liking some Lichens

44N   103.49W

Wood shingles on a cabin roof shed the rain and snow, and offer a foothold to lichens looking for spot to homestead.

highest point east of the Rockies

 Harney Peak, Black Hills of South Dakota 

elevation 7,242 ft above sea level

There is no summit east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States that has higher elevation. The stone fire tower just visible in the top photo was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Known as Hinhan Kaga Paha to the native Lakota people, it is a sacred site and place of vision quests.

upon Reflection...

self portrait

This week we welcome thousands of bikers (read that Harleys) to the Black Hills for the 71st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! We live 2 miles west of US Highway 16, the main drag to Mt. Rushmore, the rumble of motorcycle engines is audible 24 hours a day. Every conceivable bike, costume, tattoo, decoration and hairdo is somewhere in your immediate neighborhood, wherever you might be. We are glad to have them visit, along with the tourists who ride human powered bikes, you meet nice folks from all over the country and the world in local restaurants and grocery stores.

I was intrigued by the reflection in the back window of this RV from Alberta, Canada, it didn't occur to me that I was taking my own picture as well.