Woke up at 0415 hours and decided to take my time getting ready for the long day ahead. Took a really long hot shower. On the road by 0545 hours to an amazing sunrise. Just blasted on I-80 to I-94, to RT 23 near Toledo, to RT 2 (cooler by Lake Erie) and 547 miles later - HONEY, I'M HOME! VERY proud of myself on my first long solo trip. No problems with Juno, except for intermittent fuel gauge problem, which seems to have corrected itself (sort of). States ...

Beautiful ride in the morning, but got a little toasty towards Davenport! Mostly farm fields for scenery. Didn't stop to take any pictures - too hot! Found a really cool reastuant in town called the Machine Shed when I pulled into town. It's a huge restaurant with a gift shop with farm-style decorating stuff. Had a great BBQ sandwich and salad bar with another slice of coconut cream pie for dessert! Super-nice hotel room at the Comfort Inn. Up early tomor...

Mom's 83rd birthday, and Michelle's 36th! Stopped very briefly in Wall to gas up. Wall drug was not open yet as it was only 0730 hours! Gorgeous morning ride with temperatures in the upper 60s/lower 70s with rolling hills and pine trees. Scenery changed to flatter rolling plains for the rest of the day. Only stopped for gas, bathroom, to wet my gear, and drink more water. Thankfully, I had packed my Camelback at the last minute! Ended up eating lunch at a...

Headed out across the plains on RT 212. Gorgeous scenery - tall pines and rocky hills. Temperature was pretty high all day 80-90, even in the morning! Stopped at the Battle of Big Horn Monument ($20 for motorcycles), took a few photos, then back on the bike - just too hot. Arrived in Belle Fourche early, and the only non-fast-food place was a Mexican restaurant. Hot in there too, but the chili rellenos were really good! I had the fried ice cream too. Wa...

Left at 0730 hours in 62 degrees for Billings. Nice ride all the way, hit 95 degrees about 30 miles outside of Billings. Rode along the Yellowstone River most of the way, within eyeshot of the highway. Went to the Moss Mansion Museum- one of the family of founders of Billings. Very neat place1. 95% original. Took a lot of photos! Had lunch at Montana club again. Had a huge lunch (filet minion and apple tart) since I am not heading out in this heat for dinne...