Harley West...first posting

Finally got a chance to post some pics. As I write this I'm in Castle Rock, CO at the home of cousin Laurie and her husband Dale. Great people and I'm here for three nights. Erin meets here this afternoon, Saturday, and Rose flies into Denver tonight. I've traveled about 2000 miles so far and had a great trip and near perfect weather. Will post more after we get back to Michigan and have photos from the return trip

5:15 am in Traverse and putting on the rain gear for the beginning of the ride. This ended up being the only time I needed rain gear for the ride to Denver!

Leaving Ludington on the SS Badger for the 4 hour trip to Manitowac, WI

Manitowac harbor

This wind farm stretched for at least 10 miles in southwest Minnesota

Good weather and good time allowed for a side trip to Pipestone National Monument. Very cool place with lots of history.

The Badlands. Only 85 deg and a huge storm to the north stayed there and I had great weather into Rapid City.

Typical Badlands geology

South Dakota Museum of Natural History. Had to stop and get a shot of the T-REX for the grand kids

Crazy Horse 20 years after we first saw it. Back then you could only make out the beginnings of the nose. The face is now quite clear.

Needles Highway in the Black Hills. Very cool. A tour bus had just come through this passage!

Looking back at "the needles" and where the pass was in the photo above

The best chili I've ever had at this little cafe in Hot Springs at the south end of the Black Hills

More great weather and good travel time allowed for an unplanned venture to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. Worth the visit.

One of many views from the top of Scotts Bluff.

This marks the highest point of the Bluffs.

Had to stop for Mikey and take a photo of this largest of the steam engines located in a park in Cheyenne, WY.

The Rockies. While hazy you still get the idea. I took a cool ride that traversed the foothills of Rocky Mountain National Park

Lots of rain this summer meant for fast flowing rivers where they normally would be pretty placid.

Spent a nice visit and evening with niece Renee and hubby Brent. Thanks for the hospitality.