Day of Travel

I have been thinking of why we didn't bring Jason & Becky out west growing up.  Several things may have been the issue.  For one, it is a two week trip.  That is time off and the expense of motels/food for four.  Also, we loved the beach.  Growing up, they like going to Florida.  Another thing, Jason played baseball and that was in the summer, we went on vacations typically during spring break....which was one week.  Me working at a school, I only took spring break off during the school year.  

Coming west in the summer there are so many more tourists in Yellowstone.  You have to time it right, not to come too early or too late!  Since coming, I keep thinking "would children like this trip?" It is a LOT of driving, unless you fly out and rent a car.  Which is super nice.  We like driving, since we have the convertible.  And, as mentioned, we make stops along the way.  Would kids like seeing Mount Rushmore, yes.  However, once they do, what next?  A lot of beautiful scenery.  Huge boulders, rock formations (but they can't climb most of them), and more driving.  It's not Disney where there are rides/attractions.  Or many putt putt courses along the way (there may be but not on every corner), or kiddie type of things.  So, plan well young families!  Do your homework to find things they will like.  

Today, we left Hill City, SD, and rode toward Cody, Wyoming.  First stop was Deadwood, SD, neat town.  Brick streets, where Wild Bill Hickok was shot from behind and killed while playing poker in a saloon in Deadwood, South Dakota, by Jack McCall, an unsuccessful gambler.

We stopped at the Pump House, an old gas station turned into a deli/cafe with a glass blowing business inside.  Beautiful (pricey) pieces.  The Traynor's (again, thanks!) gave us the heads up on this place.  Pictures to follow.


Rode into Lead, SD, and took Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.  We stopped at Bridal Veil Falls, and headed west to where we are tonight, Cody, Wyoming.  Tomorrow is Yellowstone and more.  Here are a few photos from today, which was mostly traveling the 6 1/2 hour drive from Rushmore to Cody.

 This was our first stop after eating a big breakfast, too early for lunch.  Everything looked good!

The original location where Wild Bill was shot.

This was an Indian Motorcycle Shop, and look who we saw there!  Mike & Frank, the pickers. (not)

 There was a five day Austin-Healey car show in Deadwood last week.  All weekend, they have been all over the roads in Rushmore.  A fella told us there were 280 registered for this show. They were made from 1953 to 1966 (I think he said, there about).

One issue with using the camera, I don't take as many photos as I do with my cell camera.  Therefore, tonight as late as it is getting, I don't take time to download both.  This is a terrible photo of Bridal Veil Falls, along Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.  

Tomorrow is Yellowstone and Clyde just told me he had ten stops planned.  Early morning if we want to see animals.  So goodnight!