Day 10 - Badlands National Park, Wounded Knee and Buffalo Gap Grasslands

What I thought would be a pretty easy day began at 8:33 and turned into a long drive over mostly two lane country roads. We started out with a 60+ mile drive on Interstate 90 to Highway 240 and the Pinnacles Entrance to the park. What a change a quarter of a mile can make, going from lush green grassland to something that looked like it hadn’t seen water in 100 years. Took our time driving through the park, with each curve opening another amazing vista. We stopped at several turnouts and each had a rattlesnake warning sign. Best to stay close to the path and watch where you step.

After leaving the park at the Interior Entrance we headed West on highway 42 the town of Scenic, South Dakota and then South on Highway 27 to Wounded Knee. Not much there except for a large sign telling the story of Wounded Knee Massacre, which involved troopers of the 7th Cavalry killing at least 150 mostly unarmed Lakota men, women and children.

As we were leaving Wounded Knee I noticed a significant problem with the fuel gauge. The significant problem was a lack of fuel. A quick check of the navigation computer showed there was not enough fuel left to return to Rapid City. A quick check of the GPS showed no gas stations close by, however by expanding the search I was able to locate a station in Gordon, Nebraska. So off we went, using about 60% of the remaining fuel. I can’t tell you how many times Barb said “I told you to get gas back there.” Anyway, found the station (cash only), filled up and headed back North.

The Buffalo Gap Grasslands are just that, a lot of grass. In every direction. As far as the eye can see. Grass, grass and more grass. Sounds boring, but isn’t. You have to see it to understand the beauty of lots of grass.

Back in Rapid City we had fajitas and Coronas at Chili’s and then back to the motel. We should be leaving early tomorrow for Billings, Montana, with stops at Fort Meade, South Dakota and the Little Big Horn. 339 miles today.