Last hurrah
- Thread starter 3wbdriver
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3wbdriver
New member
I slept in a little bit today knowing I only had about a 6 hour drive. I was, um, mistaken.....
I ran by this about 20 miles west of Des Moines, and gave myself a crashing headache snapping to attention as I saw it. :usa2:
I took I-80 west out of Des Moines to I-29 north near Omaha. Then rode up I-29 to Sioux Falls, where I turned west again onto I-90 to Mitchell. This was going to be one of the "Huh!?" days I so look forward to on this trip. First I ran into this little nugget and then figured out that apparently a good portion of I-29 thru Iowa follows their general route. Nebraska was also right outside my left door for most of that northern jog, but I never crossed into it.
This is what made me take the turn. It looks like a very good reproduction of the keel boat they used for part of their expedition. This one is on a flat bed trailer so I assume they use it for reenactments.
Then I moved on back to the trip. As I was driving past Sioux City I saw a sign for an aviation museum. I was still doing good on time so I took the exit to see what they had. It was a smallish museum with mostly the general local stuff and some written history, and several nice local cars.
But as I was about ready to leave the building the nice lady volunteer asked me if I had watched the Flight 232 video. I said I wasn't sure of I had time, and I didn't really remember a Flight 232. I was thinking it might be some local do-gooder kind of thing. But as I opened up the paper program she had handed me I saw a nifty little dune buggy that I remember the army tested back in the early 90's. I asked her where that was since I hadn't seen it on my loop. She took me back into the main room and I had missed it while taking pictures of old cars. I got a couple pictures of it, and as I turned around to leave I saw a recessed area in the corner. As soon as I saw the first picture I realized what Flight 232 was. How many of you remember that airliner that crashed in the cornfield at the Sioux City airport back in 1989? The pilot almost saved it after flying around in circles with no controls in the tail section due to an engine explosion. But at the last few seconds before it touched down he just couldn't hold it in a straight line and it cartwheeled into a cornfield next to the runway. That's the one! I was in shock because it just didn't click until I saw the picture!
This is the pilot's seat from that crash. 179 0f the 287 on board survived the crash, which was amazing considering how badly the plane broke up on impact.
This was the pilot being interviewed shortly after. He and the 5 person flight crew were trapped in the crunched down cockpit for almost 5 hours before rescue workers realized they were in there. But all 5 survived.
Oh. And here's the army dune buggy that made me go look in that area anyway. I remember when they were being tested because the procurement officer the media interviewed said it was the first piece of equipment he had ever procured that the troops COULD NOT DESTROY. I had no idea some of them were apparently sold off as surplus to civilians. I would have loved to own one.
After about an hour in the museum (Mid-American Museum), I went across to DA WALMART to finish buying supplies for this leg. Now I'm ready to begin the camping part starting tomorrow!
The rear sag in the tray is the spacers under the back pushing down into the carpet from the weight. All of the tie downs are still tight, and have remained so for the entire trip so far.
Then on to Mitchell, SD. I got a couple pictures of the Corn Palace, but the street in front is closed and has a bunch of equipment on it, so I couldn't get a good clear view.
I did see the 1880 village as I was driving by it, but it looked deserted and may be closed for the season, so I didn't stop. Of course this monstrosity was sitting up on a hill not too far past that. It dominated the field so much I didn't see the smaller stuff around it until I was past.
On to Rushmore tomorrow. Whether I am able to post tomorrow night will be dictated by weather, if I can camp, and if so what kind of phone signal I may have. So if you don't see anything new in here for a couple days do not fret. I will get there. I kind of feel like I'm starting over now on a different vacation! I also bought an atlas today so I can start tracing this route with a Sharpie while it is still fresh in my mind.
I ran by this about 20 miles west of Des Moines, and gave myself a crashing headache snapping to attention as I saw it. :usa2:
I took I-80 west out of Des Moines to I-29 north near Omaha. Then rode up I-29 to Sioux Falls, where I turned west again onto I-90 to Mitchell. This was going to be one of the "Huh!?" days I so look forward to on this trip. First I ran into this little nugget and then figured out that apparently a good portion of I-29 thru Iowa follows their general route. Nebraska was also right outside my left door for most of that northern jog, but I never crossed into it.
This is what made me take the turn. It looks like a very good reproduction of the keel boat they used for part of their expedition. This one is on a flat bed trailer so I assume they use it for reenactments.
Then I moved on back to the trip. As I was driving past Sioux City I saw a sign for an aviation museum. I was still doing good on time so I took the exit to see what they had. It was a smallish museum with mostly the general local stuff and some written history, and several nice local cars.
But as I was about ready to leave the building the nice lady volunteer asked me if I had watched the Flight 232 video. I said I wasn't sure of I had time, and I didn't really remember a Flight 232. I was thinking it might be some local do-gooder kind of thing. But as I opened up the paper program she had handed me I saw a nifty little dune buggy that I remember the army tested back in the early 90's. I asked her where that was since I hadn't seen it on my loop. She took me back into the main room and I had missed it while taking pictures of old cars. I got a couple pictures of it, and as I turned around to leave I saw a recessed area in the corner. As soon as I saw the first picture I realized what Flight 232 was. How many of you remember that airliner that crashed in the cornfield at the Sioux City airport back in 1989? The pilot almost saved it after flying around in circles with no controls in the tail section due to an engine explosion. But at the last few seconds before it touched down he just couldn't hold it in a straight line and it cartwheeled into a cornfield next to the runway. That's the one! I was in shock because it just didn't click until I saw the picture!
This is the pilot's seat from that crash. 179 0f the 287 on board survived the crash, which was amazing considering how badly the plane broke up on impact.
This was the pilot being interviewed shortly after. He and the 5 person flight crew were trapped in the crunched down cockpit for almost 5 hours before rescue workers realized they were in there. But all 5 survived.
Oh. And here's the army dune buggy that made me go look in that area anyway. I remember when they were being tested because the procurement officer the media interviewed said it was the first piece of equipment he had ever procured that the troops COULD NOT DESTROY. I had no idea some of them were apparently sold off as surplus to civilians. I would have loved to own one.
After about an hour in the museum (Mid-American Museum), I went across to DA WALMART to finish buying supplies for this leg. Now I'm ready to begin the camping part starting tomorrow!
The rear sag in the tray is the spacers under the back pushing down into the carpet from the weight. All of the tie downs are still tight, and have remained so for the entire trip so far.
Then on to Mitchell, SD. I got a couple pictures of the Corn Palace, but the street in front is closed and has a bunch of equipment on it, so I couldn't get a good clear view.
I did see the 1880 village as I was driving by it, but it looked deserted and may be closed for the season, so I didn't stop. Of course this monstrosity was sitting up on a hill not too far past that. It dominated the field so much I didn't see the smaller stuff around it until I was past.
On to Rushmore tomorrow. Whether I am able to post tomorrow night will be dictated by weather, if I can camp, and if so what kind of phone signal I may have. So if you don't see anything new in here for a couple days do not fret. I will get there. I kind of feel like I'm starting over now on a different vacation! I also bought an atlas today so I can start tracing this route with a Sharpie while it is still fresh in my mind.
Great thread - the western part is what I am really looking forward to and I would probably head over to Livingston, MT and head down from there but I live in N. AL now and I am sure the folks that live out there can tell you the best options. By the way where you in the Louisiana NG? I was in the 527th Eng. Btn from 89-97 based out of Shreveport/Ruston.
3wbdriver
New member
No. I left the active army while stationed at Ft Polk. The wife still works there, so that's where we've lived since 1989.
4RunnerPro
New member
Wow
You are the fricken Man!! One of the best threads I've ever followed on any board. Keep it up and stay safe.
You are the fricken Man!! One of the best threads I've ever followed on any board. Keep it up and stay safe.
3wbdriver
New member
Well, I made it to Bowman Montana tonight. [MENTION=1032]NoDak[/MENTION] is right. There is nothing in this corner to see. But I have set foot in the state! Once I do Montana tomorrow I'll have all 50 done, and the trip is all bonus after that. :thumb:
I started the day early departing Mitchell for Mount Rushmore. I fought steady 25 mph NW winds all day, with some pretty stout gusts thrown in. Today has been the worst MPG day since I bought this thing. I got 12mpg during the first 130 miles, then a little over 13 for the next 100. I probably ended the day at around 13.8. Part of this was the steady climb westbound, and driving through the Black Hills, but I really think the wind was worse. I was unable to use the cruise control at all for the almost 500 miles I drove today.
This is the 1880 village someone commented on earlier. It is still closed for the season, so I just got a drive by shot.
Then I ran into this on the only day of the week they are closed......
Fortunately that same exit was the entrance to the Badlands Scenic Loop. Bonus and WOOHOO!
I started the day early departing Mitchell for Mount Rushmore. I fought steady 25 mph NW winds all day, with some pretty stout gusts thrown in. Today has been the worst MPG day since I bought this thing. I got 12mpg during the first 130 miles, then a little over 13 for the next 100. I probably ended the day at around 13.8. Part of this was the steady climb westbound, and driving through the Black Hills, but I really think the wind was worse. I was unable to use the cruise control at all for the almost 500 miles I drove today.
This is the 1880 village someone commented on earlier. It is still closed for the season, so I just got a drive by shot.
Then I ran into this on the only day of the week they are closed......
Fortunately that same exit was the entrance to the Badlands Scenic Loop. Bonus and WOOHOO!
3wbdriver
New member
Mount Rushmore was really nice, but it was almost anti-climatic after the Badlands. After yesterdays weather I was half afraid I'd get there and their heads would be stuck in the clouds, but the day turned out nice. I have figured out there is actually a lot to do and see in that area, so the wife and I may plan another trip back and just go all over from there. And no, they wouldn't allow me to drive the Whale up on the rock pile so it could fit in the picture...... :rockthrow:
Then I found out I had to go thru Sturgis to head north to Bowman, ND. So now I can say I've been there even if I don't own a HARLEY.
This is Bear Butte, about 8 or 10 miles Northeast of Sturgis along the route I was on.
And I hit Bowman about 20 miles after seeing this sign.
Tomorrow I will see if I can meet [MENTION=117129]wanderMT[/MENTION] at the Crow Agency in Montana, then I'm just going to troll along to Billings for the night and see what there is to see. I'm planning on Yellowstone on Tuesday.
Then I found out I had to go thru Sturgis to head north to Bowman, ND. So now I can say I've been there even if I don't own a HARLEY.
This is Bear Butte, about 8 or 10 miles Northeast of Sturgis along the route I was on.
And I hit Bowman about 20 miles after seeing this sign.
Tomorrow I will see if I can meet [MENTION=117129]wanderMT[/MENTION] at the Crow Agency in Montana, then I'm just going to troll along to Billings for the night and see what there is to see. I'm planning on Yellowstone on Tuesday.
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NoDak
Senior Member
well now you know in my previous posts what kind of winds we deal with on a daily basis up here. driving to work everyday we have a crosswind.
very rarely can the steering wheel be straight and if your alignment is off, you wont be able to tell anyway and winters are really fun I tell ya
the only metric we have for ND is the days we don't have winds.
very rarely can the steering wheel be straight and if your alignment is off, you wont be able to tell anyway and winters are really fun I tell ya
the only metric we have for ND is the days we don't have winds.
I rode through on a bike once and was sideways all day except when passing tractor trailers and the bridges gave a little relief. Then woooosh right back into it. :focus:
Glad you're rocking it. You got some great camping ahead of you. I may have missed it but I assume you got the park pass we talked about.
Glad you're rocking it. You got some great camping ahead of you. I may have missed it but I assume you got the park pass we talked about.
3wbdriver
New member
Yes! I bought it at Fort Moultrie, and yesterday was its 2nd use. It will be worn out over the next week or 10 days! :becky:
NoDak
Senior Member
we did the rushmore thing twice, once with my mom on the 3rd july fireworks off the heads then again with the kids when they were older.
would advise not to go near the heads during 3/4th july unless you waste hours just sitting around the heads waiting for dark. but its worth it for one time to see the fireworks (same goes for stone mountain fireworks).
did the safari drive, cave exploring, alligator park, flintstone park, etc.
took US-85 down to 385 thru the black hills, stopped in rapid city, then drove down badlands via 44 and then up thru 240 back to I-90 over to US-83 back to minot.
would advise not to go near the heads during 3/4th july unless you waste hours just sitting around the heads waiting for dark. but its worth it for one time to see the fireworks (same goes for stone mountain fireworks).
did the safari drive, cave exploring, alligator park, flintstone park, etc.
took US-85 down to 385 thru the black hills, stopped in rapid city, then drove down badlands via 44 and then up thru 240 back to I-90 over to US-83 back to minot.
3wbdriver
New member
Got up at 7 this morning to a very brisk but bearable 34 degrees. The wind had died down to a much more manageable breeze. After gas and a cup of coffee I started heading for the Crow Agency in Montana for a meet with [MENTION=117129]wanderMT[/MENTION]. About 15 miles west of Bowman I ran into some actual North Dakota scenery!
And 5 or 10 miles later I crossed into Montana, where the scenery just kept getting better. Including getting my first glimpse of snow since starting the trip. Those are the Bighorn Mountains, and still a long way off at this point. Of course the sign just after leaving Baker, Mt made me glad I gassed up first thing.
I met wanderMT at the Crow Agency around noon MDT. He gave me a guided tour of the area and treated me to a Buffalo Burger at the local diner. Man, I haven't had one of those in decades. It was tasty. 2 hours after I arrived we got back to the Whale for the obligatory group shot. Ed, your generosity humbles me. You are a good man, and I only hope the best comes to you in the future.
And 5 or 10 miles later I crossed into Montana, where the scenery just kept getting better. Including getting my first glimpse of snow since starting the trip. Those are the Bighorn Mountains, and still a long way off at this point. Of course the sign just after leaving Baker, Mt made me glad I gassed up first thing.
I met wanderMT at the Crow Agency around noon MDT. He gave me a guided tour of the area and treated me to a Buffalo Burger at the local diner. Man, I haven't had one of those in decades. It was tasty. 2 hours after I arrived we got back to the Whale for the obligatory group shot. Ed, your generosity humbles me. You are a good man, and I only hope the best comes to you in the future.
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3wbdriver
New member
It was as we were looking around that Ed reminded me we were only minutes from the Little Big Horn National Memorial Park. So after we shook hands and parted ways I went up there to spend the rest of the afternoon before moving on to Billings for the night.
This park is massive and well laid out. There are markers in the locations of where the fallen troops were found, though most of the markers indicate an anonymous soldier due to the mutilation of the bodies. There is a long walking path through parts of the park, and a driving road that stretches almost 6 miles through the hills and along the ridge where most of the battle took place. Here is the main memorial where the final stand took place.
There were several individual and paired markers further down the hill and along the ridge line to the left of the bottom picture.
I then followed the road over to where Benteen and Reno's troops were besieged until they could be relieved.
That is the Little Bighorn river below showing the location where Reno's troops withdrew from the indian village across the river to join Benteen. This is several miles from where Custer was fighting and they were out of sight of each other due to a large hill between them.
The road follows the ridge back to the main site with several stops describing actions that took place that day.
I took this as I was returning along the road and just coming around the intervening hill. The final stand site is to the right of the trees atop that hill and is probably still about 2 miles away.
The tribes have since erected their own memorial across the hill from the one to the soldiers. It is circular and has a series of pictures and quotes from tribal leaders from the time of the battle.
All in all a satisfying if moving day. As a man who has some indian in his blood I have never really decided how I felt about this battle. Not really for a discussion now, but I am glad I finally walked the ground. It has definitely piqued my interest in re-reading about the battle.
This park is massive and well laid out. There are markers in the locations of where the fallen troops were found, though most of the markers indicate an anonymous soldier due to the mutilation of the bodies. There is a long walking path through parts of the park, and a driving road that stretches almost 6 miles through the hills and along the ridge where most of the battle took place. Here is the main memorial where the final stand took place.
There were several individual and paired markers further down the hill and along the ridge line to the left of the bottom picture.
I then followed the road over to where Benteen and Reno's troops were besieged until they could be relieved.
That is the Little Bighorn river below showing the location where Reno's troops withdrew from the indian village across the river to join Benteen. This is several miles from where Custer was fighting and they were out of sight of each other due to a large hill between them.
The road follows the ridge back to the main site with several stops describing actions that took place that day.
I took this as I was returning along the road and just coming around the intervening hill. The final stand site is to the right of the trees atop that hill and is probably still about 2 miles away.
The tribes have since erected their own memorial across the hill from the one to the soldiers. It is circular and has a series of pictures and quotes from tribal leaders from the time of the battle.
All in all a satisfying if moving day. As a man who has some indian in his blood I have never really decided how I felt about this battle. Not really for a discussion now, but I am glad I finally walked the ground. It has definitely piqued my interest in re-reading about the battle.
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Socalrugger
New member
Drop in to look at some pix of trucks and come out humbled by a great history lesson.... Thx 3wb! I go to Big Sky once a year to ski and it's easily forgotten how much history is around that area.
3wbdriver
New member
Well, research last night shows that most of Yellowstone and the Grand Teton Parks are closed until 1 May (the eastern halves). I'm still going into Yellowstone this morning and will try to get into the part of the Tetons that are still open. It may be something like shooting Mount Rushmore in profile, but I should still see some breathtaking sights. I've had to drop the Cody museum off the route because the route into Yellowstone from Cody is still closed, and it would just make for a half a day sidetrack to go around.
I'll post up tonight if I'm not camped out in the park with no cell coverage.
Heads up to the Idaho and Utah folks. I'll be in Idaho Falls tomorrow and meandering down to Utah during the day.
I'll post up tonight if I'm not camped out in the park with no cell coverage.
Heads up to the Idaho and Utah folks. I'll be in Idaho Falls tomorrow and meandering down to Utah during the day.
Pleasure meeting you yesterday CJ - suggest anyone else along his route to take time and meet up.
Nice job on pics and narrative of Battlefields. The fact that no one really knows what happened that day (to Custer) has kept intrigue and research alive. Quite a few years back most of the area in above pics was burned from fire and NPS allowed intensive search w/ metal detectors. Location, density, and types of cartridges/casings found has lead to another hypothesis on progression of battle. At 20 to 1 odds seems the outcome was foregone conclusion. I believe Reno and Benteen survived only because the Indians knew they needed to put distance between them and the other two prongs of approaching troops from south and north. My great grandfather was among troops approaching from north that discovered battle 3 days later. Reminds me that although this is history, it was only 140 years ago. There is also a national cemetery at Battlefield where Indian and Non-Indian Vets that fought side by side in WWII, Korea, Nam are buried - side by side!
Nice job on pics and narrative of Battlefields. The fact that no one really knows what happened that day (to Custer) has kept intrigue and research alive. Quite a few years back most of the area in above pics was burned from fire and NPS allowed intensive search w/ metal detectors. Location, density, and types of cartridges/casings found has lead to another hypothesis on progression of battle. At 20 to 1 odds seems the outcome was foregone conclusion. I believe Reno and Benteen survived only because the Indians knew they needed to put distance between them and the other two prongs of approaching troops from south and north. My great grandfather was among troops approaching from north that discovered battle 3 days later. Reminds me that although this is history, it was only 140 years ago. There is also a national cemetery at Battlefield where Indian and Non-Indian Vets that fought side by side in WWII, Korea, Nam are buried - side by side!
T4RT
New member
WOW! I am glad I saw this since I was about to spring for a set of these! Since the wife drives the 4Runner as her daily driver, "Medium" road noise would not be acceptable.
Keep the posts coming! Excellent photos!
Blitzkrieg
New member
Glad you got to do Little BigHorn. I think every person that lives in America should see it once in their lives.
And was I lying? When you stood on the ridge did not the hair on the back of your neck stand up?
Don't miss Devils Tower. You are in the area and it should be high on the priority list.
And was I lying? When you stood on the ridge did not the hair on the back of your neck stand up?
Don't miss Devils Tower. You are in the area and it should be high on the priority list.
