Rather a weak day for pictures: there were a number that I should have taken, but at inopportune times.Gigantic coal mines and coal processing as we left Gillette - "the energy capital of the nation".
Some fun rocky canyons as weaved through the sedimentary (sandstone and limestone) layers that were pushed up and tilted, then eroded, as the basement layer igneous rock forming the core of the Black Hills were pushed up.
Then we rolled into Custer, the southern gateway to the Black Hills: a tourist trap including the Flintstone motel and campground.
Sturgis motorcycle rally appears to have spilled over to occupy the entire summer in the area, and Harley Davidsons's appear to be the predominant vehicle on the roads. Hard to tell without looking, if you're about to be run down by a large truck, or just passed by a Harley.
So, for pictures, you'll have to settle for a few choice labels from the PAC Tour vans and one picture of the finest in local wildlife.
6.6 hrs in the saddle, 185 km (115 miles), 28.1 km/hr(17.4 MPH - fairly strong winds variously tail, cross, and head), av pulse 93. 1700 foot net climb (about 4000 ft total).
I'm headed out of Santa Fe - See you somewhere between Rapid City and Murdo tomorrow I think. -Nate.
ReplyDeleteHi Rick,
ReplyDeleteWe're enjoying your commentary. Joel and I made that same observation about the miles and miles of corn fields when we traveled east this fall. I was just commenting to Joel that you were totally prepared for the hill climbing on this trip, but there's no way to prepare yourself for the humidity of the east. Again, the West is Best!
Happy Trails,
Karen