To and Fro Once More

by TJ "Baggins" Bliss

A photo-essay of our recent journey through the "Sands of (Central Standard) Time" to the Black Hills of South Dakota and back again.

Stage One
Lincoln, Nebraska to the Niobrara River Valley

Obligatory Quintessential Nebraska Photo
(Debra, "the photogenic photographer," took this shot!)



"Nebraska's most unique physio-geographic feature"
...all 13 million acres of it!



The Sandhills at 65 mph



"A pwetty wock!"



The inhabitants of Niborara Fort Wildlife Reserve



The Niobrara River is narcissistic: beautiful but shallow.



Breathtaking camping for $7.50 per adult (kids stay free!)

Stage Two
Niobrara River Valley to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

South Dakota!



Negotiating a route with our traveling companions, Josh and Sarah Haws...and kids (not pictured).



Mountainous pitch



Unsuccessful attempt to balance Sophie on rock in front of Crazy Horse



Patriotism taken for "granite" (pun intended)



Proof that "we were there"



"Mownt Mushmoor!"





The (entire) Latin American Motorcycle Association on their way to Sturgis 2009!



A sculpture of the sculptor - Gutzon Borglum



While Sophie enjoyed the scenic ride down the mountain back to camp...



Henry made good use of his free hour.



Beware the ferrel donkeys of South Dakota



Spending the night in a confined space with Sophie and Henry can lead to interesting social behaviors the next day

Stage Three
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota to Lincoln, Nebraska
(via some interesting American attractions)




Breakfast time for three happy campers. (Note: some of the three are happier than others)



"Cheese!"



Buffalo X-ing



CARHENGE: a monument as American as Mount Rushmore...



but you can touch it!
(www.carhenge.com)



Chimney Rock:
A major landmark for pioneers on both the Oregon and Mormon Trails, and THE symbol of Nebraska.



OLE's (pronounced Ohleez) Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge



All 200 now-endangered exotic trophy animals displayed at Ole's (including this polar bear) were "taken" by one man from 1938-1973. A fitting last stop on a truly American road trip.
(www.olesbiggame.com)



Home sweet home (at last).