I didn't think to post that I was going to be there either. The area is getting hammered with snow. Sturgis got 33" today. Too late for the trees, no remedy. The trees need very cold temps in the early fall to kill the beetle. The dry conditions for so long have taken their toll. Our condo assoc. tries to spray our trees but every part of the tree must be coated and we still lose trees. Soon our beautiful mountain view will be more open, . At least S. Dakota is thinning the forests, that will help some if only to prevent devastating fires. Unfortunately, the lodge pole pines will soon be gone.
Glad you enjoyed the trail. My favorite part is from Mystic to Rochport. We had an awesome blue sky on Sat.