Old Dodge
I take way too many photos. I do my best to keep them organized but every now and then, a few get lost in the fray. Last night, at the end of a very long writing day, I sat down to select a few images for the annual Smithsonian Magazine photo contest and stumbled across these long lost shots of an old Dodge truck.
Fitting that I stumbled across the photos, because I also stumbled across this truck. I had camped out the night before (for free!) on the edge of an endless field in the National Grasslands just north of Badlands National Park in South Dakota. In the morning, the dogs and I hiked down an old rutted road marked with a foot traffic only sign:
Respect the Landowner, Respect the Land
A mile or so down the road, we came over a small rise and discovered this treasure: an old Dodge truck, left to rot. I have no idea how long this truck has been sitting in this spot, but I’m sure it has been here longer than I have been alive. Bonus points to anybody who can identify the model and year!
Morning Light, Me & Bowie
If you’ve been reading this blog for long, you’ll know how much I love old junked cars. Ecstatic, I circled the truck, photographing it from every angle. Then, as I was leaning far over the engine compartment, peering down into the rusted, twisted metal, I saw a slight movement, and a tuft of black and white fur. A SKUNK! Man, I’m lucky I didn’t get sprayed! What would the dogs have thought of me then?!
Defunct Dodge
Rust & Paint
Old Dodge Self Portrait
On to the Badlands!
Dog-wise travel tip: Keep Skunk Off in your car at all times!
Travels with the Blonde Coyote 
Great Pictures…Thanks for sharing!
I just wanted to say that you rock! I used to travel a lot when I was younger and then thought I needed to “grow up” and buy a house and all the stuff that comes with it. I was miserable. I’m now house and debt free, and because of your blog, plan to do many more road trips in 2013. Thank you!
Thanks, Jason. Comments like this are why I write this blog! I’m thrilled to hear you’re hitting the open road. Keep in touch and good luck! Cheers, M
great pictures! I especially like the self portrait 🙂
Thanks! I have a whole series of shadow and reflection self-portraits: https://theblondecoyote.com/2012/01/18/me-my-shadows/
These are fantastic Mary. Wow..a photo contest, I’m impressed and hope you win!
Travels with the Blonde Coyote, I have nominated you for a “Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award” ~ http://travelgardeneat.com/2012/11/29/you-flatter-me-blogger-friends/ (for the “rules” :-)) — however, whether you participate in the awards process or not, thank you for sharing and know you are appreciated! ~ Kat
Awesome, Kat. Thanks so much for thinking of me! M
Cool photos of the truck, and I especially like the self-portrait. Glad the skunk wasn’t too alarmed by your presence.
Me too! My dogs have both (hopefully) learned their skunk lessons. They stayed away from the truck. I should have paid attention to them! They knew!
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I’ve just started following and love these pics of the dodge. I would adore to travel the roads you’re on.
Absolutely beautiful!