Threading the Needle

 Along Needles Highway

We decided to take the scenic route along Needles Highway from Horse Thief Campground to Devils Tower in WY and stopped to see what Eye of the Needle was. Awesome rock formations, that would be great for climbing, and then.... found bolts for sport climbing! Met an older gentleman who lives out of his van and has climbed all over the country and places across the globe. This area is his favorite. He climbs with someone from our little town, John (Harknett?). You never know what interests people all around you have until you start talking and making connections. 

The highway cuts through large rocks, rather than blasting them completely open. It's dotted with tight fits, hairpin turns, roadside drop offs, gorgeous! Crossed a rustic wooden bridge on the way to Devil's Tower. How often does that happen???

I never thought South Dakota would be so amazing, I mean it's South Dakota, nobody talks about South Dakota. But it's really full of so much to see and do. We are an outdoor family and it's definitely worth coming back to and exploring.

Devil's Tower rises up out of the prairie like it was extruded play doh and in fact, it's origins are much like that. Molten rock was pushed through openings in the earths crust. It took millions of years to erode the softer earth around it, but voila, a sacred landmark; Devil's Tower. Saw many rock climbers scaling the crags, columns and ledges.

 There was great thought and care as to where the carvings of Mt Rushmore would be situated. One can really appreciate that as it pops into view through tunnels along Needles highway. Though a bit hazy in this photo because of misting rain, we saw it through at least 2 tunnel openings.

Camille did a fantastic job of research and planning, but the trouble with plans are all the unexpected wonders that just can't be passed up along away. Our trip through the Needles Hwy was well worth the drive. More than a drive by of Devil's Tower, hiking around it and doing some art making was all worth i, too,  though we did, eventually end pitching tents in the dark again... It's hard to remember to stop thinking about time as fixed and limited. Each minute has the capacity to be filed and stretched to something that feels longer, bigger. We're getting pretty good at setting up camp, quietly, after midnight.

We got a glimpse of mountains, Yellowstone is nestled into as we ticked off the many miles west towards Yellowstone.  Evidence of past fires was everywhere.