Northern Transcon Day 16 - Rapid City to Murdo SD

Following heavy rain last night, the skies leaving Rapid City were still very overcast at 6 am.  We encountered a few sprinkles but nothing needing a rain jacket.  The first 70 odd miles were on Hwy 44, with only moderate climbing.

Today's major attraction was the Badlands National Park.  Our lunch stop was at the Visitor Center, and it had been previously announced that the lunch stop would close at noon.  The group I was in arrived shortly after 11, so we were maintaining a good pace.  The total mileage for today was 147, and Lon and Susan wanted to keep everyone moving due to the distance and the fact that we lose an hour entering Central Time Zone.

The skies had cleared and both the temperature and humidity were high.  After riding through the Badlands, we faced a series of long rolling hills that seemed to go on endlessly.  Finally we arrived in Kadoka for a welcome rest stop.  Water was quickly being depleted from our bottles due to the heat.  One more rest stop, about 20 miles further, provided another refill of water for the last push of 24 miles to the Best Western in Murdo.

Early morning along Rt. 44 east of Rapid City SD

The general store in Caputa SD

Skies were clearing as we continued east toward Badlands

 

 

Entrance sign to Badlands National Park

Retta hard at work.  She is normally on the lunch crew.