Great write up on one of my favorite places to explore around. My mother works for the jeep tour company. She drives from Maryland out to Custer park each year to work for the summer. This year she is 70 years old and still makes the trek, she loves that park.
I used to drive one in the National Guard as my survey truck. Loved it. Timing not right or I would jump on this one as it would make a perfect bug out unit. GLWS.
I drive around with the kayak on the top of the truck pretty much all the time this time of year. Having a cover will keep out the rain and dust, but MPG effected by the open cockpit, nay don't think so..
The sunrise photo with the sun as a star burst is unbelievable, what kind of exposure did you use to get the just enough light without being burned out? I guess a quick shutter ?