and the camping experience went as planned, great. On up the road to a place called Gen Pershing SP in Missouri for our next stop. We were getting to like this little deal. Just securing the bike each day was taking a little time, but not too bad, even getting the hang of that.
Next stop was at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Ne. We had planned to stay at their FamCamp but were advised that it was flooded by the Missouri River and had been closed since June. Plan B….check Base Lodging…Terrific, a very nice room, just hoping Roz did not get TOO accustomed to this hotel lifestyle overnight…
She looks like she got pretty comfortable to me. On down the road, next stop, a great campground on the banks of the Missouri River, and Lake Francis Case, called Snake Creek Recreational Area.
Lake Francis Case(largest wintering place for Bald and Golden Eagles)
From Snake Creek it was on down the road, next stop, Ellsworth AFB at Rapid City, SD. Our first night here was spent in their FamCamp. Weather was very interesting, a significant thunderstorm developed overnight causing not just a little concern to us, sleeping, or trying to, in our little motel..not going to happen. Concern over the bike outside and us inside with the wind rattling our trailer, we spent a mostly sleepless night.
The next day we checked into Ellsworth Lodging for the next six days. Great accommodations, a BIG step up from our little palace.
Now for Mt Rushmore and all the surrounding beauty of the Black Hills…
The Honda checking out the Park entrance…
George and the Boys
The fellow pictured was one of the original drillers on the mountain, very alert and interesting to listen to as he described the task ahead of them.
Roz and I in the shadow of The Boys…
Last one…maybe….
Being an ole boy from the flatlands of Kentucky all this beauty was somewhat breathtaking, just can’t get enough photos…
What’s that? Think we will yield to the larger vehicle..one of the numerous tunnels on the Iron Mountain Highway…with its’ pigtail bridges and beautiful scenery…
This bridge loops back over itself, hence, the name “pigtail” bridge.
George can be seen from many different locations, this one several miles south of Rushmore.
This road had several wonderful curves, designed for the motorcyclist, I am sure…
Just a few of the MANY buffalo encountered throughout Custer State Park.
The donkeys were too cute, looking for handouts from car to car…didn’t hang around us on the bike, probably knew a biker had NO food to offer…
Kids loved these animals.
Had to do the run to Deadwood and Spearfish, could have spent days here in this area.
Roz as a stop on the Needles Highway..
This road was a bikers dream, however could be very distracting if trying to take in all the amazing scenery while maintaining control of the bike…The back-seater did help ensure I stayed focused…more to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment