Wednesday. We packed up and rolled out of Rapid City right around nine-ish. With the sounds of the previous night’s karaoke in our heads we got onto the interstate and headed west. Sunny and supposed to be hot. Easy ride at speed. After about 40 miles we got off and on to a 2 laner to go see the place for close encounters, Devils Tower.

We fueled up with only about 80 miles on the current tank, not knowing when we would see another gas station. They are few and far between in this part of the country.

Scenery again was fantastic. Continuation of the Black Hills. We crossed into Wyoming in short order. Rock formations. Canyons. Spruce. Towns with populations of 23, 47, 101 etc.. Steep grades, hairpin turns, sweeping curves. Excellent motorcycling. Getting very hot out

We came out of one of those canyons and there it was. Devils Tower. Maybe 20 miles in the distance. Its one of those sights when you travel. The anticipation of getting to a place. The miles you put on. And then you see it. In about 45 more minutes or so we pulled into the park entrance. A half mile down the road we pulled off onto one of several turnouts provided and took pictures from a great vantage point. Saddling back up we drove down into the park entrance and queued up in the line. We looked at each other. Meh. We came. We saw. We went.

We got on the road. It was like a switch. West of the tower. No trees, no rock formations no hills. Just barren. Getting hotter. We head down to the interstate for a run to Gillette. The two laners have a habit of merging with the interstate in this part of the world. No sense in building extra roads with no place to go. Once on the interstate we had an hour or so to Gillette. We got off and fueled up.

With the advice from a local we lunched at Mona’s cafe. Wow. One of those unexpected pleasures. Mexican food. Green chile sauce made from scratch. I had Mona’s combo. Way too much. But it was good.

We saddled up and got on the road again. We decided to take the back country up to Sheridan. Mike and his cousin Pat were going to meet us at the Mint bar on Main St. 102 miles. Scrub. Wide open. Really nothing to look at. About mid way Jonathan signaled to pull over. Clearmont, WY. We needed to hydrate. Very hot. Bought some bottles of water at one of the smallest stores we have been in. They had a ‘Cafe’ sign. I think only one table and I saw a George Foreman grill behind the counter.

We motored on. About 25 miles out of Sheridan the topography improved dramatically. Foothills. Canyons. Trees. Houses. Twisties. Smiles back on our faces. We came out of one canyon and there they were! In the distance, the Rockies!! Again, the anticipation fulfilled. We continued on.

Another one of those moments. Coming into a canyon, on top of a hill was a huge long horn bull watching us come into his territory. It was acting like a guard for any potential intruders. I was pointing, looked into my rearview mirror and the boys were pointing also. Shared experience. Its a wonderful world.

Pulled into Sheridan. Fueled up. Looked for Main St. Found it. Looked for the Mint Bar. Found that. Mike and Pat came out while we were securing the bikes. Big smiles. Heartfelt greetings. Time for a beer. Into the Mint Bar. Decided to head up the mountain and camp. So we loaded up with adult beverages, ice, subway sandwiches and junk food. With the bikes pretty well packed to the brim already, we used cargo nets and straps. Not pretty but functional.

We headed up the mountain. Great drive. Steep. Hairpins. Beautiful scenery. We found a campsite. So here we are at 8,350 ft. Started to rain. Drizzle actually. Didn’t deter us. Campfire. Copious amounts of refreshments. Laughter. Stories. More refreshments. Wow. Called it a night around midnight. Rained all night. Stayed dry.

Life is good.