Damp Deadwood nights

So, the weekend didn't turn out the way we'd hoped for, not even close. Friday dawned cloudy and chilly, but it's supposed to clear off. We take off Friday afternoon and it's still not clear, but fairly warm. We stop at Murdo in some light rain for a bite and the weather forcast. Radar shows light ground clutter but clearing further west. We proceed (dark now) to Kadoka. No place to camp, still rain. We press on to Wall (world famous Wall Drug) where we finally say, enough is enough, and sleep on the ground because the rain has stopped. Sat. morning, more clouds and chilly, damp air. We head west and make it to Rapid City and the Flying J Truckstop where it's pretty much pouring. We wait that out under the canopy, then head west again. This time we make it to Sturgis, which looks strange because all the rally vendors are gone, revealing the dumpy little cow town it really is. We leave Sturgis via Vanoeker Canyon and are instantly in beautiful winding roads. I'd never been down this road before because until this year it was gravel. The road ends at Nemo, another little Hills town, where it's raining again. This time we take refuge at a dude ranch/bed'n breakfast, where we have lunch and wait for it to stop. Finally, it does and we're off for Deadwood. When we get there, we find that rooms are a figment of the imagination, because of Kool Deadwood Nights and also, the Central States Fair happening in Rapid City. We take the last 2 tentsites at Whistler Gulch resort, and are happy to get them. After set-up and a shower, we're off for downtown, which is absolutely packed. There wasn't even a place to park a motorcycle. But we persevered and found a spot of grass. After a really poor outdoor concert by Bobby Vee and the Grass Roots, I was ready to give up. We found that the world famous Saloon #10 had live music, so we went in. I must say, that band was the high-light of my trip. They are called Rude Awakening, and they are the best cover band I've heaard in a long time. Back at camp later that night, I held court with our next door camping neighbors from Minot, ND. Great guys, with better Canadian accents than I've heard on some guys from Canada. Sunday morning = more rain, and harder now. We ride to Lead for breakfast and coffee, getting completely soaked in the process. After the worst omelette I've ever eaten, we dejectedly go back to camp, still in the downpour. For lack of anything more worthwhile, we try to nap. By this time, my tent isn't waterproof anymore and water is dripping from the ceiling onto me and the sleeping bag. I'm using dirty laundry to try and keep the floor dry. Everyone is really disgusted now, so we pack up wet and go to town to get a room. But wait, even though it's now Sunday afternoon, it's still officially Kool Deadwood Nights weekend, so one person, single bed is $89.95. At that point, I would've headed for home, but it was just too cold and wet. By happenstance, Lee strikes up a conversation with a c-store clerk, whose mother had passed away a year ago and her house was still furnished but vacant. A deal was struck, $100 changed hands and we have ourselves a furnished house on Main St. Deadwood. Finally, a hot shower and a dry bed, food in the fridge and a washer/dryer. I wash all my wet clothes and sleep like a log. Monday morning it is bright and sunny, of course it is, this is the day we have to go home! Refusing to give up, we decide to ride south through the Hills, exploring as we go. When we finally wind up in Hermosa, I'm shocked to learn it's 4 pm cental time, and we've got 400 miles yet to ride. Still refusing to admit defeat, we decide to ride home on SD Hiway 44, which traverses the southern part of the state, from west to east. I'd never been on that road before and it was beautiful. You can really see a lot more of the Badlands than you do from the interstate. I really enjoyed it, but you can't make very good time. Mostly 65 mph, with some 55 mph, almost all of it through the reservation. Which is neither here nor there, until you've been pan-handled at the gas station for $ for "food". Really sad, it just seems to be an endless cycle of alcoholism, which I'm sure has been studied endlessly by smarter people than myself, with no answers. Home at midnight, cold, wet, exhausted, hungry. Better luck next time.

It's Thursday already

Man, where do the weeks go? Busy, busy, life goes by like a freight train. I've been busy with work and also sending out campaign letters. It's starting to get to the point where every day will count now, cause Nov. will be here before we know it.
But first- another short vacation! My boys and I are leaving tomorrow for a short motorcycle trip, the annual guy trip. Every year it seems like it gets shorter, this will just be a long weekend, we're going back to the Black Hills. Kool Deadwood Nights is this weekend, which is not the reason for the trip, but should be a nice added bonus. I've never been to this event but I've heard it's fun, it's mostly old cars, street rods and motorcycles, they block off the streets and everybody just hangs out and gawks. I'm sure there must be a car show, dance, ect thrown in there too at some point. But that 'll be just a potential side trip, as the real reason we're going is to ride the Hills. The plan is to get out there, set up a base camp in the central Hills and just do day rides from camp. Much easier than setting up and tearing down camp every day. With most schools started already and the glut of Sturgis traffic gone, it should be wonderful riding and exploring. I can't wait for tomorrow.

the labyrinth is laid!

Beards gone

My weeks worth of whiskers is gone, dang it anyway. Last night there was a mixer here in town to raise funds for the Rounds/Daugaard campaign. It was very nicely done, lots of people to meet and socialize with, and always an added bonus, the food was superb. The food was catered by Joanne Beck from Deli of the Dells. She is an unknown treasure. People were standing in line to eat the stuffed mushrooms, greedily wolfing them down as they came steaming out of the oven. But, I digress. Back to the beard- it was pointed out that I probably shouldn't go to this event looking like a scruffy old biker,which I had to admit was true. So, it's back to my clean-shaven self, probably until next year. Someday I shall grow a beard like I had when the twins were born, and get a job as Santa Claus in the mall. Anybody that can grow a magnificent white beard should be properly compensated.

This is a new picture of Greg after his Sturgis trip. What do you think?

Our triumphant return

Here we are, back home again on Sunday night. I am looking a bit road weary. Recognize Kyla's coat?

And........we're back

It was everything I'd hoped it would be. The trailer pulled great. The bike ran great. Kyla & I got along perfectly. I am "wicked cool". More later. I'll try to post a picture.

Sturgis

Approx. 15 hours to blast-off. Trailer is finished and waiting to be loaded. Kyla should be off work in a couple hours and on her way home. Wish us luck for a good trip. Report next week. Toots!

Rain!

We finally got some much-needed rain last week. I believe we got close to 5 inches total in two different little storms. And it took away the terrible heat and humidity. It has just been perfect weather here for the last couple days. I still haven't mowed my lawn since July 4th and it really doesn't need it yet but it's starting to look a little scraggly around the edges. I'll do it before I leave. For Sturgis. In 72 hours we should be there. Last night I had to take a Tylenol PM to fall asleep, cause I was so worked up about going. Uncle Brian got my new trailer done so Jeannie and I went to Mitchell yesterday afternoon, after my open house, to pick it up. It's a beauty, and is big enough to hold all our camping gear and luggage. It still needs to be wired and painted but I should be able to get that done easily before Wed. night. I plan to leave early Thursday morning. I've been scoping out entertainment options for us and when I told Kyla Alice in Chains was playing at the Buffalo Chip, she immediately wanted to go, so there's one night's worth. I don't know anything about Alice in Chains, but I reckon I'll learn before the night's over.