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Sunshine = tourist

The sun finally shone today and I went full on tourist! 

I started the day by traveling to Keystone to ride the 1880 train (link) to Hill City.  This is an old rail line that was originally used to move ore from area mines to Hill City where it was then transported to parts unknown. 

The first leg of my journey, from Keystone to Hill City, was awful!  Totally ruined by a couple who  let their children and their parents run amok!  I truly don't know who was more annoying the 3 small children or their grandmother who was so LOUD!!!  I finally had to put in ear plugs which was also annoying because the train ride was narrated.   We had an hour lay over in Hill City where I changed my seat.  So I was actually able to hear the tour guide on the way back which was very interesting.

The train ride overall was kind of disappointing because most of the countryside could have been seen from a car traveling County Road 323.  Also, the 10 mile track crosses 20 roads, which means the train whistle is going off almost all the time. Another surprising thing was how many backyards the train traveled through.  I had expected wilderness but what I saw was literally people's laundry hanging on the line. 

But as a solo traveler it was nice to have someone else drive while I took pictures.  Speaking of pictures...

 The road to Keystone
 The Train Engine taking on water
 The View
 And when you look a little closer






 The trees growing out of the rock is pretty interesting

From Keystone I made my way down the road to Mount Rushmore...which was awesome! 





On the way out their was a place to pull over to a profile picture.

Then further down the road to Crazy Horse.  I just took a quick pic from the road and moved on.  Everyone I've talked to about Crazy Horse says it's not worth the stop.


On my way back to Rapid City I ended up back at Hill City for a late lunch.  Then back to my duplex where I jumped on my bike for a ride to the park.  Such a pretty day!  And I think I'm actually getting better with the bike!

I really wanted to love South Dakota.  I wanted to love the ruggedness and the scenery.  But I haven't.  It's been OK...but everything is so far apart and when you get there and pay to get in...you kind of think "Is this it?  Is this all there is to see?"   Which would be great if you liked to drive, or ride a motorcycle.  Maybe my issue is that I'm just tired of driving so much!

And I've been surprised at the cost at the National Parks - I'm sure $10 to park at Rushmore is reasonable, but it seems a little steep.  Especially when you realize that the parking is managed by a third party not the National Park Service.  Also, $20 for me to drive around the Bad Lands seemed high.  But, I've read that the National Parks were expensive and crowded...and I've found this to be true!

I think the main reason I haven't loved South Dakota is because I came here with a list of things to do each day (link).  I tried to follow this agenda and I think that's what sucked the fun out of this trip.  My last trip I woke up each day and just saw where it took me.  Lesson learned!  No more detail planning.

So, tomorrow I'll see where the day takes me!  But I'm pretty sure it's going to take me to a Ford dealership...I've driven 5,000 miles in under 6 weeks, time for an oil change!

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