North bound, then east
Badlands, South Dakota
Snow in Silverthorne wasn’t as bad as we were told to expect. We rose on Wednesday morning to a wee bit of sunshine, but this wouldn’t last long. We grabbed breakfast at a local diner and tried to do a few photos before we lost the light.
Dillon, Colorado reservoir
We rode around near Silverthorne then decided to head east towards Denver to explore. The further east we went, the worse the weather became. We rode through Central City and Black Hawk, two old mining towns where casinos were legalized. It was snowing quite hard by this time.
Central City, Colorado
Central City is more of what these old historic mining towns actually were, while Black Hawk is pretty much a planned casino development. I found it interesting that all of the casinos in Black Hawk were all long and narrow instead of spreading out. I was told when they built the new ones they were not allowed to move any of the old streets as it was a historic area.
Black Hawk, Colorado
After venturing through the old mining towns we rode through the slot canyons to the town of Golden. They’re lined with hiking trails, parks, and river access. They have made sure that there are many recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. I recently read an article that the Denver area was rated as having the nicest city and county parks in the nation. I’d agree.
Downtown Central City, Colorado
We drove to Boulder and had dinner with our friends George and Paula. George was a family friend to Laurie since childhood….and Laurie even has a photo of them together when Laurie was maybe 6, sitting on a shelf in her office. Paula cooked a wonderful dinner and we enjoyed catching up and chatting the evening away. Thanks to George and Paula for such a lovely evening!
Road to Black Hawk, Colorado
Deicing Laurie's plane
We headed to the airport area as Laurie had an early flight the next day. She grabbed the airport shuttle very early in the morning to catch her flight back to Nashville. I gathered everything, loaded the truck, and headed north towards Wyoming.
It was snowing heavily. About 50 miles north of Denver I pushed out of it. Laurie texted me that they were deicing her plane before takeoff. I had toyed with the idea of going home the way I came, through New Mexico and southern Colorado or possibly taking I-70 across Kansas……but decided to head north instead.
It was snowing heavily. About 50 miles north of Denver I pushed out of it. Laurie texted me that they were deicing her plane before takeoff. I had toyed with the idea of going home the way I came, through New Mexico and southern Colorado or possibly taking I-70 across Kansas……but decided to head north instead.
Historic Franklin Hotel, Deadwood
Laurie’s friend Amy was waiting at the Nashville airport. Amy and Laurie were headed to a yoga retreat together. I’m sure they will have a great time! I miss her already.
It turns out my choice of the north route was a good one. A new storm settled into the area and I-70 east through Kansas was closed due to snow accumulation and was unsafe for travel. The interstate south into New Mexico, how I came into Colorado was even worse.
It turns out my choice of the north route was a good one. A new storm settled into the area and I-70 east through Kansas was closed due to snow accumulation and was unsafe for travel. The interstate south into New Mexico, how I came into Colorado was even worse.
Franklin Hotel lobby
Raton Pass, near Capulin Volcano, was closed due to snow. I’m writing this on Friday evening, over 36 hours later…..and it is still closed. I’ve seen reports that Raton Pass from Colorado to New Mexico is expected to receive six FEET of snow before this system pushes out. They have absolutely no idea when these roads will open….possibly into next week. Meanwhile I’m several hundred miles north in South Dakota. It was 55 degrees today.
Torrington, Wyoming
I went through the small Wyoming town of Torrington. It was in the middle of nowhere, with a population of 6600. I’ve seen so many small towns like this just dry up and blow away. Surprisingly, this wasn’t the case. Downtown wasn’t just occupied, it was bustling! It’s nice to see small towns thriving.
My room at The Franklin
I decided to stay in Deadwood, South Dakota for the night. I didn’t book a room but wanted to drive through and see my options first hand. I decided to stay at the historic Franklin Hotel. This was truly a great choice. This was an authentic historic hotel and was so cool!
I elected to stay in the most expensive room they offered that night. It was a king corner room with a main street view. It had wifi, TV, etc. but other than that was very similar to what it was like back in the day. It was $79.
I elected to stay in the most expensive room they offered that night. It was a king corner room with a main street view. It had wifi, TV, etc. but other than that was very similar to what it was like back in the day. It was $79.
Downtown Deadwood, SD
I walked a bit in Deadwood to see what the town was about. I think it’s cool that there are a bunch of old hotels above authentic storefronts that now have small casinos, saloons, and businesses. Granted the place is geared towards tourists but they did a good job with it. It doesn’t seem contrived.
It wasn’t crowded as it’s not season here but there were other visitors. The town mostly caters to the motorcycle crowd and cowboy wannabes wearing Stetsons and Hokas. I only saw one real pair of cowboy boots the whole time I was there. I played a poker tournament at a casino across the street from my hotel which was mostly locals.
It wasn’t crowded as it’s not season here but there were other visitors. The town mostly caters to the motorcycle crowd and cowboy wannabes wearing Stetsons and Hokas. I only saw one real pair of cowboy boots the whole time I was there. I played a poker tournament at a casino across the street from my hotel which was mostly locals.
My first photo in the Badlands
Deadwood was quite pleasant. I enjoyed visiting much more than I thought I would. I expected it to be much more touristy and contrived. While it is definitely catering to tourists, they’ve done a good job mixing the old and new. If you’re in the area, definitely visit.
This morning (Friday) I headed out of Deadwood and through The Badlands National Park. Laurie and I drove through the Badlands a few years ago but it was 20 below zero when we did. It was in the 50’s all day today. There were more visitors in the park than I expected.
This morning (Friday) I headed out of Deadwood and through The Badlands National Park. Laurie and I drove through the Badlands a few years ago but it was 20 below zero when we did. It was in the 50’s all day today. There were more visitors in the park than I expected.
Bighorn Sheep in the Badlands
Due to the warm weather there were a LOT of animals wandering around. I took what I think are great photos of bighorn sheep and bison. They were all much more active than they normally would be in winter due to the mild weather.
The PLAGUE!?!?!?!
There were so many prairie dogs the last time we went through….thousands….but this time there weren’t many at all. I stopped to photograph a few and there was a sign which explained why. Apparently prairie dogs in the area are infected with………….THE PLAGUE! I quickly lost interest in hanging out with the prairie dogs. I mean……THE PLAGUE?!?!?
We will ride into battle...and this is our horse!- Hal Moore
As you exit the park, the Minuteman Missile Historic Site is by the interstate. I stopped for a few minutes and checked it out. It was free and the staff was quite chatty. I enjoyed stopping!
Tonight I’m staying in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tomorrow I start to head south then east. Do check out the gallery as there are LOTS of cool photos from the past few days!
Tonight I’m staying in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tomorrow I start to head south then east. Do check out the gallery as there are LOTS of cool photos from the past few days!
