As I started driving eastbound, I picked a city that looked like an achievable stopping point. From the Badlands, I made a goal to reach Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the night.
I googled a local brewery in the city to hopefully get a flight to try out a few different brews. I definitely picked the right joint. Was super cute, only 2 years old and had a great view of the park which would then become part of my to do list for tomorrow.
I stopped at a beautiful rest area right after I crossed the Missouri River on I-90. They had a historical venue of the Lewis and Clark travels and also a trail that led you down to their memorial bridge.
Rest stop was at the top of a hill with a beautiful view but no overnight parking.
A giant tepee monument. Looking up.
From a distance. You could of course see this from the highway but I had no idea what it was.
Enormous sculpture tribute.
The statue from behind. You can see the cars in the parking lot to better grasp the scale.
View from the trail. Was great to get out and stretch for a bit.
Severance Brewery. Super cute. Positioned on the edge of downtown, across from a park and below some newly established millennial apartment complex.
When I arrived around 5pm it was empty but later it got quite crowded.
My tasters with a view! What could be a better way to end my amazing day?!
The bartender was an adorable blond, 20 something who was so kind to me. I even gave her a hug before I left. She was inspired by my solo trip and recommended I go to her home town which was 1+ hours away.
My heart goes to a fellow small town girl that left to find herself in a larger city. And she had so much pride in her hometown, I had to go take a look. She was from Dutch heritage and said her town was based on Dutch settlers and even had a tulip festival.
When I got my van parked at the Sioux Walmart just 3 miles away, it started down pouring. Love my timing. Love my life.
After reading the inspiring story about the pharmacist and his wife settling in this area, I googled the Badlands to see how far it was from me. It was only 10 minutes away. Who knew? I guess if I was travelling with someone who was more of a planner and navigator, maybe I would. But I completely stumbled across this fabulous national park only because of Wall Drug and the pamphlet I read about them while eating my breakfast.
After a rough rainy, windy, cold day at Mount Rushmore, today was turning out to be quite the opposite! The sun was out and I was in tune to where I needed to be. Love my walk with instinct and ability to maneuver to what is next for myself.
This was my favorite national park and I will be back to hike it. I do not usually like going to the same place twice. The world is too big and fascinating to spend time repeatedly observing the same things. I will never see it all, but I will try to see what I am capable of while still here with the ability to do so. I thank God daily for my body and its abilities. I am truly fortunate to have the genes I do.
Read that this place got its name as it was difficult land to cross. I can see that if you had a wagon in tow.
My timing again, perfect. Only a handful of people around as the sun was still reaching it heights.
If you were to look across the road on the opposite side, it was nothing but flat grasslands.
See the person at the top? Does this give you a better idea of the scale of these mountains!
Walking out along the narrow trails was not at all scary like when I was at the other canyons. I think because of the mud. It was soft. I wrongfully felt I could fall and be okay.
Who wants to come with me next time? We don’t have to live in the van if we split a hotel and don’t make a month out of it. 🙂
Alive and well. On day 5 of no shower and I have mastered peeing in the van. (funnel and gallon jug-amazing port a potty) But tomorrow I have plans to get pampered in Chicago by my friend Julie! She always seems to be part of my trips wherever they take me. I always stopped by her place when I came back from Thailand too. So looking forward to my visit with her! And a shower.
All of this was dirt. Not rock.
It would crumble beneath your steps.
Really quite strange. I wondered how they weren’t blown away but I suppose they just continue to evolve with the weather and time.
Pockets of green. You could hear the locusts singing along from their safety zones.
This is now a common site. But still, had to take his photo.
OMG I love these critters! Watching them was so fun.
Tough to capture even with zoom. They moved fast and would bark, stand up and scurry about. So playful. There was acres of grass and holes. Must be thousands of them living here in the Badlands.
Driving by, this prairie dog stood up and begged me to take his photo.
Then I came across these beautifully colored mounds.
The colors. I want to buy all new art for my house!
I actually completed seeing this entire park. It kept my interest. The landscape was never the same.
I took the long scenic way around and ended up on about 20 minutes of dirt country road. Poor Vanessa. She was a trooper and kept reminding me that she was brand new and needed broken in. I drove past the road that took me back into the park, so I did my typical U turn and went back. I wasn’t about to give up seeing the second half of this park.
Well, now I understand what they mean when they say watch out for cows on the roads. Literally these guys sat and starred at me as if I needed to put my car in reverse. But I just sat there patiently waiting for them to move on.
More of my favorite as soon as I pulled back in the south entrance.
I climbed to the top of one of these to snap this photo.
Would love to take the time to hike down in these mud mounds.
Endless land. And I read they only saved 1/10 of it for the national park conservation.
Love the stripes.
What would I do once I got out there in the middle?
This range had such interesting tops. I Marco Polo-ed Debbie Knauss this view as I was driving since it was her birthday.
Was a lighter sand mud.
I stopped to hike a bit. Admiring their climb I did one of my own further back in the hills.
Look at their details.
Natural sculpture that has endured.
Reaching my spot, I laid down for a 15 minute nap in the sun.
I discovered how much I enjoy climbing. I want to do more of this.
Not too many wild flowers out here.
Until we meet again.
As I drove out of the park, I was back to the vast flat grasslands. The badlands was a hidden treasure as so many of God’s best creations are.
As I was driving down 90 East heading back home, I kept seeing billboards saying “Wall Drug”. I thought what an odd name for a pharmacy. I kept seeing them, over and over. One after the other. Reminded me of the mine in Springfield, Mo when I stopped because of their advertising. And that worked out. So, maybe I should check this out too?
It was 8 am when I pulled off the highway and followed the obnoxiously clear signs on how to get and park for Wall Drugs. There were bus parking lots ready to be filled and I just couldn’t understand.
Well now I do. It was something to see for sure! Its a town all in one shop. Complete with photo opps with giant statues for kids, a roaring dinosaur, an ice cream/soda shop, a cafe, a museum and tons of unique shops. They even had a chapel, which I totally understood after reading the history of the couple that established this place. The story read that Ted Hustead inherited 3000$ upon his father’s death in 1929. He had just graduated from pharmacy school and wanted to find a location in South Dakota that needed one.
He and his wife (Dorothy) traveled around looking at different small towns and were convinced to open their pharmacy in Wall, SD. This was a religious couple, and it was important to them that they had a Catholic church close by that they could attend daily. As The Great Depression took hold of the USA, they were not successful in their business. The wife had faith and said they just needed to put their God given talents to work in creative ways and it will come.
One afternoon, with no customers and the heat setting in, they went upstairs to take a nap. But they couldn’t sleep listening to all the traffic. That’s when it occurred to them to put up road signs and advertise “free ice water”. It worked. And as the story goes, people flocked to their exit to get some water along this deserted hot roadway to the newly built Mount Rushmore.
I walked into what looked like a typical store, except for all the taxidermy!
I decided to eat my breakfast here and planted myself into their dining hall, complete with artwork and funeral flowers.
Beautiful sculpted statues were everywhere.
Sculpture room.
A museum in the best sense.
Every hall you went down had something to look at.
I became obsessed with the jackalope.
The hallways were lined with historical articles.
You could spend hours in there, but for me it became a tad overwhelming.
I was happy I was there during what appeared to be their down time. Early morning and before the summer rush.
Chapel on site. Respect their commitment and dedication to what faith provided them.
Sacred Black Hills territory.
They had a backyard area which was really cute.
There’s my jackalope.
Felt like you were on the set of Three Amigos.
I typically would not enjoy this type of tourist trap, but because of Ted and Dorothy’s story and the history along the walls, it was truly a gem.
The history here is one they are all rightfully proud of.
These were a collection of Native American photographs dating back to the late 1800s. Fascinating.
Their tradition I hope is not fully lost in their future generations.
Across the street other stores have also set up to catch some of the business brought in by Wall Drug.
An old childhood fellow gymnast friend, Rhonda Nomini, encouraged me to see Mount Rushmore if I was nearby. And I was. Only 3 hours from Keystone, South Dakota where the monuments were located.
After a lunch in Casper, Wyoming, I decided to head towards these national monuments. It was an all out downpour the entire drive. I was fighting to stay awake and frustrated by the two lanes highways. I hate how weather truly effects my moods.
When I finally got close, there were signs for the Crazy Horse mountain monument and I turned in to take a look.
This rock/mountain sculpture was worth the entire 3 hours in the rain. It reminded me of my mom’s obsession with Indians and my grandfathers hobby of jewelry art making. It hit home.
In strange ways. I felt my mother would’ve loved this. Their story. Their fight for saving their culture. Their anti government trust. I felt very much a part of this story from my mother somehow. I can’t wait to ask her more when we meet again in the afterlife.
Drew me in. I hadn’t read about it before.
Inside they had a miniature sculpture of the end project next to the window showing the actual mountain they were carving.
Inside was a history museum that displayed many Native American artifacts and this laminated history of their leaders.
A wall tribute. Seriously in awe.
The museum was quite extensive. Their shops sold American Indian handicrafts which I wanted to support.
I’m always still interested in fashion.
And these hand carved flutes were cool.
Actual knife and sheath of Crazy Horse, who was murdered.
A Native American teepee.
They had an art museum displaying various artworks representing the American native culture.
I loved the encased sculpture capturing dance.
And the bird claw token.
More art that intrigued me. Symbolic. I wish I understood more.
I think if I lived in Wyoming or South Dakota I possibly would have a better, hopefully, education of this indigenous culture. All I know was my mom seemed to have art, which I now inherited, which symbolizes this culture. She appreciated their roots and injustice.
I watched a 20 minute movie about the white Polish sculptor who dedicated his life to this project. Sculpting Crazy Horse. He had ten kids which all were put to work helping out with this project and passion. He knew he would not see the end of it, but knew it was worth his life dedicated to it. Starting in the 40s, the first project was simply building the 700 plus steps up the mountain to begin the work.
The Crazy Horse sculpture has never accepted any government funding because they didn’t trust them to finish this very important monument. Very cool to me.
I was extremely moved by the video I watched, the cause, the passion of this family. They had a museum inside and have even established a college on these grounds for Native Americans. One of the original sculpture’s daughter is now in charge and oversee this facility. It’s very inspiring, their dedication to making sure the Native Americans are represented.
The weather sucked. But I trudged on route to see Mount Rushmore even though the rain was predicted until 11 pm. I was told that the Crazy Horse staff and guests were forced into the basement right before my arrival due to a tornado warning. This was not ideal tourist weather.
Driving up the mountain. I kept watching Vanessa’s outside temp reading because I knew too well that once it went to 35 ish degrees, it became snow up here.
Most was under construction but I snapped a few quick photos.
Smaller than predicted actually , but beautiful nonetheless.
Me freezing and looking forward to getting back to Vanessa.
I decided when I woke up to head east and googled a major city 3-4 hours in that direction. I came up with Casper, Wyoming.
The drive was interesting! I began at 8 am because it was raining and cold and the only way to get heat was to start Vanessa. So, may as well hit the road and that should put me in Casper in time for lunch.
About 15 minutes into my drive, as I climbed the mountain, the rain turned to snow.
I am not great at driving in the snow, even back home. My daughters recall me walking home many times while leaving my car behind during snow storms.
In high school I soberly ended up in a ditch more than once. One night the sheriff had to drive me home. My parents made me write a thank you to the police officer and kind man that later randomly stopped to tow me out. My letter was published in the town’s newspaper since I didn’t have either of their names. I was so embarrassed.
But the Universe was on my side this morning and I ended up behind a snowplow. Thank God!
It was beautiful to see the snow on the trees, but winter at the end of May is too much.
A snowmobilers dreamland.
I passed through several National Forests. This one has a winding river.
It wove in and out as far as you could see.
I was cracking up how all the ranches have these wood posts entrances.
I’d just never seen so many.
The landscape colors, and weather, kept changing as I drove on.
Houses nestled at the base of the mountains.
The mountains changed color and texture between the miles.
Seems like it would be a different state or different road.
I entered into the Wind River Indian Reservation. In New Mexico all the reservations were blocked off completely, not allowing anyone but residents in.
Was noticing the different color stripes on these hills.
And then these little mounds. Guess I’m just used to the flatlands of Ohio. These changes in landscape kept my brain stimulated.
What?! My relatives own a casket company in Wyoming?! My last name is very uncommon, so this was fun to see, but even better the business!!
Then, the land was flat.
I loved this. Not sure why. The town was called Highland. In front of this town there was an official sign-saying “ population 10”😂
On a side note, I’d never heard of a Jackolope before. But I’m hooked!
The PHD lookalike in Idaho mentioned that the Grand Teton National Park connected at the south entrance of Yellowstone. He thought I may be able to find free pull off parking south of that park before I hit Jackson Hole.
I actually loved this park with its gorgeous Teton Mountain view. But I was also getting tired and still needed a place to park for the night.
Map of this park and what it offered.
When I first entered it looked like a section was part of a recent forest fire. The trees looked like this.
But after driving a bit the mountains appeared and I attempted, unsuccessfully, to capture their grand presence.
The clouds were playing an integral part moving in as the sun was setting.
Across the lake view.
They are so much bigger in person. Some things you have to see. Mountains and oceans are definitely in that category.
Check out the colors!!! And those clouds making a quick move.
Couldn’t get enough of them.
Just perfect.
I pulled off and sat with this view out of my front windshield as the sun set. I was debating on which way to go. To Jackson which was going to be another tourist town further south or start heading east to make my way back home.
It started to pour down rain at this point so I decided if it rained tomorrow too, it would be a good driving day. So I started driving toward Dubois, Wyoming.
I quickly slammed on my brakes and pulled into an RV park that looked vacant. Unfortunately the store looked closed. But there was a dive bar open, so I wandered in to ask if I could park.
There were a few young drunk guys hanging outside smoking and drinking. Made me wonder what type of crowd would be inside.
The bartender spotted me and kindly asked how he could help. He said I could park in any open slot but they are all full hook ups and would charge me 69$. He asked what I was driving. When I told him just a minivan, he directed me down the street where there was a gravel lot that he’d seen other campers park in.
Excellent advise. I arrived before it was too dark. Paid my 12$ fee via envelope at the entry and I froze my ass off for the night. But, I found my place.
It rained all night and into the morning. I’m getting a little worn out and want to start heading back home.
The drive up was mostly a two lane highway but had beautiful views if you weren’t stuck behind a semi or RV.
I went into Yellowstone using the west entrance which is said to be the most popular. It had a very touristy town right before entering. Surprisingly it wasn’t very crowded.
I stopped at the information center to inquire if I could loop around the entire park in the remainder of the day. It was now 4 pm. The vibrant woman told me it would take me several hours just to do 1/4 of it. I was glad I asked!
She asked me where I was staying to help route me through. I told her I didn’t have anyplace and she seemed very concerned. She told me I couldn’t park anywhere in the park unless I had a reservation. I wasn’t worried. Not yet anyways.
Soon after entering the park there were tons of buffalo just roaming around. Snow still leftover from the night before.
Everywhere was gorgeous green trees, water and mountains.
Caught this guy just chilling on the side of the road. Prehistoric looking animals.
A better shot of the Buffalo grazing.
This truly captured what I saw mostly driving through Yellowstone from the west entrance to the south.
There were tons of pull offs where you could jump out and enjoy the view.
A lot of waterfalls and lakes.
It was natural splendor.
How I will mostly remember the park.
Nothing overly spectacular or crazy unique like in Utah’s. Plus it’s much colder up here🤣. I think that truly affects my judgement of a place. How comfortable I am. I miss the heat!
The other points of interest on this end are the hypothermal areas. There were several areas you could park and walk along to observe these hot pockets.
For more information.
Of course you know me, I just appreciate the oddity of it all and the fascinating colors. The steam smelled of sulfur.
The area was cool with pastels bubbling.
Pretty odd to see the earth randomly boiling.
I couldn’t figure out how some trees were still alive around this hellish land while others were crispy grey.
It was interesting to watch the geysers burst up. Made me wonder when Lewis and Clark explored what were their thoughts when they came across this?!
The complexity of the earth we live on. And this is only just part of the USA. The world is an astonishing wonderland.
I kept stopping at the sites and they varied slightly from each other.
More green and blue.
Love how they tell you to keep on the walkways.
Such interesting landscape.
I’d wait and try to capture the burst in motion.
It was windy and cold. Made me want a hot bath.
Admiring the color combinations.
One last stop on the way out of Yellowstone was the famous Old Faithful. When I pulled up the parking lot was packed. They had built a resort, shops and restaurants around this attraction.
I hurriedly walked where I saw others go, only to find a huge crowd already lined up and waiting. As if watching a fireworks show that hasn’t started yet.
About 5 minutes after I arrived it finally burst and I was able to catch it.
Old Faithfuls grand entrance.
I used to love Yogi Bear growing up. They changed the names in this cartoon ever so slightly. Took place in Jellystone Park. And here they are with Old Fateful😁
As I headed out there were a couple more beautiful water views. This one with the mountains in the background.
What is the Continental Divide? I need to google that.
This photo I love with the burnt orange, tan mixed with the backdrop of the snow covered mountains and green trees. 💚
Another waterfall. One thing about national parks is I never took the time to hike too deep within them so as much as I enjoy my photos, it was too busy to really soak in the views. Plus it was cold out. Have I said that enough yet?
Pulled over to look down and it was the perfect exit photo.
Exiting Yellowstone. It started to rain which I imagined was going to turn to snow. ( yep- because it was cold out🥶)
Why Idaho? I want to say I don’t know” because it rhymes 🤓 but honestly it’s because I kept seeing license plates when I was in Utah that said Idaho. So I thought, why not?
I was looking up cities within a 3 hour drive and found Idaho Falls, which had the Snake River and a 10 mile Greenbelt Trail. Sounded like a great way to start my weekend.
Driving into Idaho from Utah was gorgeous! Mountains and green.
Cute welcome sign right off the exit.
This falls area has a walkway completely around it. Located walkable distance from their historic downtown area.
The high was only 60 degrees here. I had on a long sleeve shirt and a flannel top. I can’t keep up with the weather changes out west.
In the distance I could see a church steeple.
Park benches were all uniquely designed and conveniently located along the river.
There were tons of people out walking their dogs, biking or running. Was a great community feeling. Everyone was friendly.
As I kept getting closer to the church the views were better.
A little history about the temple. Without knowing much about history, it seems every town was settled around a religious group. Churches always seem to be the first building constructed within a city.
After I crossed a bridge I walked along the opposite side of the river and passed the church.
Bears are popular out here.
They were having a street market which was fun to walk through. Many people seemed to know each other. Dogs were more diverse than I’d ever seen. Seriously every breed was there, like a show!
This couple was adorable in their matching hats. I wonder if I’ll ever have love like this ☺️
Each town/city seems to have their own messages when it comes to street art.
I stopped for lunch here. Enjoyed a teriyaki chicken breast with pineapple and red onions. Was delicious! I’m always so happy when my one meal of the day is a decent choice!
I sat outside and admired their downtown Main Street appeal.
This bar was established in 1906. Probably about the same time as the church. 🤣
I went into this gallery where they were displaying local art. Unfortunately it wasn’t that impressive.
I headed over to the other section of Snake River to see their Japanese Friendship Garden .
It was set off on a little island of its own.
The falls make a great city backdrop to any park or event.
Kids were running amok everywhere, I understood why they needed these bold signs which distracted from the beauty.
Interesting sculpture.
This water tower was quite dominant from every part of the city.
My breakfast joint was located very close to Liberty Park, so I decided to check it out.
There were a lot of homeless which for some reason surprised me. Most of them younger as if they were choosing to live off the grid of life’s responsibilities.
I drove around and parked near the botanical gardens.
Great reflection of the bridge in the water. This bridge went to a small island. Seemed pointless.
Shaded unfilled park benches.
Love this view of the curved sidewalk and trees.
I came across this aviary. I honestly am not a fan of birds. I think that Hitchcock movie ruined that for me as a kid. But I decided if it was 20$ I wouldn’t go in but if it was 10$ I would.
It was $11.95 😁. The gal at the register told me she doesn’t like birds particularly either but it was pretty cool. – sold, I went in.
They had some great areas you could walk into and actually be with the birds.
And a gate that allowed them their own outdoor ability if they desired. The color of these herons are so bright!
This peacock was a beauty and wanted to show off.
He was literally shaking his feathers at me. I felt honored to be courted.
Everyone loves this bird, he has such a personality.
These blue guys were cute too.
Majestic. Can’t believe some people keep them as pets.
I’ve never seen these before.
And this is just a gorgeous photo looking up.
A blue billed duck. Who knew?
Now he is my all time favorite! Look at his attitude.
I really wished someone who liked birds was with me as I toured this facility. I struggled to even spot them sometimes, I always had to look where others were looking. But I can appreciate their unique looks and songs. This place did a great job with their collection and care it seemed.
After my morning hike I was starving and wanted more than my car snacks had to offer. I googled top restaurants in Salt Lake City and when a Pig and a Jelly Jar came up as top rated and breakfast til 2, I was in!
This mural was along the outside wall.
They also had a cool patio area which showed off recycled art along the fence.
Unbelievable “ kitchen sink” eggs! It came with a side of Bloody Mary salsa that was excellent! So unique. And the coffee was the best I’ve had this entire trip. Highly recommend this place should anyone be in SLC.
I took this shot over my shoulder hoping to capture the crowd and mural. Adorable place. Bonus too, the guy at the register gave me a free sticker!
Yes, you see where my head is after a month on the road 🤣
Tonya Takes Thailand 