On to Yellowstone

The Black Hills of South Dakota

Off to the Black Hills--- about a three hour drive on a beautiful day.  We realized we’d spent the longest day of the year in 98 degree weather so the cooler temperature of higher elevation was perfect.   The Black Hills are called that because they are covered with pine trees that appear dark in color from a distance.  The smell is wonderful!  We stopped and ate brunch in a pine forest with that wonderful pine aroma—first great memory of the day.

The winding drive was so beautiful (second great memory) and soon we were stopped on the road by a herd of about 100 buffalo that were crossing the road and weaving in and out of the vehicles (third great memory).  There were lots of babies in the herd.  At one point, they had our van surrounded but they were very calm and slow moving.  We could have touched them out the window.  

Custer State Park in the Black Hills

We could have touched him from the window

This beautiful scenic highway continued up the mountain through a tunnel and as we emerged from the tunnel there was Mt Rushmore right in front of us.  We stopped at a little park up there that had outstanding views of Mt Rushmore.  The roads, the tunnels, the 360 degree turns in the road called “pinwheels” and Mt Rushmore are all engineering marvels.  We drove down off the mountain right by Mt Rushmore park and were able to get a closer look.  Number 4 great memory.  Also passed Crazy Horse carved in rock and saw him in profile.

We are camped for one night at a National Forest Roubaix Lake.  Didn’t need reservations and the campsites are lovely.  A hike (remember that I use this word loosely—any walking that requires tennis shoes is a hike!)  half way around the lake, a campfire and some Bush’s baked beans and brisket made for a happy ending to a perfect day!

In case anyone wants to duplicate this journey, here are the roads we took.

Rt 44 west out of the Badlands to Rt Truck 16 south (left) to Rt 79 toward Hermosa,  right turn on to Rt 36, right turn onto 16A toward Keystone, left onto Rt 244 then right onto Rt 385 towards Lead.  There are a number of National Forest campgrounds on #385 ---Roubaix is closer to Lead.

Continuing westward and vertically up to 8,000 feet we are now in the Bighorn Wilderness area five hours later.  It is a stupendous drive!  All pine trees, cliffs and a winding road to Prune Creek  Campground.  We cannot imagine a more perfect place to camp.  Our large wooded site overlooks a big rushing creek .  We sat in our chairs thinking this is what dreams are made of !    

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