St. Francis's Secret Spot

We all have weaknesses.

Breakdown, Shakedown, it's Busted!

Woke up at 05:30 this morning and decided to get crackin', pack up and hit the high road. The mosquitoes were out of this world but were no match for the bug spray I was using. But they still won the battle because of sheer numbers. I packed up as fast as possible trying to minimize their presence, but they were like an itch on the bottom of your foot...you have to remove the shoe to get to the itch!

Departed the camping area and headed into Pierre for fuel and a couple bottles of Gatorade..my choice of drink. Came out of the store and was approached by a local Can-Am dealer who was mesmerized by my ride. He was taking pictures with cell phone, but asked if I would stop by his shop so he could take pictures with his digital camera. It was on the way, so I accommodated after breakfast.

Now the reason for Breakdown, Shakedown, it's Busted! I was 56 miles east of Sturgis and I suffered a serious problem with the machine...I blew a drive belt. I heard what sounded like an explosion and assumed it was a tire that blew. I didn't feel any swaying on the ATV, which was a blessing, so I thought it was a trailer tire. Pulled over and check all tires, and as you might imagine, none were blown. I then looked at the shroud that covers the clutch and saw that it had been damaged, which meant that the belt broke.

I had a spare belt, but didn't have a metric expander for the secondary clutch to remove the old belt that was jammed in the belt sprocket and allow me to install the new belt. Two and a half hours later with the help of locals, the new belt was installed, but with an added mechanical problem. Drove to Bel Fouche, which is about 20 miles from Spearfish, because I was told a Can-Am dealer resides in the area.

I must admit that I am staying in a hotel for the evening hoping to find resolution to my mechanical issue in the morning. If I can't do what I think is necessary to resolve the problem, I will continue my trek hoping for the best. As of this evening, I have traveled 1920 miles, and really want to make it back home under my own power.

Will keep you posted!

Heading Home

I packed my equipment last night in anticipation for an early morning departure, and I packed as slow as possible. I can't wait to get back to Utah to be with family and friends, but I will be leaving family and friends in SD as well. Time went by much to quickly, as it always does when visiting. I did not get to see everyone that were acquaintances during my younger years, but it was expected given the limited time of my visit. Perhaps next time I will have more time to rustle up the remainder.

We made our final comments, took a few photos, and then I departed at 07:30 and started my way west. I remember how long it took to get to Watertown, and my trip back home should be equally as long, but I hope not as hot as it was coming out during my WY travels. Here are a few pictures I took today as I made my way west.

It has always been reported that pheasants in SD were much larger than in the rest of the world, and this photo is confirmation. Not sure what the farm animal is, but you are welcome to make a guess.

The Roadside Chapel is actually on the SD map. If my memory is
correct, it is located just before you get to Henry SD on highway 212. I almost didn't stop to take the picture, but realized that I would regret not doing so, so I turned around and went back to take a picture.

I made my way west into Pierre, the capital of SD for the night. I located my tent approximately 200 meters from the west bank of the Missouri River. The camp ground is very large and has accommodations that include showers and electrical hookups. I was hoping for more neighbors to converse with, but the weekend is over and the homesteaders have moved to greener pastures.

Tomorrow I plan on leaving early in the morning to beat the heat of the day. I plan on making it to Devils Tower WY and anticipate the trip to take 6-7 hours to complete. I just hope the temperature remains low. Will keep you posted on my travels.

Enjoy!

With Family & Friends

Last night gave a great opportunity for a silhouette picture and I captured this shot to the west. Shortly after this picture was taken the sky darkened and the night sky made its way in. The evenings have been quite cool, and the humidity has been low...it has been quite comfortable even during the day as well. It has not been as hot/humid as I thought it would be, and certainly nothing like southeast Asia. Perhaps this weather pattern will hold as I make my way west tomorrow.

Early this morning gave way to fog that started lifting as I looked southwest towards the airport. It was quite cool and comfortable on the shady side of the house, and I suspect at this hour of the day it would be on sunny side as well.

Yesterday was spend with family. We started with nine holes of golf at the Country Club, went out to dinner and took in a movie. Time flies when having fun, and the departure set for tomorrow has come much to soon. Today I will take some time to visit a few friends that I have not seen yet while here - getting older and not sure when I might make it back this way again.

I would like to say longer, but I have to get back home and fortunately work as well. I look forward to heading west and spending a nights rest at Devils Tower in WY. While it might sound to be at odds with previous posts, I do look forward to Wyoming (hope to see a few customers along the way), as it takes me closer to home.

Will keep you posted as I make my way home.

Chow

Arrived in Watertown

I arrived in Watertown at 3:30 today (7-22), and it was a wonderful site as I crested Harmony Hill heading north on highway 81. It felt like this leg of the trip went the quickest, perhaps because I knew that I would soon be in my hometown. Despite having lived in Salt Lake City for the last 29 years, I still consider Watertown & South Dakota to be my home.

This has been a long trip, which has culminated in a total of 1432 miles to date. While there are more direct routes from Salt Lake to Watertown, I did have to make a few adjustments along the way that added to my mileage. I missed a few turns in Wyoming trying to find dirt roads, and a few detours on the highways all added to my mileage as well. And yes, during my travels I managed to miss a turn or two because I was enjoying the scenery - but I didn't get lost!!!

Will update as new information becomes available. I will be spending the next few days resting and enjoying the company of family. I plan to start my departure from Watertown on Sunday morning. You can also view the AYL segment about my trip on Youtube by searching for 2700 Mile ATV Adventure. My wife said I can aad a link, but I haven't figured out how to do it yet.

Thanks for all your interest in my adventure.

Till next time - chow!!!

The Black Hills

After 768 miles of travel I finally reached South Dakota. There certainly is a stark change in scenery between Wyoming and South Dakota, and the Black Hills make that immediately apparent. The sudden change from high plateaus of barren soil to full landscapes of pine trees has made the trip worthwhile. The smell of the trees was immediate, and refreshing.

I stopped at Jewels Cave for a scenic tour, but found out that I needed to go a couple of miles further up the road to purchase a ticket, and then return - I decided to bypass the cave and continued deeper into the hills. I stopped at one of the many camp grounds to reserve myself a spot for the evening, pitched my tent, and then headed out for a scenic tour.

My first stop was the Crazy Horse Monument. It is a marvel how the stone slowly metamorphosis from a mountain without feature to a distinguishable face. The size of the monument exceeds the size of the four faces of Mt. Rushmore, and will be a work in progress for many years to come. Needless to say, I won't be alive to see completion.

Moving on I took a stroll along Needles Highway which is a slow drive that winds through the pines. It leads to many a scenic views and vistas that draws you into to take a closer look. I stopped at Sylvan Lake which has memories that takes me back nearly 40 years. As a Boy Scout, Sylvan Lake was one of several camping locations as we made our way on a 50 mile hike through the hills.

The following day I stopped at Mt. Rushmore before continuing my trek to Watertown. When I arrived at the visitors center I immediately thought about the movie North by Northwest - those who know the movie will understand my interest in the cafeteria. The facility has had a dramatic face lift (so to speak) over the years, which has been a great improvement.

I moved on to Burke SD and arrived at 6:00 pm for a nights rest. Had dinner at a local restaurant (the only one in town) and headed to my humble abode - Burke Lake Camp Ground. Total miles traveled to date is 1154 miles. I was the only camper that night, which made for a very quite nights rest. A good rest is what I need for the final leg before arriving in Watertown. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dave (W4PBU) in Tampa FL on 20 meters for nearly a half hour - he was intrigued with my trip. Looking forward to moving on in the morning.

Chow!! I forgot to add a picture of Mt. Rushmore and I got some flack about it - rightfully so. I have others but this one seemed to be the best.

Wyoming - There is beauty in all Things!!!

I figured I had better take a few shots along the way, even if there ain't much to take pictures of. I am sure that when I start my trek back through the northern part of the state it will be a much better picture story.

Finished yesterday in Newcastle WY. Not a very large spot on the map, but seemed a reasonable place to hang my hat before entering SD. Wyoming...indescribable, at least the parts I have seen thus far. There is a standing joke in my family about camping in Wyoming, and it is that no matter where you camp you will awakened by trains. Last night I camped adjacent to a major thoroughfare for trains. A train passed through on average every twenty minutes. The rumbling of the train is one thing, but I didn't need to be reminded of their presence by them blowing their horn.

I got up at 05:15, took a shower and brushed my teeth with a morning surprise - Cortizone 10 Plus! While it may be the itch medicine doctors recommend, it doubt it has been approved by the American Dental Association for use as a dentifrice. Well, at least my teeth won't itch!

I move into South Dakota this morning and look forward to seeing the hills again. I may have to spend a whole day/night there because of a slight change in plans, that allows me a bit more leisure time.

Will keep ya posted.