Day 22: Edgemont, SD Elevation: 3,458

Miles: 32.51
Average Speed:  9.90
Max Speed:  32.09
Total Miles:  701

Last night over Hot Springs

Thunder storms nearly every evening

Minnekahta Jxn trailhead on Mickelson Trail

Mickelson Trail looking south toward Edgemont

Minnekahta Jxn history

Mickelson Trail runs 109 miles from Deadwood to Edgemont, the length of the Black Hills, north to south.  Had I come through Sturgis as originally planned I would have used most of it.  As it turned out didn't use it at all - stayed on the roads which are faster and easier, big hills notwithstanding.

Edgemont, edge of the mountains.  I think it refers to the Black Hills rather than whatever is west.  Pretty depressed town, what I've seen.  Lots of vacant buildings and memorials to militarism all ovfer the place.  It reminds me of Clark, SD - wonder if there is an inverse relationship between prosperity & militarism, between prosperity & religiosity. If so it's completely counter-intuitive. Much RR traffic through here - coal trains from Wyoming.

Tomorrow it's into the Blight.  The woman at the motel here is driving to Lusk for a funeral tomorrow and she agreed to drop water for me.  That will help a great deal and ease some anxiety.

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement.  I don't need any care packages, at least not yet, but thanks for offering.  Big Louis wants to know why I don't answer questions.  Right now I can remember only two; do I have anything for defense - 3 mace ejectors, and do I listen to music - no because need to hear the traffic.

Stay well.