We couldn't go to the Black Hills without spending three or four days in the Badlands. According to the ranger at the Badlands, the average stay is about 2 hours. Our stays are at least 2 days. People don't know what they are missing. We had an opportunity to do some wheeling here - not like when it's wet mind you, but it sure was pretty and lots of fun.

This photo doesn't do the landscape justice. There are yellows, reds, and even magenta colored streaks in the clay. There are a few trees around to add green. It is truly a neat place!

So here's our gypsy camp complete with bicycles and the baby Jeep. It was getting real dark up north so we didn't stray far. That evening we had a great storm. The motor home weighs about 17,000 lbs and that was tossing back and forth like it was going to roll over. Our 12 year old, Amanda, was in tears and me, I'm thinking " This is neat.... "

The next morning we learned a lesson about Badlands mud as we tried to extricate the motor home. But, that didn't stop us. From there we went down to the White River and spent a few hours walking, sinking and sliding in the mud. It really was fun!

Now on to Bear Butte. This is a place that Native Americans hold sacred. I can see why. As we hiked to the top (a nice, strenuous hike!) you could almost feel the peace and tranquility - and yeah - I even got goose bumps. Pretty cool.

There were many trees with cloth hung on them and many trees with rocks in the branches, all with great meaning to those who placed them there. Out of respect for their beliefs, we took no photos.

I'm glad we took the hike when we did for in 1997, the whole mountain (or what they call a Butte) burned up. What a loss, this place was an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10!

We met up with the Black Hills 4 Wheelers for their DTC pre-run at the Fish'n'Fry campground. They welcomed us into their group and we felt at home, thanks to their marvelous hospitality. We went on several trail rides but the most memorable was the night run (and all the associated hi jinx) to Dead Man's Point. This is on a mountain over looking Sturgis. What a night! There was a full moon, a slight breeze, about 70 degrees out and the smell of fresh pines. It doesn't get much better than that! Too bad the forest service closed the trail. That one too now is gone for good! But to cheer you up, here's a photo of the night run :)

The best day run was when we went with a small group up to the ghost town of Carbonate. Here we are looking at the old tombstones. The Kjars, Sheldons, Sipes, Jones, and Owens gave us one of the finest times we have had in many years. We had a blast!

And what better way to close this page than with a Black Hills sunset. Thanks, Black Hills 4 Wheelers, for a great, great time!