Badlands or bust

[Onkel Neal]

Barring any last minute emergencies, I'm off on a whirlwind tour of the central US, pivoting at the Badlands National Park in SD. I usually prefer to ad lib my route on trips like this (one trip to Albuquerque I ended up in Puerto Penasco Mexico). I will be posting a few pics and comments as I go along, depending on internet availability. :ping:

The planned route (http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=pearland+tx&daddr=Livingston,+TX+to:Marshall,+TX+to:Harrison,+ AR+to:badlands+SD+to:Steamboat+Springs,+Colorado+t o:Santa+Fe,+NM+to:midland+tx+to:austin+tx&hl=en&ll=36.22655,-99.404297&spn=13.154717,28.45459&sll=36.816415,-99.65366&sspn=26.033555,56.90918&geocode=Fa8awwEd4QxS-impM_6mkFhAhjHuzKX0B3W7yg%3BFfWc1AEdAnBX-inN9YPVLYQ4hjEQy8hl3nnocg%3BFWeY8AEdRhFg-imnjAOo3_U2hjGhZFQ1WCAzWA%3BFaLSKAIdJEpz-inT27_D4CrMhzFiYXUx6XUh_Q%3BFWF3mwIdX2Ls-SHwd-baMV5oaQ%3BFXHAaQIdnOCh-SlhRlYJgXtChzF9z25I0aOoGw%3BFT-KIAIdeYSv-SmpUpjnQ1AYhzFA34j9cyOQjA%3BFaI96AEdJWrq-SkP0aWROWH5hjH5GwZ_4e0VRw%3BFRHXzQEdK48s-ikvA8ygmbVEhjF61WnUS0abXQ&mra=ls&t=m&z=6)

Day 1 will be Monday.

I'm very casual about planning a trip. most of anything you forget can be picked up anywhere in the country. Thank you, Wal-Mart. :up: But, I'll be packing the laptop (wish I had one of those small tablets now).

Update 4/22/12: I'm going to attempt to draw the route as I go using Google Maps. (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202822311567840065519.0004be4de8d79806991f 7&msa=0&ll=29.549567,-94.564819&spn=1.775205,3.556824) I will update as I go in the thread.

Cheers
Neal

[Skybird]

"Understood, captain. I will track your progress from right here."

http://images.wikia.com/memoryalpha/en/images/b/b1/Kirk_climbs_Spock_watches.jpg

[Rilder]

Watch out for plasma storms and gravitational anomalies!

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/5273/badlandsrunabout.jpg

[nikimcbee]

If you're doing the whirlwind tour of SD, there's:

Sturgis:D
Wall Drug
Corn Palace in Mitchell
that little rock carving thingy
If you don't mind riding further, you could swing over to MT and see the Custer Battlefield.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScG_JtdZoj0&feature=related

[Blood_splat]

Just watch out for this guy.
http://i.current.com/images/asset/904/800/48/rJW0x.jpg

[nikimcbee]

Neal, I noticed Sturgis is NOT on the route?:haha:

[Onkel Neal]

Just watch out for this guy.
http://i.current.com/images/asset/904/800/48/rJW0x.jpg

What? I am that guy.



Neal, I noticed Sturgis is NOT on the route?:haha:

You bet it isn't :arrgh!:

[RickC Sniper]

Check the weather reports before heading into that leg to Steamboat Springs. The Rocky Mountains still get some nasty snows this time of year, but the forecast for the next 5 days or so is warm and clear.

Example: Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mtn Natl Park isn't even scheduled to be open until May 25th

[u crank]

In some ways Neal you ride for all of us. Try not to let us down Buddy.:O:




http://www.lolgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/pink-ktm-motorcycle.jpg

[Skybird]

Note to myself: it's not the Lyrids, it's Neal.

[Platapus]

If you are into caves, the Rapid City area gives you the chance to go in to both limestone and crystal caves (on opposite sides of the mountain)

And if spleothems are an interest, in one of the limestone caves there is a helicite which is a rarity in the US.:yeah:

[Rhodes]

Have a nice trip!:D

[Onkel Neal]

In some ways Neal you ride for all of us. Try not to let us down Buddy.:O:

http://www.lolgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/pink-ktm-motorcycle.jpg


That's one way to be seen. :salute:

[August]

Badlands National Monument. Proving once again that we Americans will memorialize just about anything! :DL

[RickC Sniper]

The Badlands are cool. You turn off the freeway, go a half a mile and the scenery is as if you left earth and are on the moon. :rock:

[Chad]

Hey Neal, if you have a stop in or around KC let me know! However, if you're driving through I understand that too!

[Arclight]

Safe travels, skipper. Bring us back a T-shirt. :salute:

[Onkel Neal]

Hi Chad, I may be going through KC, I'll let you know. Like I said, on trips like this, I fully let my whims choose my route. I have been know to spend 8 hours riding country roads and only make 160 miles.

Trip Update: Preplanning (if you can call it that) is underway. V-Strom oil checked, new rear tire added.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5536



New power outlet added, along with a state of the art GPS system (above the gauges)
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5537

[TarJak]

Enjoy the trip Neal. Make sure you test ride that compass. I've seen them get very jumpy when going over rough terrain.:D

[krashkart]

http://i2.listal.com/image/1640285/600full-happy-trails-(bloom-county)-cover.jpg
:woot:

[Reece]

Have a good trip Neal, but take care!:yep:

[Jimbuna]

Neal, Todd lives in Lubbock.

Have a safe and enjoyable journey my friend :sunny:

[nikimcbee]

http://i2.listal.com/image/1640285/600full-happy-trails-(bloom-county)-cover.jpg
:woot:

OMG Krashkart! That is the coolest post ever! I love Bloom County!:salute::woot:

[Chad]

Safe travels Neal :salute:

[Onkel Neal]

Epic journey to being in 12 hours!

Route map. (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202822311567840065519.0004be4de8d79806991f 7&msa=0&ll=29.549567,-94.564819&spn=1.775205,3.556824)

[Sailor Steve]

Nice panorama picture in the close-up view. :sunny:

Safe trip.

[Catfish]

Hi Neal,
you are on tour right now, if i got that right ! :DL
Hope the weather is good and you have fun, looking forward to updates of the photographic kind.
Have fun !
Greetings,
Kai

[HunterICX]

New rear tyre I see, make sure you shave those hairs of on the tarmac :DL

Enjoy the trip, Mate :shucks:

HunterICX

[nikimcbee]

BdU to Motodude.

...Status...report....

[Sailor Steve]

Ha! Neal just called me on Skype from what he called Someplace, Arkansas. He's off getting dinner right now. :O:

He'll probably be here with news later tonight.

[Onkel Neal]

Moto-Dude checking in!:salute:

Day 1
The journey begins!

Well, it begins right after I take my daughter to school. But first she has to go by her mother's house to get some book or something. So, I take her to get breakfast, a book, and then to school. And then return home to load the bike. The plan is to exploit America's chain of cheapo independent motels so I don't need the camping gear this time (which saves packing time and gives me more space on the bike.)

So, bike is loaded, gear secure, chain lubed, iPod charged, maps ready--and I'm off! Before you know it, I remember three things I forgot to pack. Things like the balaclava and heated vest, in case it gets really cold up in the Dakotas. Oh well, the regret of freezing cold a thousand miles away can't overpower the reluctance to turn back after three blocks, can it now?

Right. Off we go, me and my trusty Suzuki V-Strom 650. For those unfamiliar with the Strom, it's Suzuki's version of an adventure bike; affordable, stone reliable, and great fun to ride. And really yellow. Her name is Wendy (postcard to the first reader to correctly guess why). I've had this bike since new in 2008 and it has 42,000 miles on it. I really cannot say enough about this bike, it's great fun to ride and gets 50~53 mpg.

As outlined in the preamble post, this journey is very unscripted. The main goal is to ride through the US to the Badlands in South Dakota, pivot there and return through the western US. I aim to get some good riding in northern Arkansas; they have some great roads and wonderful scenic drives. I would also like to pass through Cross Plains, Texas on the return home to pay homage to Robert E. Howard.

I've scheduled only one social stop on this trip, that's a quick hello in Livingston with an old high school friend. We haven't seen each other since the 10 year reunion, and that was quite a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Livingston is only an hour and a half away, so after I parse the Houston traffic, I meet up with Suzi at the Fain Theater, which is one of the oldest movie houses in Texas. Suzi and her husband run it and right now they are undergoing a massive restoration. Suzi greets me with a cheer of "Moto-Dude!" and gives me a tour of the theater and answers a bunch of geeky questions I've always had about how a projector works. Thankfully, Suzi knows her cinema tech.

Afterwards we go to El Burrito for some Tex Mex (another facet of my motorcycle trips--dining; let the gorging begin). We reminisce old times, friends, and get each other up to date on our lives. Suzi is not a Livingston devotee, shall we say. She tells me some of the area's shortcomings. She says there are backwoods areas where the sheriff deputies never venture. I listen breathlessly as she describes endless miles of deep woods roads where you see hillbillies sitting in their underwear in front of abandoned shells of trailer homes, in tattered lawn chairs, surrounded by numerous plastic water containers to beat the heat, with a dog chained to every tree. I nearly chuck the whole South Dakota trip right there, to go explore these Deliverance outposts!

After the waitress brings the check, we part and the journey north continues. East Texas is pine trees and gently rolling hills. There is a VFW hall in Corrigan with an M42 Duster armored vehicle. My route takes me up through Marshall, the setting for the move We Are Marshall.

Around 2:30 I began to get really sleepy. Lunch wasn't part of my original plan, and I began flirting with the idea of pulling off onto a county road and taking a nap in a field.

I crossed into Arkansas at Texarkana. I picked up a map at the Welcome Center. The lady behind the desk suggests a route through Hope and then North through Nashville (Arkansas, not Tennessee). She says it's very scenic and she was right. This part of Arkansas is very pretty, almost as pretty as Texas. Or maybe more. And very fragrant, the air is fresh and naturally scented. I rode through Arkansas on my return from Chicago a couple years ago and they have some of the best roads and scenic routes I've seen.

Arkansas is famous for Johnny Cash, former President Bill Clinton, the only natural diamond mine in the US, Wal-Mart, and General Douglas MacArthur. But what Arkansas is really known for is being the place where early Texas settlers paused before venturing on to the eventual Lone Star state. "Ma, I think we can do better, let's keep going."

Speaking of Bill, I took a turn in Hope to visit the first home of former President Bill Clinton. I admire him for his rise from middle class roots. I voted for him in his first election, thinking that George Bush had broken his "Read my lips, no new taxes" pledge from his first '88 campaign. Sadly, Clinton would teach me the difference between a politician breaking a campaign promise and a politician lying under oath. His house was closed, I got there about 15 minutes too late.:dead:

Along the way to Nashville, I came across this charming little village, Washington State Park. The town is "a lovely, peaceful tree-shaded town in and one of the most amazing historic places in Arkansas that you'll want to experience. Here you will time travel back to the 19th century as you stroll the plank board sidewalks alongside streets that have never been paved, and tour the historic public buildings and former residences. Established on George Washington's birthday in 1824, the town of Washington today is one of America's premier historic villages." It really was cool, but as luck would have it, everything closed at 5pm, and I rolled in at 5:45.:dead:

I want to get an early start Tues, so maybe some things will still be open when I get there, so I decided to end the first day in the small town of Murfreesboro. I found a small motel advertising $49, and after some sweet talk, the front desk girl lowered it to an even $50 with tax. Winning!

Had dinner at the Rattler's Den. The service was good, cheerful and friendly, but the food was pretty bland, and the pie - blech!

Map link (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202822311567840065519.0004be4de8d79806991f 7&msa=0&ll=32.119801,-93.757324&spn=5.516138,9.876709)
Close calls: saw a 2x4 in the highway, but in plenty of time
Song of the Day: Long Time -- Boston
Philosophical thought: Take care when being chivalrous around Russian women
Dining: El Burrito: fajita nachos, B-
Rattler's Den: CFS, Coconut cream pie F.

[Sailor Steve]

Wow, quite a first day! Sounds like it's going to be a great trip. :sunny:

[Onkel Neal]

Coffee Stop, Livingston, TX
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5547




M42 Duster, Corrigan, TX

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5545




First home of President Bill Clinton, Hope, Arkansas

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5550



Historic Washington State Park
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5552



more WSP
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5551


Shamrock Motel
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5553


More pics can be found in the Badlands or Bust Picture Gallery (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/album.php?albumid=630)


.

[Jimbuna]

Received your postcard an hour ago Neal.

I looked up Georgetown, Texas and must say it looks cool buddy :cool:

By my calculation that was you travelling approx. 160 miles from Pearland.

Wish I was there with you :rock:

[Onkel Neal]

After typing the report, I was relaxing and reading Bonfire of the Vanities. It was a little cool, so I decided to look in the closet and see if there was a blanket. Lo and behold! The closet is actually the door to an adjoining room, which was unlocked. The other room plainly had occupants, but they were not in. I could not get the flimsy door knob lock to work, so there was no locking this door. (Shrug) I pushed the chest of drawers with the cathode tube TV up against the door instead. About 10 minutes later several people entered the other room, it was clear that hearing through the door was unhindered. I switched on my TV to let them know someone was here (I looked for Animal Planet channel to produce a lot of animal sounds.) :88)

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5562

Anyway, the night passed without incident, as one would expect. Except I can still hear people snoring in the other room:O:

Other than that, this motel is great, spacious room, clean, and a great value for the price.

Here's the route for today. Chad, looks like I will be passing through KN this afternoon/evening. Not sure how long it will take me to get through Arkansas, I have planned a very detailed but scenic route to Eureka Springs.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5563

[mapuc]

This is very interesting to read. Just keep on posting these daily-day-to-day diary.


Markus

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks, Marcus! Appreciate the feedback.

Day 2
The trek through all the best winding mountain roads in western Arkansas begins. But not before one of the motel residents comes by to see me off.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5564
I'm guessing Nikki can tell us the brand of dog this is.

I wrote out the route, and in my crappy handwriting, there was bound to be some mistakes. Sure enough, I missed a turn at Amity, the first town I got to, and went six miles out of the way. I backtracked, and shortly came across CR 346, which soon turned into a logging road.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5565


http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5566

Undaunted, the V-Strom and I soldiered on. The paper map showed a bridge crossing a narrow part of Gray Lake, but when I finally got to the end of the line (literally),
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5567


there were remnants of a bridge from years ago.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5568



On the way back to HWY 84, I noticed on my notes that I had written CR347. Why was I thinking CR346? Well, that's more like it.

I'll let someone else caption this one.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5573

Road 346 led to the Old Amity Road and that did carry me across Lake Hamilton to Hot Springs.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5571





By now it was after noon, and I stopped by a Suzuki dealer to see if they had a 2012 V-Strom 650. They did not. But they were able to suggest a great place to eat, Stoby's. The building has a couple of railroad dining cars built into it. The food was really good, and so was the service and atmosphere. They had a small model train that ran around the room on a track overhead. They even had a steam whistle you can blow at the entrance. Very impressive place.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5569


Back to the route: Arkansas really is a fantastic place to ride a motorcycle.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5577


An old one lane bridge
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5570

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5575


I stopped to shoot the breeze with an older gentleman running a country store. It had a screen door at the entrance. Felt very nostalgic to open a wooden screen door as opposed to a metal and glass door. He explained that country stores like his are slowly fading away, soon only pictures will be left. I picked up some eye drops, AAA batteries, and an RC Cola.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5574



Because I had been on the bike 5 hours and still have only covered 100 miles, I decided to motor on through other photo ops. It was 4pm when I got to Eureka Springs. This was a very interesting town. They had their very own Occupy Wall Street hoo-hah going on.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5578

Seriously, can't a guy get away from this stuff?


There is a section of Eureka Springs along HWY 23 that is very unusual--the street is very narrow and the shops fronts are right on the edge of the street, with only a narrow sidewalk separating them. There seems to be a lot of arts, antiques, and other touristy shops in this section. I think this is where all the hippes in Arkansas come to rest. It also appears to be round zero for bikers. Just about every motel and hotel had an icon or silhouette of a cruiser or motorcycle on the marquee, with plenty of inducements like "Bikers welcome!" One place called Biker Rest proudly regaled the tourists with "Bikers Only". Since I'm not a biker, I continued on to Missouri.

The first 40 miles into Missouri were so much like Arkansas; I thought maybe they got the borders wrong. But, then the real Missouri came along, mostly flat, some gentle grades, but nothing like Arkansas. At least the gas is cheap!
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5576



That's it for today. Tomorrow I plan to chew up some mileage, since I can't extend this trip past next Monday.

Map link: Days 1 & 2 (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202822311567840065519.0004be4de8d79806991f 7&msa=0&ll=35.348736,-93.372803&spn=2.65673,4.938354)

Close calls: did not see a curb divider splitting lanes in Hot Springs, clipped it with the rear wheel at an angle. Seriously, I can't see why it was even there. Very strange.
Song of the Day: Like Steve McQueen -- Sheryl Crow
Philosophical thought: Someday may never come, but today is here right now.
Dining: Stoby's Restaurant: Cheddar Cheese fries, Reuben sandwich (I'm thinking about it right now), Italian cream cake: A

[Reece]

Some very interesting spots there Neal, love the diner with the old carriages,:up: wish I was there!:yep:

[nikimcbee]

Run Moto dude, it's an (old) pug!
http://rlv.zcache.com/pug_biker_card-p137994586004510440z85g9_400.jpg


Since you're in Arkansas, watch out for the boggy swamp creature:
http://www.cryptomundo.com/wp-content/uploads/Boggycreek1.jpg

[Jimbuna]

You've got my head spinning I'm still in Georgetown, Texas :doh:

[Catfish]

Thanks for the photos, nice trip !
Almost a journey .. :sunny:

[Onkel Neal]

Day 3
Thanks for the comments, guys. It's almost like you're riding along with me.

Well, the last two days have been very fun, lots of backroads exploring and great twisty riding. This morning I decided I better make some progress, so I lit the warp drives and lunged into South Dakota.

I just got in to the Motel 6 in Mitchell, SD, I'm going to grab something to eat. I'll upload my pics and write my ride report in a bit.

BRB

[Chad]

Sounds good Neal! You're doing good :yeah:

If you stop around Kansas City let me know. I'm actually about an hour north of the metropolitan area in a small city, large town called Saint Joseph, where Jesse James was shot!

http://www.ci.st-joseph.mo.us/history/jessejames.cfm

Here's the longitude/latitude coordinates:

N 39° 45.481 W 094° 47.208

Good luck Neal!

[Chad]

Ah I see you went on through! No problemo, next time then :DL

[Reece]

Ah I see you went on through! No problemo, next time then :DL
He did say he engaged the warp drives!:yep:

[TarJak]

Blimey that was fast moving Neal. Great pics and updates through mate. :yeah:

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks, Grant. :salute:


Day 3, continued.
Time for a quick update, I want to get on the road by 7. I didn't get to complete this last night, I was delayed, more on that in a
minute. ;)

Left Carthgage, MO around 7am. Streaked north through Kansas City and St. Joseph (sorry, Chad, I was already in SD before you posted your
message. You must have missed my earlier post.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=1874576&postcount=35

Not as many pictures this leg, I wish I had gotten a Go Pro setup on my helemt where I could snap pics as I ride. There were many really
neat things to see; the Christopher S. Bond bridge on N71 out of KC, terraced farming in Iowa, and so many homes and churches with neat
architecture.

Weird bridge statues in Omaha, Nebraska
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5580

I stopped a few times for pics, and I went to the Mid America Air Museum in Sioux City, but as Stevens Luck would have it,
they are CLOSED on WEDNESDAYs. Grrr. Anyway, I took a pic of one of the planes. Anyone familiar with this model?
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5583

Outside of Omaha, I was getting gas and postcards at a truck stop. When I went to leave, I heard a Harley pulling in behind me. I didn't
pay any attention to it (ya seen one million doo-rag'ed geezers on Harleys, ya seen 'em enough already).I was about to throw my leg over
the Strom when I heard a voice say, "Do you have any tools?"

A female voice. Here we go.

I turned and it was a Harley biker chick, with stuff sticking out of her lip and the necessary tatoos, etc. Sigh. She had another chick
with her, I guess they were buddies. Well, Harley or not, I am always ready to lend a hand for another motorcycle rider (I know Harley
riders, they will definitely do the same for me--honest, no sarcasm here). I asked what the problem was. She said that her shifter fell
off. I looked and yes, her hee-to-toe shifter mechanism had come off the pivot, and was dangling by the linkage rod. I said, yes, I have
tools, let me get them.

I carry my tools under the seat of my Suzuki. So, I had to unload the gear to get the seat off. I looked for an allen wrench that would fit
her shifter bolt but didn't have the right size. Maybe Harleys aren't metric?

I managed to tap the shifter back onto the pivot enough to help get her started. She could shift, but it would likely come loose again
before long. Maybe it would work long enough for to get to the Harley dealer. While I was adjusting the shifter, she mused, "I wonder why
it fell off?" Me: "I've heard that Harleys vibrate a great deal, that might have something to do with it." Ahh, the eternal joke of stuff
falling off Harleys...

She's brave, I'll say that much for her, asking a Jap bike rider for tools to fix her Harley :) I should probably carry SAE tools for the
Harley riders I meet.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5588


I thought that would be the casual female encounter of my trip.

Iowa
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5585

I looked for the Iowa Welcome Center, and I saw these signs saying it was exit such-n-such. I turned off on one exit but it lead me
straight to a casino. I guess that's Iowa's idea of welcoming out of staters. Maybe that explains the big ?
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5582


I eventually found an Iowa Welcome Center.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5586

Coming into South Dakota from Iowa, the winds began whipping up. At first, it wasn't a big deal, but the wind speed kept increasing until
soon I was getting pushed around a good deal. Passing cars at 80 was taking much of the power the Strom could deliver (it is a 650, after
all). The noise of the wind coming off the shield was tremendous. My mileage went down to 34 mpg).

Along with the wind, I came across a huge wall of brown haze in the distance. It looked like a sandstorm that covered the horizon for
miles. As I grew closer the dust storm narrowed and grew denser. Closer and closer, I could see the source was a tractor going down a road
in a field. I would see this a number of times. Half the top soil in SD must end up in Minnesota.

I stopped north of Sioux City for gas. A guy at the pump asked me where I was from, what kind of bike, etc. He suggested I take road 44
west to Badlands, it would give me a chance to see the small towns and farms. Good idea, so I did. The countryside is almost exclusively
farmland, big massive fields. Most of the fields were either plowed up without any crops growing, or they were cut down after the last
harvest,leaving nothing but endless acres of yellow, dried stubs. I must have come right before the crops were planted. Too bad, I would
have loved to seen oceans of barley and corn, as they are depicted in popular media.

Church in South Dakota, near Parkston.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5584

I have to get me some of that "Toe Service", it sounds crazy good.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5587

Finally, I decided to call it a day after 650 miles. I pulled into the Motel 6 in Mitchell and unloaded my gear. I asked the guy at the
desk where I could get a good cheeseburger, he gave me a city map and circled The Depot. I rode over to a nice-looking place, parked my
bike next to an old Honda Gold Wing, one of the first shaft drive bikes. As I was taking a picture, three women came out and offered to
take the picture with me on the bike, I laughed and said, that's not my bike (feeling like Inspector Clouseu).

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5589



I went inside; it was was a bar, not a diner :( It was noisy, with grown people talking as loudly as they could, laughing at jokes no one really thought were funny, much like children do, Sigh. I asked for a table by the window so I could get enough light to read my book.

I ordered an Angus burger with BBQ sauce and settled into my book. She brought the burger, it was one of those thick beasties that are hard to hold with one hand, so I had to set the book down, take a bite, wipe my face, and pick the book up to read. No big deal. As I was about to finish, my waitress brought a tall drink to my table. I looked up and shook my head, to signify I didn't order this. She said the ladies at that table sent it.

I looked over, there were three women at the table looking at me. WTH? Ok, it was probably because I was wearing motorcycle boots, military pants, and a Fox motorcross jersey, sitting alone and reading a bestseller at a table quietly. I guess I stuck out a bit. But I'm way past my expiration date. I don't do this thing any more. I squinted and removed my reading glasses (yes! I'm so prepared to be cool!) and gave these new friends a lookover. They were nice looking, about my age. Alarm bells started going off in my head. Despite that, being a gentleman, I went over to their table and introduced myself, and in my best Texas drawl, thanked them for the drink (which I had no intention of consuming, I don't drink--which they found screaming funny!). "You're from Texas?" "Where are your friends?" "You rode a motorcyle here alone?" Before long I was one of the pack, talking too loudly and telling jokes I doubt were funny. Let's call it "fitting in". The lady who sent the drink was Heather, she is about 42, and looks a bit like Carmen Diaz with darker hair.

Heather thought I should give her a motorcycle ride--I guess alchohal has that effect on women. What the hell, I gave her a motorcycle ride (what's another 5 miles after today, right?).

Now, coffee and I'm off to Wall Drug, the Badlands, and Mt. Rushmore. Some of you will be getting postcards.

Map Update: South Dakota (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202822311567840065519.0004be4de8d79806991f 7&msa=0&ll=37.926868,-90.834961&spn=20.506684,39.506836)
Close calls: none
Song of the Day: Move Along - All American Rejects
Philosophical thought: Some things never change, and you still don't recognize them until it's too late.
Dining: The Depot: Angus BBQ burger, salad: B+

[mapuc]

Day 3
Thanks for the comments, guys. It's almost like you're riding along with me.


http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff440/mapuc/22110.jpg

[HunterICX]

I took a pic of one of the planes. Anyone familiar with this model?
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5583


Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler if I'm not mistaken.

Good reads, keep it up seems your having a good time there:yeah:

Edit: Whoops, it's actually a Grumman A-6 Intruder (canopy should've given it away )

HunterICX

[TarJak]

I ordered an Angus burger with BBQ sauce and settled into my book. She brought the burger, it was one of those thick beasties that are hard to hold with one hand, so I had to set the book down, take a bite, wipe my face, and pick the book up to read. No big deal. As I was about to finish, my waitress brought a tall drink to my table. I looked up and shook my head, to signify I didn't order this. She said the ladies at that table sent it.

I looked over, there were three women at the table looking at me. WTH? Ok, it was probably because I was wearing motorcycle boots, military pants, and a Fox motorcross jersey, sitting alone and reading a bestseller at a table quietly. I guess I stuck out a bit. But I'm way past my expiration date. I don't do this thing any more. I squinted and removed my reading glasses (yes! I'm so prepared to be cool!) and gave these new friends a lookover. They were nice looking, about my age. Alarm bells started going off in my head. Despite that, being a gentleman, I went over to their table and introduced myself, and in my best Texas drawl, thanked them for the drink (which I had no intention of consuming, I don't drink--which they found screaming funny!). "You're from Texas?" "Where are your friends?" "You rode a motorcyle here alone?" Before long I was one of the pack, talking too loudly and telling jokes I doubt were funny. Let's call it "fitting in". The lady who sent the drink was Heather, she is about 42, and looks a bit like Carmen Diaz with darker hair.

Heather thought I should give her a motorcycle ride--I guess alchohal has that effect on women. What the hell, I gave her a motorcycle ride (what's another 5 miles after today, right?).



Whoa there! You get chatted up by a Cameron Diaz look alike called Heather and you give her a ride on your bike and that's all you're gonna tell us???? :o

C'mon Neal stop holding out on us.;)

Seriously, sounds like you are having the time of your life mate.

[Jimbuna]

Northro

Edit: Whoops, it's actually a Grumman A-6 Intruder (canopy should've given it away )

HunterICX

ROFLMAO :har:

NOOB :DL

[Arclight]

Indeed. Stick to yer vintage planes. :O:

I mean, more vintage-y than that one... not exactly state of the art anymore. :roll:

[RickC Sniper]

I'm impressed that you stayed in Mitchell S.D. and ignored their one tourist attraction, the famous Corn Palace. :nope:

The big ? made sense to me. If you have any ? about Iowa, visit the Welcome Center.

South Dakota has had casinos now for many, many years. At first they were restricted to the Indian Reservations but recently it seems like there is a small one attached to every truck stop in the state. A sad trend if you ask me.

If you have never been there, I think you'll like the dramatic change of scenery when you hit Badlands.

[August]

Heather thought I should give her a motorcycle ride--I guess alchohal has that effect on women. What the hell, I gave her a motorcycle ride (what's another 5 miles after today, right?)

She wanted a ride alright but I don't think it was the motorcycle she was thinking about. :yep:

[u crank]

Great pics, great commentary.:up:

Go Neal go!

[Reece]

Good on ya Neal, chatting up the girls!!:yeah: Obviously you had a good time there, you just don't know what is installed around the corner!:DL BTW, did you get Heather's address?;)

[Stealhead]

Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler if I'm not mistaken.

Good reads, keep it up seems your having a good time there:yeah:

Edit: Whoops, it's actually a Grumman A-6 Intruder (canopy should've given it away )

HunterICX

It is an EA-6A the Prowler before the more famous and numerous EA-6B which was a four seater the A model was two seater.You actually took a very good guess maybe the radome on the tail made you think of the EA-6B and you might not have known of the 2 seat A model.Now you did bomb yourself when you flip flopped and said it was an A-6 they never had a large radome on the tail :D

VAQ mean electronic warefare in Navy air squadron lingo

VAQ-33's page http://www.reenactor.net/vaq-33/vaq-33_history.html


Maybe the same plane in her glory days~late 60's:
http://www.spinningjenny.com/yobbo/navair/planes/ea6a_at_key_west.jpg

Oh yes my guess as to why Neal calls his bike Wendey;He absolutely loves Wenedy's chili and Wendey's have the yellow signs and Neal's bike is yellow or maybe he loves Frosties.:hmmm:

[Arclight]

Noo, we'll never hear the end of it now. :nope:

[Falkirion]

Just found this thread Neal, great read mate. Will be following along from here on out.

[Onkel Neal]

It is an EA-6A the Prowler before the more famous and numerous EA-6B which was a four seater the A model was two seater.

Oh yes my guess as to why Neal calls his bike Wendey;He absolutely loves Wenedy's chili and Wendey's have the
yellow signs and Neal's bike is yellow or maybe he loves Frosties.:hmmm:

Oh, good call on one, but a clean miss on Wendy. I actually throught Sailor Steve would guess that right out of the gate,
him being a music-ian.

Grant, there isn't anything else to tell :O:

So, on to...

Day 4: The Day

Yes, boys, it's been 1400 miles since I last saw an establishment that advertised the services of Thai Massage,
so that means we're well and truly in the hinterland here.

Got up and finished yesterdays glorious ride report, and off at 7am, as planned.

I saw a dinosaur
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5609



Heading west, lots of this
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5592
South Dakota, lots of long straight highway. Missing in the tasteful photo are the thousands of vulgar billboards
advertising Wall Drug, Reptile Garden, Mystery Area, Firetruck Brewery, and every other cheap tourist trap imaginable.


and it was cold,about 43F so this
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5594


At last, this
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5593


and lots of this
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5596

The Park had several trails and walkways where you could venture out into the park, it was great.


http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5595


Ok, a few more shots of the Badlands, and then if you want more, check other online sources,
they pretty much look the same, I don't want to bore you:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5597

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5598


http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5599

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5600


Those Indians weren't as eco-friendly as you thought!
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5602


After a few hours meandering though the park, I lit out for Wall Drug, next stop on the way to Rapid City. Ok, Wall Drug:
I don't want to sound cynical, but it's not really worth stopping for. After 1307 billboards, it's simply a big, gauche
Wal-Mart sized tourist souvenir shop. Tons of stuff packed into about 20 little rooms with quaint corridors connecting
them. I mean, it is what it is, but I spent about 8 minutes and saw all I wanted to see.

What Wall Drug did for me, it caused me to forget to go by and see the Minutemen Missile Silo display :(
When I walked out of WD, it was trying to rain and there were some little snow flakes falling, and
I was halfway to Rapid City when I realized that.

So, next stop of Mount Rushmore:
The first glimpse
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5603

The closeup view from the park center (aka the view you get for $11 parking fee)
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5604

Very impressive, it is so cool to see this in real life.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5605



Afterwards, I toured the Custer State Park for a few hours--more windy roads, epic vistas, and cool air.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5606



I saw some buffalo
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5607

They were closer that you think!
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5608

But I guess they are tame like park squirrels, none of my taunts had any effect.

[Onkel Neal]

I ended the day running from the rain.
Behind me
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5611



In front of me
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5610





Since it is supposed to be 90% chance of rain and sleet tomorrow, I am
holing up in the new, opulent Motel 6 in Hot Springs, SD. I went to
Wooly's for a steak. The front desk gal assured me it was a restaurant,
but I shaved just in case.


Time to catch up on some reading!

Map link (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202822311567840065519.0004be4de8d79806991f 7&msa=0&ll=42.455888,-100.217285&spn=4.806128,9.876709)
Close calls: none
Song of the Day: Bad Lands -- Bruce Springsteen
Philosophical thought: Stop worrying about what might happen
Dining: Wooly's: Rib eye, potatoes, salad. A-

[Sailor Steve]

Oh, good call on one, but a clean miss on Wendy. I actually throught Sailor Steve would guess that right out of the gate,
him being a music-ian.
Nope, not a clue. The only thing I can think of is the Association song 'Windy'.

So, next stop of Mount Rushmore:
The first glimpse
Cool! I've only seen pictures, so I've never seen that perspective. :rock:
But I guess they are tame like park squirrels, none of my taunts had any effect.
They've always been that way. This is why they were almost wiped out; they would stand there while the hunters shot them, and surrounded by their dead friends they would still stand there.

[Falkirion]

Didn't they film Starship Troopers in the Badlands? Looked a heck of alot like the scenes on Planet P from those shots you took Neal.

*edit. Checked it out and they did film in parts of the badlands. Nothing in SD from the sources I've checked though.

[HunterICX]

It is an EA-6A the Prowler before the more famous and numerous EA-6B which was a four seater the A model was two seater.You actually took a very good guess maybe the radome on the tail made you think of the EA-6B and you might not have known of the 2 seat A model.Now you did bomb yourself when you flip flopped and said it was an A-6 they never had a large radome on the tail :D

D'oh....:damn:
Yeah never heard of the A model and it didn't help as both the tail and canopy confused me.
so EA-6A Electric Intruder isn't it?

Anyway thanks for clearing that up, as mentioned I should stick to vintage planes as in military aircraft with a prop :haha: because my knowledge about cold war jets and military jets in general is limited.

Great update Neal, love what I am seeying right there Custer State park looks like a nice drive with a nice view :yeah:

But I guess they are tame like park squirrels, none of my taunts had any effect.

Did you try asking them where the nearest Steakhouse is?

HunterICX

[TarJak]

Great pics Neal and Springsteen's music is the perfect riding music to accompany you.

[Jimbuna]

Awesome photos and information Neal....it feels like I'm out there with you :sunny:

[Stealhead]

D'oh....:damn:
Yeah never heard of the A model and it didn't help as both the tail and canopy confused me.
so EA-6A Electric Intruder isn't it?

Anyway thanks for clearing that up, as mentioned I should stick to vintage planes as in military aircraft with a prop :haha: because my knowledge about cold war jets and military jets in general is limited.

Great update Neal, love what I am seeying right there Custer State park looks like a nice drive with a nice view :yeah:



Did you try asking them where the nearest Steakhouse is?

HunterICX

No you are right it was called the Electronic Intruder(I had Prowler in my head for some reason) but it was an EW platform it only carried jammers into combat they did use them in Vietnam and they where very effective so they came up with the B model which was much better.i think the As where all very early production A-6As that they modified adding the tail radome that is about the only thing that makes them visually different than an A-6.

@Falkirion you are very observant the only thing I recall about Starshiptroopers is the shower scene.

I like the Philosophical thought for 4/26 very good advice.

[nikimcbee]

But I guess they are tame like park squirrels, none of my taunts had any effect.

If you see any moose, don't taunt them. Don't make me tell all of my Yellostone Park stories.:dead:

[Takeda Shingen]

Got me a postcard from a guy on a motorcycle. Once I get my scanner hooked back up to my new computer, I'll post some pics.

[Jimbuna]

Got me a postcard from a guy on a motorcycle. Once I get my scanner hooked back up to my new computer, I'll post some pics.

That's cool Tak...check out #34 :cool:

[Onkel Neal]

It's a cold but clear Sat morning in Hot Springs, SD. On the way to Colorado.

[Sailor Steve]

And I stop holding my breath now! I was worried after no update yesterday. :sunny:

[TarJak]

C'mon Neal quit holding out on us! We need another update.:D

[Onkel Neal]

Wendy and I just landed back in Houston, safe and sound, though the old girl is a bit winded and my knees feel like an elephant stepped on them! My daughter called Sat morning and reminded me that she has a piano recital today at 3pm :o So, from SD, through Wyoming, Denver and the Raton Pass (see if you can find that!) and down across the Texas Panhandle.

Pics and the final ride report later today, if I can stay awake. :doh:

(PS: Steve, due to the rain and sleet Friday, I did maintenance on the bike, stayed in my motel room and read, Nothing to report.

[Jimbuna]

Steve has just hailed you on Skype, we both see you as 'online'....main thing is you had a safe and enjoyable time :sunny:

[nikimcbee]

Wendy and I

Who's this Wendy? She's not the waitress from Gaido's is it?:hmmm::haha:

[Onkel Neal]

Day 5: Friday, lots of cold rain, strong gusts, as predicted by the weathermen. Caught up on bike maintenance: adjusted chain, lubed, checked oil level, tires and air pressure. Cleaned out luggage.


Wendy, in the rain.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5618


The hill behind our hotel. This ain't MC weather, it's book weather.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5619

[Onkel Neal]

Day 6: Saturday/Sunday. Got a text message from my little one, she had a piano recital Sunday. Did I already know about that? Not to my knowledge, but I thought it would be nice to be there. I planned a route that would loop west through a bit of Wyoming first, and then down through Colorado to view the Rockies. Google maps estimated a running time of 26 hours and about 1500 miles. (http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Hot+Springs,+SD&daddr=Cheyenne,+WY+to:Denver,+CO+to:Raton,+NM+to:3 2.39669,-100.84023+to:32.65584,-96.74578+to:Pearland,+TX&hl=en&ll=36.332828,-96.262207&spn=13.136971,28.45459&sll=33.192731,-97.229004&sspn=6.828268,14.227295&geocode=Fd62lgIdRhvV-SkdofxRlc18hzEL3M31nRszvQ%3BFQ2_cwId6pHA-SmT73MudjhvhzErLZePQTAKsQ%3BFd9YXgIdcg---SnPFx8jqoBrhzHWNoon-PSOEQ%3BFb4ZMwIdj2LG-SlTUfa3Q_AQhzHQgqoIQfWfoA%3BFZJV7gEd2kz9-Sl__Szn9rr4hjG59THS8Garaw%3BFeBJ8gEdzMY7-il3E6nRIJZOhjEa8eWF0xempg%3BFa8awwEd4QxS-impM_6mkFhAhjHuzKX0B3W7yg&oq=pearland&mra=dpe&mrsp=5&sz=7&via=4,5&t=m&z=6)A stout challenge but do-able.

So, early Saturday morning, I loaded my gear and set sail west to Wyoming. It was raining a bit for the first hour, but then I ran out of it. I would see threatening clouds most of the way home.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5620

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5621

The winds in Wyoming are really strong, 30 to 45 mph. Most of the way through Wyoming and some of Colorado, the gusts would rock the bike and push it around. I ran at a 60 degree angle much of the time. It was also pretty cold, about 42 until Denver, then it warmed up to 51.

The traffic in the Mile High City slowed me down a bit. On Saturday? At least I got to see the Rockies.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=630&pictureid=5622

I made my way south to the border of Colorado and New Mexico and cross at the high altitude Raton Pass (7834 feet). I then wheeled west and made my way to Clayton, NM. The roads were largely deserted. While stopped and reading a map, a nice guy on a 2011 Suzuki DR650 came up and we talked about the best route through the Panhandle to Dallas.

As night fell, I cruised back into the Lone Star State. I kept seeing some spectacular lightning displays in the cloud banks in front of me. I dreaded getting hit by rain in the dark :( Not safe at all. But it never materialize, thank goodness.

By the time I made Amarillo, close to 1am, I was beginning to flag a bit. The stamina isn't the issue, it's the fading concentration--very important on a bike. Also, after 16 hours steady riding, I was getting a little sleepy. As I approached Sweetwater, I pulled off on a country road about 100 yards, and took a 30 minute nap. That kept me going until the sun came back up.

While in the Sweetwater area, I began to see a huge number of flashing red lights, and as I got closer, I could see the faint red glow on the wind turbine blades as they turned. Texas is the Number #1 wind energy producing state in the US.

I continued on through Abilene and was within 30 miles of Cross Plains, the town where Robert E. Howard wrote his Conan stories. But I was not sure I would make it back to Pearland in time for my daughter's concert, so I decided to mark it down as a future road trip.

No other incidents, just lots of riding. I arrived in Pearland about 12:30 pm, after 1502 miles and 27 hours. Wendy needs a bath, new front tire, oil change and probably a new chain. Then... we'll see where. Maybe the Florida Keys.:yeah:

Some of you may be getting postcards, if you could let me know, that would be sweet.


Final Map of the route (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202822311567840065519.0004be4de8d79806991f 7&msa=0&ll=36.668419,-96.240234&spn=26.079761,56.90918)
Close calls: several lapses of concentration, fixed with coffee
Song of the Day: Roll Me Away - Bob Seger
Philosophical thought: Wherever you go, there you are.
Dining: The Depot: Denny's, Ultimate Omelette: A

[Falkirion]

Long ride home mate. Great shots and trip report Neal.

[HunterICX]

Neal,

Well played you've made me jealous sitting here at work reading your reports of you having all the fun.:O::haha:

Seems like a hell of a ride :shucks:

Plans over here are forming about a trip to Morroco after the summer season this year.

Some of you may be getting postcards, if you could let me know, that would be sweet.

Got one of you last week, appreciate it :yeah:

HunterICX

[TarJak]

Awesom trip Neal. Thanks for sharing it with us all.:salute:

[Reece]

Welcome back, nice to see you arrived in good health!:up:
And now for a good nights sleep in your own bed!!:yep:
http://parangaricutirimicuaro.blogspot.com.au/c-pp-tuol-bed.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Some of you may be getting postcards, if you could let me know, that would be sweet.


Rgr that buddy...see #34 :sunny:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=1874575&postcount=34

[Onkel Neal]

Some interesting info about Wyoming and wind farms. (http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/09/14/the-power-struggle-for-wyomings-wind/)

They definitely have the raw material.

[nikimcbee]

Well Neal, I'm glad you made it home safely. Was it your first time to Wyoming?

[Onkel Neal]

It was. Wyoming certainly lived up to its billing as the least populated state (560,000). I went for miles without seeing a residence or vehicle. The towns I passed through...cannot imagine what it's like to live there. Not saying good or bad, but very isolated.

[Penguin]

First: good that you came home in one piece - so we can enjoy subsim a little more! :yeah:
Sounds like it was a nice trip, despite the little rush on the last day.

Some interesting info about Wyoming and wind farms. (http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/09/14/the-power-struggle-for-wyomings-wind/)

They definitely have the raw material.

The US map is definitely very interesting. I didn't know how huge the area in the US with excellent wind conditions was. :o

For a comparision, wind conditions in Germany, note that slim red line along the coast is the only area with avarage speeds more than 21ft.
Being about 2/3 the size of Texas, we produce 2/3 as much wind energy as the whole US - so there is definitely a lot of potential. Germany has the same issues than WY: bringing the power from the areas where it's harvested, to the areas that consume it, so there is now a massive construction/renovation of power lines in N/S direction.

http://www.paradiso-design.net/windenergie/w_02_windgeschwindigkeiten.jpg

For Western Europe, I could only find this map, without any scale though:
http://www.electricwind.eu/de/img/europe_map.png

As you mentioned Texas being the biggest wind energy producer in the US: Are there also offshore wind farms in the Gulf?

sorry for derailing, but [child voice]: you started it! nah, nah, nah, nah, nah :O: [/voice off]

[Herr-Berbunch]

I've ignored this thread until you got back, to read it all in one - a good trip to clean out the cobwebs before teaching. And some great pics. :yeah:

Some more on that EA-6A -

In VMCJ-1 70-73. Deployed from IWA to Danang 20 Nov 70 to support Son Tay raid and follow on NVN strikes. (Cardwell/Miner) In VMCJ-1 Cubi for Linebacker support. Last of VMCJ-1 RM acft transpac to NKT by LtCol Bloomer Aug 75, Was prototype for RECAP mod program for reserves. Last unit VAQ-33. Had been slated to be used as target or training aid at Hardwood Weapons Range, Volk Field, WI. but somehow ended up on static display/in restoration At Warner Museum of Aviation, Souix City, Iowa! Source: http://www.mcara.us/EA-6A_history.html

Still waiting for my postcard, but then you don't have my address. :D

[nikimcbee]

It was. Wyoming certainly lived up to its billing as the least populated state (560,000). I went for miles without seeing a residence or vehicle. The towns I passed through...cannot imagine what it's like to live there. Not saying good or bad, but very isolated.

My uncle has lived all over Wyoming. When I was in high school, I visited him for a week. The girls are...very friendly:D. I was worried you might pick up a girlfriend as you passed through there.:haha::D.

[nikimcbee]

Too bad you didn't have the time to visit Yellowstone. You can spend a whole week there camping, just watch out for the bears and the moose.:D

[Sailor Steve]

Funny you should mention that. I spent my honeymoon in Yellowstone, back in '74.

[nikimcbee]

Northern Wyoming is pretty (in the spring time:D). The Bighorn mountain range is a fun drive, but you need to watch out for the open range cattle.:dead:

[Onkel Neal]

I've ignored this thread until you got back, to read it all in one - a good trip to clean out the cobwebs before teaching. And some great pics. :yeah:

Some more on that EA-6A -

Source: http://www.mcara.us/EA-6A_history.html

Still waiting for my postcard, but then you don't have my address. :D


PM me, I have a few left!:rock:

[RickC Sniper]

Rgr that buddy...see #34 :sunny:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=1874575&postcount=34

I got a postcard from Georgetown as well. Thanks Neal.

Too bad the weather and obligations didn't let you go up into the Colorado mountains as you had planned. The scenic roads there are ideal for the view you get from a MB. If you ever plan to do that in the future though, do it in the summer. April, even most of May is still too early because it is no fun to ride in bad weather or cold.

Denver:
Saturday, Sunday, any day, any time of day, it has awful traffic. :down:

.......Glad you got home safe and sound.
Rick

[u crank]

Glad to hear you are home safe and sound, Neal.

Great pics and updates. Thanks for taking us along.:up:

[August]

Got your card from the Badlands today Neal, thanks!

A Texan sends a postcard from the Dakota badlands using a stamp that says "Aloha" to a Yankee in Massachusetts. I so love my country!

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, that was the only postcard stamps they had. :O:

[Jimbuna]

Second postcard arrived today Neal, this one was the Caldwell County Courthouse, Lockhart, Texas.

Postie is starting to look at me in a suspicious manner :DL

[August]

Second postcard arrived today Neal, this one was the Caldwell County Courthouse, Lockhart, Texas.

Postie is starting to look at me in a suspicious manner :DL

As long as he doesn't scent it with perfume you should be ok! :D

[Jimbuna]

As long as he doesn't scent it with perfume you should be ok! :D

That's the problem :o











:O:

[TarJak]

That's the problem :o











:O:

Or is it the kisses you blow him everytime he delivers your mail?:D

[Jimbuna]

Or is it the kisses you blow him everytime he delivers your mail?:D

He is a she actually :03:

[Onkel Neal]

Is that a cool looking courthouse or what?

[TarJak]

He is a she actually :03:

Always falling for the ladyboys our Jim.:O:

[Dowly]

That was a good read. Thanks for sharing, Neal! :up:

[Skybird]

Glad you're back in one piece, Neal. Nice tour telling, and some good pics. They reminded me again of one thing, one difference between American and German landscapes. Probably no other country in Europe offers such a big diversity in different landscape and according moods, as Germany. But the single areas in themselves are all quite small, while on some of your pictures the wideness and long range almost sucked me into the picture and really pulled a string inside me. I envy you Americans for the wideness of land you can experience in your place, and the "endless road" there is . I needed to leave Europe and go into the Northafrican desert, so find something like that... which was quite extreme and drastic change, coming from MiddleEurope. It was like getting beamed onto another planet. And when, after a several months long absence, I returned to Germany, it again was like landing on a foreign planet.

[Onkel Neal]

You should come to the US for the Subsim meeting, we could plan a road trip through the American West. There's nothing like it :shucks:

[Jimbuna]

Is that a cool looking courthouse or what?

Sure is...reminds me of the times of British rule :DL

I'll scan both postcards and post them here if your cool about it.

Always falling for the ladyboys our Jim.:O:

Well you could say...."I taught you well" :DL

[Jimbuna]

Georgetown, Texas

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/1498/1001c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/840/1001c.jpg/)

Caldwell County Courthouse, Lockhart, Texas

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/39/001jfk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/001jfk.jpg/)

[Herr-Berbunch]

Georgetown, Texas

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/1498/1001c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/840/1001c.jpg/)


Violator! :stare:

[Jimbuna]

Violator! :stare:

Never :o

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/4957/35799171.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/207/35799171.jpg/)

[HunterICX]

2nd postcard was dropped in the mailbox.:yeah:

Thanks Neal! Apreciate it.

HunterICX

[Catfish]

Hello Neal,
this was an interesting read with nice photos ! Some talent, maybe you could write a small papaerback of this tour, or others to come :DL
I wish i make it to the US one day, have some friends in Wyoming also, they will be here in Germany in a week.
Fascinating history and landscape, this was really a nice trip :up:
Thanks and greetings,
Kai

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks all! :salute:

[TarJak]

Hey Neal, thanks for the postcard. :salute: Australia Post finally decided to get off their backsides and deliver your postcard from Wyoming.

[Sailor Steve]

Is that a cool looking courthouse or what?
Sure is...reminds me of the times of British rule :DL
A lot of older buildings around the country are based on the old European architectural styles. This is the old Salt Lake City-County Building, finished in 1894. There is a newer County Complex, but the city government is still housed there.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/salt-lake-city-city-guide-ga12b.jpg

[Herr-Berbunch]

S. Dakota postcard arrived today. Thanks Neal :yeah: