Leaving Gillette, Wyoming and heading east on I-90 for 26 miles, wasn’t anything terribly special. And although I was sad not having time to see Devil’s Tower, merging onto Highway 16 to head southeast towards our destination in South Dakota, was to be my introduction to what would become one of my favorite driving days on this entire trip.

Eastern Wyoming is as beautiful as ever, but the moment we crossed the border into South Dakota, there was an immediate sense that I was about to be greeted with things that would make a permanent impression on my heart. I was right. And I’m not gonna lie… that ROAD. My goodness my friends, this state has some of the most amazing roads I have ever traveled on; so smooth! If you tow, you know…
The roadways everywhere are impeccably clean, well maintained, and are lined with the most unique scenery sure to light up a smile on many a weary traveler’s face, even on the dreariest of days.

This particular highway took us right in to Custer, South Dakota, which is a super cute little town within about 20 miles of our next campground destination, Palmer Gulch KOA. We did not stop, as it was late in the day, and we wanted to leave enough time to see Crazy Horse Memorial, one of Dave’s bucket list stops. The thunderstorms of the late day were about to roll in, but we did get there just in time to make the long walk from the RV Parking area to the visitor center. This is a must see if coming to this part of South Dakota, and there is even a laser light show, which we did not have time to see, but please check it out on perhaps some
other great Youtube channels. The visitor center is so well put together, and the live dancers are a joy to watch!

**I must make a disclaimer that we were not able to take the bus tour at Crazy Horse, so I added in two free downloaded photos to this movie, that I cannot take credit for. I like to use every bit of my own material, as well as solely utilizing what little knowledge I possess in making my movies. This is a rare occurrence where I knew it would be sad to not include a close up of the Chief. I think in this case, it’s ok. I like the way it turned out.

South Dakota is a very diverse state as far as landscapes go. I was truly surprised, impressed, and emotionally moved on more than one occasion. We traveled through ten states this summer, and while each and every one of them are beautiful and worthy of multiple visits, South Dakota earned an extra star by its name. It might be that one time—the one where I walked through the Badlands, that tipped the scale. Because it was… incredible.

The next movie will skip Mount Rushmore, as I posted that video while we were on the road. Take a look at that one if you want to follow our time line. Anyways… if you are here, I am glad. I may not be writing as much in these descriptions as the new school year begins next Monday, and making three videos a week is gonna be pretty hard. Let alone writing about them. I need to break away from my keyboard obsession, anyway.

Well, this was a great drive, and I hope you enjoyed it, as we’ll be settling in to the Dakotas for a while. I will leave you with a quote that pretty much sums up my new found love for long term traveling. I cannot be more grateful that it has become a reality. Funny how with a little positivity, life will drop something in your lap that you never thought was possible. I’ll catch ya next time!♥️

“The freedom of the open road is seductive, serendipitous and absolutely liberating.”
—Aaron Lauritsen

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