Lemmon, South and North Dakota (Sunday, September 18th, 2016)

About three blocks north of the Dakota Lodge where we stayed last night, there is a park made out of petrified wood.  And we certainly couldn't come this far and not see the petrified wood park, so it was our first stop this morning!

Petrified wood can be found naturally in this area, so one of the then local families made this park out of it in the 1930's.

This petrified tree stump looks like it could still be growing, but it is solid rock

Crystals growing inside one of the petrified logs

These interesting rocks are also commonly found in this area and are used as yard art.  We're not sure how they were formed.

Some of the petrified trees are huge!

We were all amazed at what we saw, especially given that it had been all built in the 1930's.  Very cool an well worth the stop!

As we left the petrified park, we went just a few more blocks up the road, crossed the railroad tracks, and crossed over into North Dakota, just because we could.  And then of course, we turned around and headed back through the town of Lemmon, and southward, toward Colorado. 

A beautiful metal statue on the main street of Lemmon, South Dakota

As we made our way back home, we enjoyed the sights of sunflowers, sheep and bee hives, among other things along the way. 

Sunflowers

Grazing sheep

Bee hives

When we reached Custer State Park, we enjoyed the fall colors for a brief moment as we breezed by on the highway.  Unfortunately, at 65 miles per hour, it flies by much too quickly.  But we enjoyed it while it lasted.

We eventually entered Wyoming with it's arid beauty.

And followed the long stretch of highway back home.

What a great time we all had, following the road less traveled in South Dakota, enjoying the homes, land, many very nice people, and seeing how and where Steve's ancestors lived.  

Steve has mentioned several times since we've been home how much he enjoyed it, and what a better understanding he has for his heritage.  We are so thankful to Steve's parents for taking us on this wonderful adventure!