DAY 2...BLACK HILLS RIDE 2020

 Well, hang on. Jimmy used his new map program (Lifetime Trail Maps) to take us on a record breaking ride today. Over 106 miles total, up to 7000 ft. Elevation, thru all sorts of terrain. We cut timber, punched cattle, caught fish, fixed a Ranger, etc. Etc. Just kidding, but we saw it all.

Now we will share it with you. Click on any picture to enlarge.

Some of the trails today are restricted to 62 inch width. We left black marks on the posts but got in.

We went thru a lot of logging camps along the way. More shots later.

And a lot of cattle country too. 

Gotta watch closely for the cows, they stay in the shade and makes it hard to see. Especially at 40 mph on a gravel road. Oh wait, we wouldn’t go that fast.

Lush green valleys with clear streams, perfect cattle country. Wonder what it’s like covered in snow at 10 below zero.

More of the Black Hills beauty.

Pointing at the rock formations from the creek. A few hundred yards down a man was fly fishing this creek.

A better shot of that rock formation.

Jimmy is determined to find a small lake he found on his map. One would think he had never seen a lake.

Well, 65 miles later he found the lake.

He just couldn’t help it.

Now we head across some open plains. Jimmy is on mission to find Flag Mountain and Nipple Butt. He said he ain’t never seen a Nipple Butt before. I kept telling him it was Nipple Butte.

On are way to Flag Mountain we cross paths with a load of timber coming down off the mountain.

Lots of logging going on in these hills.

Ahh...There’s Jimmy’s Nipple Butt.

So we found Flag Mountain...now for the walk to the top for a scenic view.

Once on top the view is spectacular. The rock foundation is all that is left of the observation tower and wooden building that was built up here in 1941. Google “Flag Mountain South Dakota” for details.

The rock walls that the building was on is still in pretty good shape. The log structure used as a toilet is still intact just a few feet from the foundation.

Another view from the lookout

Ok, Jimmy....what else would you like to look for ??  Let’s get this show on the road. It’s a long 60 miles back to camp.

Oh, but wait. We have to stop and help these folks with a broken A-arm on their Ranger. 

Jimmy got em’ going in nothing flat. Had to get my “House Jack” from the General to lift the Ranger high enough to replace the nut that came off the A-arm bolt. Just so happens I had a nut that would match the size and thread pitch they needed in my tool box.....Their lucky day. They were very appreciative of our help.

 

A recap of today’s journey thru the Black Hills of South Dakota. I don’t think the ReLive video is going to load so I’ll put it on Facebook.......More tomorrow.