South Dakota

We weren't sure we were going to be able to go on vacation this year because of Jake's work schedule. But, due to bad weather, they had to bring Jake's barge back to shore...meaning Jake got to crew change as usual! I quickly packed up clothes and other travel necessities waiting for Jake to return home for certain. Jake was only home for 2 days before we headed out on our 10 day journey. (Be sure to click on the green links to check out the sights!)

We left early Saturday morning and drove to Kansas City, MO. Turns out our hotel was across the street from an amusement park with a wild looking roller coaster. Sunday, we headed out for 8 more hours of driving and ended up in Mitchell, SD. What lured us there? A sign for the hotel that boasted having an indoor water slide! As I was looking for places to eat online, I see that Mitchell is home to the one and only Corn Palace. What an intersting place it turned out to be! Monday we continue to our final destination, Custer, SD....with a pit stop in Wall, SD to see the famous Wall Drug.

That evening we walked the main street in Custer, looking at shops...in jackets...it turned out to be quite windy & chilly! The temp was in the mid 50's...can you imagine?!?!

First thing Tuesday morning, we gear up for the short drive to Keystone to see Mount Rushmore! What a beautiful and amazing sight! It was even more meaningful to discover why the momenument was built and why the particular men were chosen. It made me really proud to be American. After the gallery, gift shop and lunch at the in-house diner, we were on the road again...to the Presidential Wax Museum. Our next destination for the day was Crazy Horse, SD to view the CrazyHorse Memorial. It's almost unbelievable how big it is. It will be an amazing memorial and educational complex when completed. We spent the rest of the afternoon viewing various exhibits on sight and shopping. We stayed long enough to catch a daily treat...several members of a local Lakota Sioux tribe danced in full costume.

Wednesday morning we started our adventures at Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, SD. We had breakfast there at the cafe, and what better breakfast than Indian Tacos? Instead of a tortilla, they use Indian flat bread. Grace had a blast petting the giant tortoises and playing in the giant sandbox. She also got her first opportunity to pan for gems and arrowheads! After seeing all the reptilian creatures, we drove north to Historic Deadwood. What a place! It hasn't changed a whole lot...still tons of bars and casinos. While there we took a tour that told about the city and the assassination of Wild Bill (the event that made Deadwood famous). After the tour, we went back to Saloon No. 10 to catch a reinactment of the shooting...little did we know that Jake was going to be a start player! "Wild Bill" happened by our table on his way to set up and he noticed Jake's hat.
Wild Bill: "I like that hat."
Jake: "Thank you."
Wild Bill: "I'd like to use that for my show....with you in it."
It was a fun and educational show! Grace sipped on her first sarsparilla during the show. As we wondered around the streets afterwards, we caught a second shoot out reinactment in the streets! Woo...lots of shooting! We had supper then drove back to our cozy little motel, Rocket Motel.

Thursday was quite a thrilling adventure...(I could have used a little nerve meds or blood pressure meds..lol) We decided to see Jewel Cave, but when we got there we disocvered the only time left open for the guided tour was 4:40. We bought tickets and decided to spend the inbetween time at Custer State Park. We arrived at the Sylvan lake entrance and rented a paddle boat...what a workout! The scenery was incredible! Back on dry land, we loaded to drive on the scenic Needles Highway...a VERY winding, curving road. We arrived back at Jewel Cave National Monument ready for the tour. One hour and 20 minutes, 732 stair steps later...we emerge almost unharmed. Hah. I was exhausted from shaking...not from the constant 49 degree temp, but from fear. I admit...I was terrified. My legs were sore for the next 3 days. Grace loved it though...my big, brave girl.

Friday, we checked out early and headed 2 hours east to The Badlands. This place was...wow...lots of rock in the middle of grassy plains. We veered from the scenic path to try and catch a view of local wildlife, and did we! We saw 3 bison, 1 baby elk, 2 pronghorns, and 754,854,893 prairie dogs. There were signs warning that "Prairie Dogs have plague." Yikes! Since one of the outlets to the scenic route was in Wall...we decided to visit Wall Drug again and stay the night.

Saturday we officially began our journey back home. We stayed the night in Lincoln, NE...where we were told was the home of the original Cabela's. Hmmm, not so. Oh well, the hotel was the BOMB so it was worth it!

After a long day of driving, Sunday we ended up in Fayetteville, AR...home of the Razorbacks! We ate at an amazing bbq joint...The Boar's Nest. They brought our drinks in Mason jars so we knew the food had to be good.

Monday afternoon, we pulled into the driveway. We had an amazing time and the scenery (and temperature) was incredible. But, it was good to see the house and sleep in out own beds.