Saturday, May 28, 2016

2016 Epic Road Trip - Day 14

May 27, 2016

Day 14 - Medora, ND to Wall, SD - 320 Miles



Another long day behind the wheel, but well worth it.


Left Medora, SD and went to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I took the scenic loop, the highlight was seeing Teddy's cabin "The Maltese Cross Ranch House" which has been moved about 30 miles south from its original location. From there I headed primarily south.



Stopped by to see a metal sculpture of a cowboy riding a dinosaur in battle. Ot was created by Hugh Glass, who was later mauled by a bear. It was located in a children's museum parking lot which amazingly has a great photo op for Ryder.




 In Faith, SD I found another metal sculpture of a dinosaur named Sue.  I presume they possibly roamed this area many years ago.



 Next stop was the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. I had stopped at another of site several days ago. This one had a visitors center and a lot of history was told in the interactive displays.


 Then I headed into the Badlands of South Dakota. The terrain changes instantly from flat fields as far as one can see to the “Badlands” – easy to see how this area received its name.  First impression – how did the pioneers ever cross this terrain?  The landscape was breathtaking, but extremely desolate.






A random prairie dog statue on the route today. I must say the folks out this way really do love their yard art!

The final destination for the day was the Sleepy Hallow Campground in Wall, SD.  Wall's claim to fame is having the world’s largest drug store, about a block long by a block wide.  It’s the ultimate tourist trap, a Stuckey’s or “South of the Border” rolled into one.  Better described as the ultimate tourist trap.

Had dinner was by campfire – steak and herbed potatoes wrapped in foil, along with cheesy biscuits.  Pretty good, even though it was 11 pm by the time I ate. Oh well, when on vacation, time is of little consequence.


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