August 16, 2013

Wednesday we went back to Custer SP and this time we took SD 87, the “Needles Highway” to Hill City.  We did get a better view of the buffalo, there was a single bull not too far off the highway in Windcave National Monument.  He was nice enough to pose for a few pictures.  Then just over the next hill was nice group but no place to park so Debbie tried to take a few pictures as we rode by.

The Needles was fun and challenging except when some idiot parked just past the last tunnel and had traffic backed up in both directions.  I had to hold the bike up on a steep hill with sand under my feet while this @$$&!* was off taking a picture.  We rode through a few sprinkles.

At Hill City we stopped at the Harley dealer (really just a t-shirt shop for Black Hills H-D) but we already have enough and stuff was pretty picked over.  Then we walked around town for a while stretching our legs.  About the time we were ready to head back to the campground a thunderstorm came in so we went into the Bumpin Buffalo for an early diner.  We had buffalo burgers and were admiring the beautiful bar, all quarter sawn oak and maple with beveled mirrors.  Then I noticed a picture to the left when I looked closely at it was an ad for Brunswick Blake bars.  We asked the waitress about it and she gave us paper about their history.  They were made from 1880 to 1905 in Dubuque, Iowa.  In the 1891 catalog a 24’ back bar listed for $500, today they bring $50,000.  By the time we finished eating the storm had past so we rode home through Custer (the town) and got ready for a travel day.

Yesterday we moved to Randall Creek RA west of Pickstown SD.  We’ll be here through the weekend and head home Monday.