Riding through the Black Hills of South Dakota today was truly a spiritual journey. Having read some about how the Native Americans of the central plains felt about these gentle rolling hills with their beautiful granite rock outcroppings, and their belief that these hills where where all of the spirits of their ancestors rested made the75 mile ride from Warm Springs to Rapid City the best day yet of the trip.

The day began as usual a dawn, this time with a very nice breakfast at a small local cafe in Hot Springs. I again started at the back after a leisurely breakfast and took up a relaxed pace with some strong but mellow riders. First we rode about 40 miles through Wind Cave National Park with some beautiful rolling grasslands climbing about 2 ,800 feet into the Black Hills. As we climbed I kept thinking about this beautiful land that was sacred to the people who lived here for thousands of years before white men arrived. I stopped at one point, thinking about Ed, best man at my wedding who recently passed away and my friend Steve who taught me to meditate, for a very powerful silent meditation among the towering natural monuments all around me.

I will have pictures tomorrow and write more about these Black Hills when roommate Charlie downloads his pictures because my phone camera couldn't do them justice.

Meanwhile I have some pictures of the first 40 miles.

This marker describes how the CCC during the depression put over 31,000 men between 17 and 25 to work for $30 per day of which $25 was sent home to feed their families. Sounds like Socialism and something that might be a fine idea today. I am sure we could pay for it with one less nuclear submarine !!!

My friend Randy from San Francisco who rides with a helmet mounted camera. He has promised to edit and make what should be a great video.

The grasslands and fir trees of the rolling hills leading up to the Black Hills

Tomorrow is a relatively easy 58 mile day to Wall, SD. I should have some more time to post photos and write more about the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Plus the road kill shot was a big hit so hopefully some more road kill shots for Jane.