We planned a quick stop in Alliance, NE for diesel and lunch but checking Google Maps I found a mandatory side trip. Just a few miles off our route was the infamous and astounding Carhenge. What? You’ve never heard of Carhenge! This was not to be missed.
Yes, This is someone’s version of Stonehenge. Jim Reinders built it in 1987 in honor of his father and consists of 39 automobiles. Believe it or not, it has its’s own visitor center and has been a star in movies and commercials.
Lucky us, Jessie and Mackenzie brought a car for us so we could leave the rig parked and travel the winding roads of the Black Hill with more ease. With shops closed, there were very few cars on the roads and we were able to zip when we want to zip and slow down when the critters beckoned.
Besides the Wildlife Loop, we hit Needles Highway with the spectacular rock formations,
And Iron Mountain Road with its spiraling pigtail bridges, crazy switchbacks and skinny little tunnels.
We couldn’t take pictures of all the beauty, and besides, pictures cant do it justice. You’ll just have to go to the Black Hills yourself.
After a couple nights in the Black Hills, we headed into Rapid City for a tour of Jessie’s new MasterCraft dealership, Black Hills Outdoors. If you find yourself up in that area, stop in and see Jess. He has some beauties.
We were invited to join Mackenzie’s family at their “cabin” in Lead for a Mother’s Day weekend gathering. While the cabin is technically in Lead, it is actually way up windy road on a beautifully steep mountain side. Have I talked snow with you yet? Didn’t think so, but here we go. Because it snowed the night before we arrived, the dirt/gravel road that takes you the last half mile or so was a bit too squirrelly for us in the RV. We smartly decided to park down the hill, pack a bag and stay with the Kenner clan in the cabin. So glad we did and are so appreciative of being invited. We had a great time.
Mother’s Day morning, we woke to more snow. But it was time for us to head down the mountain and make our way to Sioux Falls for a needed repair at the Mercedes dealership.
Our night in Sioux Falls in a Cracker Barrel parking lot was easy and uneventful and we were at the Mercedes service center first thing in the morning. By 10:30 we were back on the road with a new wheel sensor installed free to us with our warranty. One quick stop to wash off the mud and we were once again on our way. Heading east now.
Black Hills are beautiful. Loved seeing the pictures of Carhenge. Some people are so creative.
It is amazing what some people come up with.
South Dakota looks enticing! And that Maggie … looking adorable in each new setting, and smartly keeping the yipper shut when face-to-face with momma buffalo!
Yes, can you imagine Maggie being silent with those guys so close. See, I’ve always said she is a smart, spoiled dog.
Glad to see you’re on the move and having fun. Your adventures look like a lot of fun. Will you go back to the boat this summer? We head north at the end of the month. First to our kids and the back to the boat in Ithaca.
We just got back on the boat this week. Still pretty chilly and windy, but we’ll use this time to get some maintenance done. Do you expect the Erie to be open for you?