This park was a paradox. It was low budget, but had upscale coaches. The large 5th wheel beside us was from Alaska. The one on the other side was from New York. The nearest attraction was Little Big Horn Battlefield National Park. This is the best park around, so that may explain the paradox. We don't need to stay in fancy parks. We can close our blinds and be oblivious to our surroundings, especially for a night at a time. We have parks that are fine for overnights and those we prefer for long-term stays. This was good for overnight.
Because of the high wind and rain yesterday, we didn't go to Little Big Horn. It was a disappointment, but we knew that we wouldn't see much from the car and the weather was way too nasty to get out of the car. This and the next photo is the country near Little Big Horn. It fits our picture of the terrain of the battle. A reminder: if you are 65, you are eligible for a pass to all the National Parks and Monuments for a one time fee of $10 per couple/car load for the rest of your life.
We really enjoyed this part of Montana. It is very free of buildings and signs.
We drove for miles without seeing so much as a house.
The rain in the distant mountains was mystical.
Strip mining for coal by the Peabody Coal Company. This mine is reputed to have the lowest sulfur content coal in North America. The processing plant is across I-90. I grew up in the strip mining country of Illinois. I know that this is controversial, but the coal companies in my hometown were very environmentally responsible and made the land into a state park when they were finished.
This train of coal went on for about a mile.
Ted motoring down I-90 with an oil rig in the background. Friend from Wyoming says that the state has a real windfall of oil money. It has generated incredible corruption.
Wyoming has more of these "parking" areas than rest stops. Good idea. They don't have to provide restrooms and picnic area. Works great for us since we already have our own restroom and dining table.
This is Spearfish, SD, not far from the Wyoming border. We spent some time here, and, even considered but discarded, making this a summer home. It is a neat town with easy access to the big outdoors of The Black Hills.
We came through several road construction areas, but speed limit was 65 mph. Nice. Our tax dollars are fixing the aging Interstate system; much needed.
There were lots of clever "rider" signs entering Sturgis, SD, the sight of the famous annual motorcycle rally. We have been told to avoid the area when this is happening. It becomes crazy and people make choices that they never would in their hometowns.
You know that you are in South Dakota when you see these snow gates that are used to close the Interstate when needed. There are signs posted near some of these indicating extremely steep fines should a driver choose to go around them.
Note the dark hills We are in The Black Hills of South Dakota.
This is Exit 61 off of I-90 in Box Elder, SD, our new place of residence. Box Elder is a "suburb" of Rapid City.
We are parked at America's Mailbox. This is a business that helps RVers establish residence in SD and provides a mail service for those who use them. They throw away the junk mail and send only first class mail when given an address. Nothing fancy, but pretty cool view.
As I said, nothing fancy.
This the #1rated restaurant in Rapid City according to TripAdvisor. Again, nothing fancy, not diet food, but definitely worth the rating.
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