Day 18_Mb2CbTour_Chadron, NE to Hot Springs, South Dakota

I had thought to take a day off from posting but just could not let this day pass without telling you all about today. I left Chadron this morning, at first light, looking forward to passing into yet another state. There isn't much guess work involved here. With Google Maps, Ride With GPS, and the Weather Channel App, I pretty much know what I am riding into. However, what all that connectivity and technology can not do is prepare you for the natural splendor you are about to encounter. I rode for hours through steep passes lined with giant boulders and tall pine trees until I found myself smack dab in the middle of one of the prettiest little towns I have ever seen. I could live here and would really like to see this little town in snow. Picture a meandering river running through a historic downtown. Waterfalls, ducks, blooming flowers, and ice cold Blue Moon on tap. The natural hot springs that run through this area have been known, for hundreds of years, to have magical healing properties. Native Americans migrated here to hunt and to bathe in the hot springs. As late as the early 1900's old cowboys came here to bathe in the waters and be healed from injuries sustained on cattle drives. Many healing centers were established and folks from New York and Chicago came to bathe and be healed. I've always been a skeptic, but I did dip my feet in the font, and damn if I don't feel great!!! I've taken more than a few pics hoping that you will get a feel for this beautiful place.  I'm on the road again bright and early in the AM. If the rest of the South Dakota Black Hills are anything like Hot Springs, I'm in for a great ride!!