Today headed west to Buffalo on the I-90, heavy winds that provided a workout for the little beast and I, plus a chill to the air and as we rounded a bend just near exit 82 we saw why - there they were in all their splendid white glory, the snow topped mountains of Big Horn. Wow - split second to appreciate before getting back to tackling the wind and starting vertical.

We turned off the interstate in Buffalo and stopped for a recovery breakfast, when who should wander in but the group of riders from yesterday - a good catch up and some more advice on great places to ride and we were back on the road again headed for a detour from the original plan. Rode up through the mountains to Powder River Pass the highest point on the highway at 9666ft, rocky mountain tops with patches of snow, great views and surrounded by forest and  grassy patches filled with wild flowers, seriously breath taking.

Back down through Buffalo and on the back roads to check out the scenery on the way to Sheridan.

Pictures of Bear Country USA, a 'drive thru' bear park near Rapid City, and no don't panic we didn't ride the bikes - they had a courtesy car that we could borrow.

And then there were the bear cubs... mostly running around stumbling over each other, but this one did stop for a scratch.

Of course there are plenty of other native animals including raccoons, elk, deer, longhorn sheep, bison, attic foxes sand Arctic wolves. Me, I found the lone artic wolf the most interesting, he was just too cool for the rest of the pack.

Great day of riding heading into Wyoming. Spent most of the day off the motorways travelling along winding  roads through scenic parks and small towns. Started the day with misty mountain roads as we left Rapid City and made our way through the Black Hills, hit some patches of fog which made the trip a little challenging in parts but lent the area an air of mystery.

Rode through Sturgis, home of the internationally renowned bike rally that attracts half a million people (where do they fit them all) and onto Deadwood of Wild Bill Hikock fame, now a historical 'wild west' looking town full of mini casinos funding the restoration of the historic sights, seriously seems to be old style pokies in every building.

We meet a group of local riders who were riding the same route and they gave us some great recommendations that we can hopefully fit into the trip, if lucky we might catch them again at a future date.

From Deadwood through more forest and canyons, with the road just a picture perfect dream, onto Devils Tower monument. Here we stopped to check out a field of prairie dogs - way cute and kind of like jolly looking meerkats, full of antics. Then onto the tower itself a massive stone structure seeming to be rising from nowhere, here I took the 2km walk around the base to check out the views from the other side - it was good to stretch the legs for a bit.

Now in Gillette, Wyoming for the night and will continue west in the morning.

On the road to Rapid City...

The prairie, grass plains as far as the eye can see, with occasional tree or patch of water. I don't believe I have ever seen so much green grass.

A glimpse of the Mississippi, and the bridge we crossed over - the bridge being cited as the most beautiful bridge in the US as rated by the National Steel Makers - of cause it wasn't made of wood...

Yellow River at Effigy Park... A gorgeous walk along the river with plenty of birds and turtles.

Last night in Rapid City before continuing west towards Yellowstone National Park. We have traveled through some amazing scenery from prairies to mountains, across rivers and through valleys, and have been able to take in several National parks so far via motorbike, foot and steam train.

Having left behind the retro feel of Route 66 we are now experiencing more of the 'wild west', traveling through old towns built up around mining and seeing the kind of buildings that might have Wild Bill Hickok suddenly rounding the corner - luckily so far we haven't been caught in a gun fight. Along with the change in country side, there is a whole other feel to this part of the journey, one that I am yet to fully define this early. There is something overwhelming by the vast plains, tall forests and mountains made up of huge granite boulders that can make a girl and her bike feel a little 'lost' amongst things.

First photos of our journey west to follow.

My favourite part of our very short time in Chicago... The Bean... Well the real name is something like the cloud, but when the bean fits...

Seriously how can you not love something that is so big and shiney and reflective and gives you such a great view of the city skyline.

And for a free spin out you can go and stand under it for this effect... I am in there somewhere... Its like a game of where's Wally.

The end of the line... Chicago. Amazing city scapes combining art Deco era with new glistening structures.

Plenty of art, wacky, interesting, funky, and  fun, I'll let you decide which applies to these critters who were part of an installation in the park.

And who can go past the classic Chicago sign - the only item actually filmed in Chicago for the movie of the same name - apparently Toronto is cheaper to film in and has a Chicago feel...

And for my most favourite thing in Chicago see my next post.