Belly Busters, Badlands, Drugs, Fire, Graffiti and Rock n Roll - Day - 8

While looking for a place to grab breakfast, I inquired and the hotel clerk recommended a local joint called Marlins. Marlins is a unique restaurant, to me at least, since I've never seen 2 old vintage gas pumps inside a restaurant. The specials consisted of 2 choices - 2 eggs with toast, or for a dollar more, the belly buster. What the heck, since I've never had a belly buster, I thought it was time to try one, so we both ordered them. Couldn't have been happier. Eggs, toast, bacon and has browns - who know that was called a belly buster??? It is in South Dakota. Delicious.

After suiting up in raingear we once again headed West. Onward to Rapid City and all it has to offer. Riding down the Interstate, it seemed that the sky was unable to make up its mind. We started out damp and gray, got sunny, got dark and cool, rained for a while, and back to clear skies. On the way to Rapid City, we were riding past the Badlands National Park, with a name like that, so decided to drop in. Badlands is a park of naturally eroded earth formations that have been constantly changing and in the process of eroding for 30 Million years. If you've never been there, you'll swear you are no longer on the planet earth. The formations are amazing. I never grow tired of looking a them as they are different shapes and colors throughout the bark. We took the loop road for 22 miles and there was a new view around every turn. Can't wait to go through there again.

Next stop - the town of Wall, SD(pop 878). Wall is the home of the famous wall Drug Store. It's kind of like a South of the Border of the Mid-West. We looked around for  a while and had a quick lunch. One of the things this place is famous for, of all things, is its Western Art Collection. Hundreds of original artwork hung in every room of this place. Very interesting. Walked to the Harley Dealer and just had to get a tee with the words "THE BADLANDS" on it. Couldn't resist. Back on the road to Rapid City.

Once we arrived in Rapid City, it was time to find a room for 2 nights. Many places were booked - "tourist season". Finally found a room less than 2 miles from downtown.

Dinner time came around quickly, so, since we had been seeing these billboards advertising the "Firehouse Brewing Company" we had to check it out. Went downtown - about 5 minutes, and got a tale at the firehouse. Had to try a local brew, so I tried a Smokin' Betty ale. Nice, cold, and it was smokin'.

The streets were filled with people and music, so we asked what was going on. The waitress told us it's Summer Nights. It seems every Thursday - Memorial Day to Labor Day, the city closes off both ends of town and have live music and vendors selling food, beer, and arts and crafts. Nice way to end the day. It was an enjoyable time walking around and taking in the sights, The music was pretty good too.


While walking in the street fair, we spotted an ally loaded with Graffiti. The alley was next to a movie theater built in 1912. There were Graffiti artists at work as we walked through and there was graffiti everywhere. Some good, some not so good, but all indicative of this part of the country. We came across some police and asked what's up with the graffiti? They told us that about 5 years ago, the city started the project, with the support and permission of local businesses and allowed this to become an area for graffiti art. Apparently, it's know about all over the world. Downtown Rapid City, South Dakota is World famous for its graffiti. Just goes to prove, you learn something new every day. Turned out to be a great night.