Fins to the left

Day 9

I left Mt. Rushmore feeling amazing. It’s crazy what a shower will do. It had gotten cold the night before. It was in the 50’s but for just a sleeping bag, my former camping days was far behind me. Off to Devils Tower.

Shout out to Mama Bailey for the recommendation. She said to swing by it on your way west. I’m glad I did. You see it coming around the bend for miles, then this cone. I heard there is a movie with it in it, but I don’t watch that movie with my eyes open. If you know, you know! I was like $25 bucks to see this shark fin. Sure I’m in though I was tempted not. I payed the fee and up the hill. I paid might as well walk around it. It was spectacular. The weather was warm but not hot so the 1.5 mile walk around was not too challenging. I made it around to the NE side and found a bench. The Rushmore blog post was composed from that spot.

I know it’s in like every movie when the lead is sitting on a bench, staring quiet. The world was moving. Children, parents, couples and life was going around me. I was still. Typing, thinking back on Rushmore. People were looking up, taking pictures. “Days go by”, I guess the name of the song but it goes “days go by, and the water rushing…” you get it. It was nice to just reflect. It was one of the first times I could remember just zoning out. I’m glad I did.

I left the tower, hungry. I know. Why is it I can’t find food. I have food with me, don’t worry, Joey ain’t missing a meal. I made my way up to Billings. I was staying there the night before heading to Yellowstone. The drive, so you know when I mention South Dakota and a sea of grass. This was just dirt and grass. No cell service, just one long drive across Wyoming and Montana. I can see how frustrated the settlers were. They get up a hill and look, “Dang it Jim another big ridge”. Left a choke and puke and I started to see the smoke from the fire that was up that way. Miles away and I was able to get some pretty crazy pictures as I inched closer and through the smoke.

I made it to Billings. You would think gas would be a little cheaper there since it seems to be a big processing area of some type of fuel. Enjoyed FaceTiming with Rob and the family. He was excited to have a JoJo card as it was quickly named. I drove around downtown. There is a ridge and trail overlooking the city by the airport. That was where I saw the snow cap mountains off to the west. I was excited!! I picked up dinner from Moovies. I don’t remember the name. It reminded me of the name of the restaurant in the Kevin Smith films but it was not “that”. Guess it’s a chain. Decent burger and fries. Crashed. Off to those snow cap peaks in the morning.