An early start soon had me in Chamberlain, South Dakota, the place to “cross the wide Missouri“, the river in full spate after all the rain.
On the other side, the land stretches out seemingly forever, justifying the speed limit of 80 mph.
Keep going and you start seeing the start of the Badlands, a place we’ll see on the trip home.
Another four hours or so and I’m in Wyoming, greener than I’ve ever seen it. Then it’s on to Gillette. Finally after a hour or so, I see the sight I’ve waited for for the better part of two days: the Bighorn Mountains with an amazing amount of snow on them, considering it was the middle of June!
Forgive the quality of the mountain photos. The sight was quite spectacular, the sun shining on the snow-covered peaks and dark, brooding clouds surrounding them. I couldn’t wait until the first pullout…only to find that ALL of them were blocked off due to highway construction. I was crushed, as I was hoping to get the shot of a lifetime with my Nikon. Instead I was reduced to literal point-and-shoot from the van while driving (very, very carefully and deleting lots of photos that didn’t turn out.) Trust me, I’m extremely careful, hence all the bad shots that had to go.
Once I got to Sheridan, the first stop was the library, Black Tooth Brewery for some to-go beer, groceries, and gas (for the van!), then up the mountain where after much unpacking and cleaning (quite a lot of that after almost a year of a closed up cabin), I finally got to this view. Makes it all worth it!
Lovely, lovely images Janet.
Many thanks, Su. It’s easy to take lovely photos in such a beautiful place. 🙂
Beautiful scenery along this route
Oh so very true!! The land goes from urban to farm to farm but a bit more wild in Wisconsin, then beautiful, wide-open farms in Minnesota, changes about halfway through South Dakota (after crossing the Missouri, and then into Wyoming, which is often dry and empty much of the time until the Bighorns. I’ve loved it for all these years. Next year will be a completely different experience.
That is just amazing
Great post 🙂
Thanks very much. Glad you’re taking the drive with me.
No problem 🙂 nothing feels better than driving. check out my blog when you get the chance 😄
I do love driving trips, although when going to Europe, I prefer flying, at least for the first part. 🙂
This country is some of my favorite in the U.S. Great mountain shots given the road conditions. At Chamberlain, I hope you stopped at the rest area and saw Dignity, the 50-foot steel statue of a Native American woman erected there a few years ago.
It’s a beautiful area, John, one I’ve loved seeing each year for many, many years. Next year’s drive from Arizona will be completely different but lovely in its own way.
I did see Dignity, but only from the road. We were at the end of a very long day (stops at Devil’s Tower and a drive through the Badlands. The statue is quite impressive and lovely, isn’t it?
janet
It is indeed. We are traveling that way today again and will stop to visit again.
So amazing gorgeous 🙂
Thanks, Hammad. I think so, too. 🙂
I have taken many shots out my car window…because my driver does not think he might pull over on the highway, in open country, for just a second. He is probably correct, but I keep trying! It is a beautiful part of the country!
I was on my own here, but alas, nowhere to safely pull over as there were miles of construction zones. My husband is willing to pull over if I want, but when on the interstate, you often can’t find anywhere that’s OK to stop. Glad you enjoyed these.
janet
Please don’t worry about too many photos of the mountains, Janet. I think they are beautiful (as are the other pictures).
The entire vacation I kept taking photos of mountains, flowers, mountains, flowers, etc., etc. 🙂
It looks like you found the green-end of the rainbow this year.
Ω
Very true, Allan.
These photos really give you a greater appreciation for the journey itself. Those blue skies look deeper than the ocean. What a trip!
Janet, hope that the quiet and solitude of the land will give you a reprieve from reality.
It was wonderful, Sally. Thanks.
Glad you arrived safely, Janet! Enjoy!
Thanks, but we’re actually back. I’m reprising the trip for the blog. 😉. It was a wonderful time.
“Well. glad you’re safely back home to tell us all about it then!” he says with egg-on-face…
No egg necessary. I didn’t really make it clear. I’m just glad you’re along for the trip.
I am glad I was invited!
Always.
🙂
While you refer to them as point and shoot pictures I still think they are great.
Thanks, I’m glad you do. I only referred to them that way because they were taking by just holding my phone and shooting without paying much attention to it in order that I could drive safely.
Some beautiful long, long roads. Great photo captutes. 🙂
Thanks, Amy. I’m pleased you liked them.
Fabulous driving shots! Ooo, the Badlands! That time we went out west, I was going to see the Badlands as much as Mt. Rushmore. They didn’t disappoint.
They’re great, Marian, and this year they were also green!!
Oh yes, it was worth that drive, stops, and cleaning.