South Dakota seems like a normal-sized state until you decide to drive across it. In one day. And with either headwinds or crosswinds tormenting you the entire time. I mostly set the cruise control to 55 mph and watched the scenery go by. And amazing scenery it was. No picture I took really gets across how BIG the sky is here, how far you can see, and how wide open everything is. I’m not saying drive across the state, but at least visit it sometime, it’s got some beautiful landscapes.
And it has the Missouri River. One reason I wanted to cross the state on US-212 was that in January, from a plane flying Seattle to JFK/NYC, I saw this from the air and thought it would be cool to see it on my trip.
South Dakota also has some quirky sights.
This next one is not a trick photo, the cross is bigger than the church. The pickup truck shows the scale of both.
And this is where I ended the day (Rocky Point State Park near Belle Fourche), hard by the western border of the state, ready to jump into WY tomorrow to spend 3 days near/at Yellowstone.
Today’s quotation
Trip stats
- Miles Driven: 367 long, hard miles (2179 overall)
- MPG: 11.6 (14.7 overall) Note: Headwinds and crosswinds all day, 7 hours of it.
- Side trips: None.
- States/Provinces: South Dakota
Map
Connie, I am kind of hooked on the 60s station on SiriusXM, like reliving my preteen and teenage years as far as music goes. I still remember most of the lyrics, too!
Cruise control, heated seat (ah, my back loves that feature), and SiriusXM radio, always something to sing along to.
Thank you, Maria! Some places will require more of a story, which I can work on later, after I am not working full-time 🙂 For now, this is snapshot of each day’s travel, enough to whet my appetite for more, and hopefully yours too.
Denis, thank you! I am seeing a lot of US but there is so much more. Maybe our paths will cross in the next few years as you travel more, I hope so!
WOW!!! Impressive last photo
I am si proud of you, you are awakening my needs for travels deep inside of me.
Wow, Annie!! I love your pictures and your story telling. Keep up the good work and thanks for letting us travel with you.
The pictures are really interesting images of America. They capture a mood and tell a story.
wow indeed – 7 hours of wind – arghhhhh – thank goodness for cruise control. Generally I am not a fan of cruise control but I suspect it really saved your sanity.
Westward Ho.
Wow, you are really moving, Annie. Some nice views. Hope you are singing along with the ride and enjoying yourself. Remember, every little thing is gonna be alright.