People, Palces and Praises...Day 8-11...Iowa Arrival

 

Sturgis...Quiet when I Arrived

Rushmore

June 12 thru 15 - Day 8 - 11...After Spearfish I traveled through the 'motocycle world of Sturgis', South Dakota, visiting the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Then traveling through the town of 'Deadwood' unto the Black Hills, enjoying both the Crazy Horse and Rushmore mountain carvings. Crazy Horse sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began in June of 1948. The world's largest carving continues more than 30 years after the death of Korczak through the efforts of his wife and 7 of his children while completely dependant on private funds. Their perseverance is simply amazing! Sixty-five years and counting, wow! I then camped for the night on the Iron Mountain Highway with a view directly into George's face.

Crazy Horse...60 years of Work

In the morning my journey continued through southern South Dakota on Highway 18. Although a couple hours into this path, and getting discouraged due to the condition of the passing communities, I decided to dip south twenty miles onto Nebraska highway 20. Surprisingly it became quite 'midwest-like' immediately. That is, very quaint-like towns, with well kept historic structures. I had never known about the 'Sandhills' of Nebraska, but quickly became a student as I stopped at a few of their 'historic sites' along the way.

Friday took me the remainder of the distance through Nebraska's farm land, watching the thunder heads driven away from me. For which I was quite grateful, because I did not become victim of their heavy rain fall. Crossing the Missouri, I entered into my destination of Iowa. My travel to Red Oak sent me through the small town of Walnut. I've never witnessed such a 'antique show' before. Apparently, Father's Day weekend the main street and its adjacent streets are closed to traffic as antique vendors set up to sell their merchandise. It was a scene simular to 'Octoberfest' in Mount Angel, Oregon. Arriving in Griswold, I decided to stop for a haircut. My Great-grand father had been the mayor of this small farming community back in the 1960's. Because of this I hoped to find some interesting character's who might still have a memory of Ray X Williams. One person remembered the name, but that was it. Quite expensive for a 'buzz' cut and beard trim and no family memories. Bummer!

Yeah Vern...this is NOT a Campsite...

Awesome Ride Through Black Hills

Twenty-four hundred and seventeen miles later I arrived at Red Oak. The significance? As a boy I would travel with my grandfather in his semi rig from LA to Iowa to spend any where from four to six weeks with grand parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I would be privileged to do this three or four summers and the memories made continue to be a treasure until this day. While here I will stay with my cousin Cheryl, her husband Doug and their 'horse-loving' nine year old, Aly. I've already had a couple great visits with my favorite of uncles, Ron and aunt Joann. And today has included time with my aunt Barb and cousin Kerry. He and I will head to the College World Series on Monday to take in a couple games. Again, Go Beavers!

Then for you Iowans...