Life is like a box of chocolates

The last couple of days were pretty surprising in terms of the things we got to experience and visit. It really felt like going through a box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get.

A special visit of the SD State Hatchery

As we prepared to leave the Black Hills Forest, we saw a sign for the state hatchery and decided to take the detour since it was early morning. We drove down the little gravel road and parked our bikes in the shade. As we proceeded towards the visitors entrance, all doors are closed. Brave enough, we went around the building and finally found someone. “Sorry guys, but we don't give tours here, excepts for special groups. Oh wait, we have our high summer intern here, Candace, who may be willing to show you around.” I guess we were special enough: off we went with Candace who showed us how brown and rainbow trouts as well as salmons are incubated and then raised until full grow in the hatchery. We even got to see the special albino fish! It was really an unexpected and great educational visit.

The Devil's Tower N.M.

This was the first National Monument in the US, inaugurated in 1906. We took a detour on I-90 to go and check it out, thinking it would be a nice break before we do our long ride to Yellowstone. We were really impressed by the beauty and the size of the tower and as we took the loop hike around its base, it was unveiling different shapes, colors and features. Every side of the tower as we saw it became our new favorite one. We definitively recommend checking this site out: a beautiful area not to be missed.

Our drive to Yellowstone

Everyone will tell you how amazing this park is and especially the ride that leads to it. As we took Route 16, we saw quite a few amazing scenery, ever changing from snow capped mountains, high plains, deep canyons and finally verdant plains. This was the first part of the drive after I-90 and were could not wait for the last 50 miles before Yellowstone after Cody, which are said to be the most beautiful drive in the US, as quoted by President Roosevelt.
As we entered Yellowstone, the anticipation was at its highest. Finally, we got to this world-class park! Well, it was not at all what we had in mind. As we passed the entry gate, it became dark and started raining. And then we saw it: the damages of the latest 2007 fire. All dead trees around us, covering all the hills we had in sight. We both felt so sad and disappointed: did we really drive all this way to see this? I am sure the rest of our stay will be great here in the park but as an introduction to Yellowstone, really not what we expected.