Awe Inspiring Scenery Part 2

Last week I posted some photos from the first part of my
family vacation to Yellowstone.

After leaving Yellowstone,
we drove east through Wyoming and stopped in
Cody and Sheridan, each for one night.

 

 While in Cody,
I visited this quilt shop I had seen
advertised in the back of a quilting magazine.

It was filled to the brim with fabrics,
notions, patterns and books.
A few things were purchased from the
very friendly staff and owner.

 



This was taped to the cash register in
the quilt shop.
I think this applies to me!

We could not get over the sizes of the rock formations
along the highways.
Doesn't the piece jutting out look like a face?

These deer stopped to say hello!
Well... all but one anyway.

Buffalo Bill formed the town of Cody, WY.

We didn't have time to visit the museum there,

but the town was quaint and had a western feel to it.

 

We were standing with the Big Horn Basin behind us,
heading up and over the mountains going east.
It was very hazy while were there and were told
it was because of the wild fires further west and north.

Once again, the landscape is totally different

and just as beautiful.

 

Gorgeous sky!

We stayed in Rapid City, SD for several Days and visited different
sights there.

This is the Crazy Horse Memorial.
 It has been in progress since 1948 and is being carved
on sacred land.

The statue in the front is a 1/30 scale of what the mountain memorial
will look like when finished.

There was an excellent museum at the sight, as well
as Native American dancing and talks.

Not far from the Crazy Horse Memorial is
Mount Rushmore.
It was impressive to see this in person.
While driving after leaving the park,
we saw the profile of George coming around a corner in the road.

 

This WONDERFUL quilt shop is in Rapid City.
Let me just say....
I could have used another couple of hours here.
There was a basement that I didn't even get to see!
The owner and staff were super friendly and so helpful.

We passed this winery on one of our travel days in SD and the name

of the wine sure caught our eyes.

In we went, had a tasting

and ordered a case!

Rhubarb wine is delicious!

The last day of our time in Rapid City was spent in the
Bad Lands National Park.
Let me just say...
I can totally understand why this area was given the name
The Bad Lands.

This land is so rugged, isolated
and fierce looking.
It was so totally different than any other land we saw
and so beautiful.

After visiting the Bad lands,
we drove to the sight of the Massacre of Wounded Knee.

This memorial is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
While there, we spoke with several Native Americans
who were there making and selling their crafted goods.

The Memorial is a sacred place.
Smudge pots of sage were burning to keep
evil spirits away.

On our way back to Rapid City,
we passed through a deserted "western town".
The buildings were all abandoned
and in various stages of disrepair.

I could hear the wagons and horses passing in my mind. :)

This sunset ended our trip perfectly.