The Menopause Squad Plus One Goes West

We started out real early one morning. Late September seems to be my favorite time to go west. I have been on many trips but none as unique as this one. My traveling companions were all women. Four to be exact. Now, before you call me crazy, or think I'm the greatest in the world, I did have moments I thought I  was dying of estrogen poisoning or times that I  remained silent in order to preserve my life. But all in all it was a great trip. Two of the weary travelers, Fern and Barbara, were over 70. This mile stone is not easily reached and I give all tips of the hat to those who achieve it. The other two were more my age, one being my wife, Stachia, and the other being a down to earth gal, Tammy, who was good with whatever we did and wherever we went, she was all in.

We had the brilliant idea of renting a vehicle. It was a very nice rig with all the bells and whistles and room for everyone and everything. Needless to say it was packed, and packed deep. Four women on a two week trip? Can you imagine the clothes? Don't try, it will boggle your mind. 

We got all the shoes, clothes, devices, coolers and various other sundries packed and the trip was on with thoughts of South Dakota on our minds. The Badlands were the first intended target, roughly 750 miles away. Me and The Menopause Squad Plus One was off on the open road.

As luck would have it, the lack of facilities and poorly chosen breakfast nearly struck disaster early in the trip. But the ability for country people to adapt and overcome and a strategically placed vehicle and a deep ditch sure came in handy and a major disaster averted. Enough said, except it wouldn't be the last emergency stop of the trip. I learned when a woman says pull over, she means it.

Then, somewhere in Iowa, the tire pressure light came on....rats!! I located the nearest station with air and pulled in. Topping off the tire, now my task was to locate a fix it shop before it went completely flat. Problems so early? Yes.

After about an hour in the tire shop the offending tire was patched and airtight. Back on the road and in South Dakota at last. Finally headed west the rest of the day was uneventful. Everyone got along and now on to the task of finding suitable accommodations for the evening. 

Wall South Dakota is a great place to layover after a long travel day and its close proximity to The Badlands makes it all the better of a place. The vistas of The Badlands were wonderful that morning and the ones who had never seen it were amazed and the veterans appreciated the chance to see it again and now through the eyes of the newbies. Mule Deer and Big Horn Sheep were the wildlife of the day. It was cool to me, cold to others that morning, so outside ventures were limited. Since The Badlands were an extra to the main event we traveled on.

Someone said "How far is Mount Rushmore." My wife, Stachia, cringed. She is not a fan of Mount Rushmore as it left her underwhelmed the first time she saw it and every time since. But, she being the trooper she is and knowing we had newbies on board, consented to the side trip and coordinates were laid in and a heading plotted.

Not being one to only travel on the Interstates, I knew of a back way through The Badlands that would take us to Rushmore. I want my travel partners to have the best experience possible and back roads, in my humble opinion, are the way to go.....besides, I was driving.

3/4 of The Menopause Squad

Mount Rushmore.

The Plus One

Stachia, The anti Rushmore gal.

George won't be the only one crying on this trip.

With Mount Rushmore behind us (literaly) we headed to one of my favorite lesser known spots in South Dakota called Spearfish Canyon. It's near....wait for it....Spearfish South Dakota.It was about an hour away and on the way to Devil's Tower so, since I'm the driver, we headed there.

Spearfish Canyon was a great hit and a refreshing stop to get out and stretch the legs. The canyon was just beginning to show the fall colors and the Aspens were ablaze with yellows and oranges. There are numerous waterfalls and pullouts along the canyon road and also many sideroads to explore. After a few hours we decided if we were to see Devil's Tower before dark, we needed to get going.











Devil's Tower is a must see if you are in Wyoming. This site has historical significance as well as a sacred place to Native Americans. Of course TMSPO (The Menopause Squad Plus One) has to stop here. It was mid to late afternoon when we arrived and the weather was great. Everyone was in awe of the tower and I knew a side road that gave us a fantastic view. All smiles from the Squad.
We made it to the bottom of the tower and the two more adventurous of the group decided they would hike around the base of the tower. There was about an hour and a half or so left of daylight and one of the two hikers  dislikes the dark to the point of panic. This should be interesting. Off they went and I might also mention the camera and lens I needed to photo the tower close up. So, while the two were hiking, along with my camera and lens, I was left with the remainder of the group. They wondered off and I was left at the base of the tower, cameraless and watching the most amazing light Mother Nature could offer play over the tower, illuminating it in all its glory and splendor. All I could do was admire it.
Well, at least I had my other camera and telephoto lens and I  bade the remainder goodbye with the promise of my return before dark and I went in search of wildlife. Prairie Dogs. That's the wildlife I found. While not the most glamourous in the wildlife category they are fun to watch. Plus, as a bonus I was far enough away from the tower I could get some of that light I mentioned before. Taking advantage of my solitude I went from place to place until near dark. I made my way back to the trailhead and within a few minutes the entire group was reunited. The trip around the tower was a great hike and recommended if you are able.
We gathered together and back into the vehicle and on to Buffalo Wyoming for the night. Big Horn Mountains and Yellowstone tomorrow.

Next the Bighorn Mountains and Yellowstone. Thanks for following the adventures and the stories behind the photos.