A Great Driving Day

After a day of rest on Saturday, we set out early Sunday morning in great weather destined for Deadwood, SD. This was the first day that four Cords would be traveling together. We had a little trouble coordinating the start but by the time we reached Cody all the cars were in sight. Gail pulled into a latte stand and in short order everyone was out of their car standing in line to order a coffee. With coffee in hand, we were back on the road again.

Our route that morning took us over Route 14a. We stopped an hour later for breakfast in a small cafe -- and once again we lost Gail & Joyce. A quick cell phone call found them looking at junk cars, train cars and more. They continued to explore, while we ordered breakfast. By the time we were done, Gail & Joyce were in the parking lot.

We took off as a group and shortly found ourselves climbing through the Beartooth Mountains. The pass was intimidating. We were already at 5,000 feet when we began the climb -- some stretches were 10%. Every time we came around a switchback, we'd see an even steeper climb ahead. We are in second gear and making good progress up the mountain when Betty calls to say that Josh needs to stop to add some transmission fluid. We pull to the side of the road and open the hood to wait. The temperature of our engine in climbing quickly. Don & Arlene are also waiting on the side of the road with a very hot engine. Gail & Joyce also pull over and offer to wait while we push on.

Don & Arlene led the way up the mountain and we followed behind. For miles and miles we drive in 2nd gear up the hill. Amazingly both cars continue to perform well. We finally reach the summit and pull over at a lodge to use the facilities and wait for Gail & Joyce and Josh & Betty. Several minutes later we see Gail crest the hill and not too far behind Josh can be seen. We all gather and wonder if this is the first time four Cords successfully summited a 9,000 foot pass. In any event, we are thrilled that all the cars made the grade and are still running well. Now for the down-grade.

Before leaving, Don decides to check his radiator fluid. He opens the hood and discovers that he left his radiator cap at the gas station at the bottom of the pass. Noone is going back. We improvise with a piece of foil obtained from the coffee shop and a zip tie. This is definitely a non-standard Cord part but we hope it will do the trick. Not too long ago, Barrie installed a "burp bottle" as an addition to our cooling system. It temporarily holds the overflow and we haven't had to add a drop of water. Josh has a similar set-up on his car. Both Barrie and Josh were feeling pretty smug when Gail had to add over a gallon of water to his radiator.

The trip up the pass was absolutely spectacular. We were simply stunned by the vistas. The trip down the pass to Sheridan was just as incredible. We regroup just outside Sheridan and agree to put some miles behind us before taking a break. We drive 120 miles on I-90 and then stop for gas in Gillette WY.

A stop for gas and a quick driver's meeting. Josh & Betty opt for a leisurely late lunch and a drive down I-90 to Deadwood. The rest of us grab a bite on the go and head north a byway to view Devil's Tower. Another great road for driving and the scenery is breath-taking. We stop at Devil's Tower for photos and a soft drink before continuing the backroads to Belle Fourche. Miles and miles of open road and rolling hills. This is an afternoon to remember. We are however pressed for time as the sun will soon go down. We arrive in Deadwood just before 7 pm. None of us knew what to expect but I don't think any of us were expecting a combination of Disneyland and Las Vegas. The restored main street is bursting with people and activity -- and slot machines are everywhere. Two couples are staying at the historic Bullock Hotel and two couples are next door at the Celebrity. We park on the main street to check-in and immediately draw a crowd.

Betty has made reservations for us for dinner at Saloon 10 on Main Street. Good news, it is walking distance and the cars can all stay parked. We all gather at the restaurant and spend the rest of the evening relaxing with good food and wine. Two east coast bikers are at the bar and Josh & Betty discover that they have lived in many of the same places. After a very pleasant evening we say good-night and head back to our respective hotels.

Tomorrow we are headed to the South Dakota monuments and national parks before arriving at our final destination of the "big" town of Winner SD.