From Ozark National Forest in Arkansas and after checking out Memphis, we headed north to my girlfriend's grandparents place in Iowa. We got stuck in an Amish traffic jam of horse-and-buggies leaving church. It was very stereotypical.
In Sioux Falls we met up with a friend of mine who was headed to the East Coast in his Boss 302 Mustang. He had just crossed Wyoming at an average speed of over 100mph, with sustained top speeds of over 145! Reckless, dangerous, stupid, sure...but given the same car you know you would have done the same! :smiley_drive:
Then in Portal, ND I accidentally entered Canada. I parked in what I though was the parking area in front of the guard station on the US side, but in fact I had left America as soon as I had entered the parking lot. Nice signs, fellas... After some friendly teasing by the Mounties, a fat "TOLD YOU SO!" from my girlfriend, and 30 minutes of explaining to the grumpy US guards that I had only been in Canada long enough to turn around, I was finally allowed to reenter my home country. What a mess. All other photos were confiscated because turrurists.
From Canada we headed down to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. He's a hero of mine, so of course I wanted to go stomp across his old stomping grounds.
When Teddy was a young man trying his hand at ranching, he lived here along the Little Missouri River. One winter, thieves stole his boat. So he and a few ranch-hands built a raft and chased the thieves down the icy river for three days! When finally caught, Teddy marched the thieves back to town to collect his reward - from himself, as he happened to be Sheriff of said town! We need more men like him running this country.
Old Man of the Prairie
On the road out to Teddy's homestead
YOU GUYS! I'M STANDING IN TEDDY ROOSEVELT'S LIVING ROOM!! HOW COOL IS THAT!!?? While the cabin has long since rotted and washed away, stone markers and the base of the hearth still mark the homestead site. He chose well; it's a beautiful spot. If you go, bring lots of mosquito repellent.
From TRNP we headed out cross country on dirt state roads, south to rugged Badlands National Park, the ridiculous Wall Drug, and terrifying Minutemen Missile National Park, and astounding Wind Caves National Park.
The drive south from Badlands National Park leads up and out of valley, so as we climbed we were treated to the longest and most spectacular sunset of my life. The sun would set, but then we'd come over a rise and watch the sun set again. This went on for at least an hour. It was incredible.
(Also, I'm riding shotgun pretty much from here on out. The GF got tired of having to grab for the wheel and steer as I grabbed for my camera at 70+mph. One morning, she wordlessly took the keys and climbed in the driver seat when it was time to roll out. This was a huge deal because no body but me drives my truck. It turned out for the better though, as she is a great driver and I got to enjoy more scenery.)