Lake Pactola, Blackhills National Forest
Mt. Rushmore
By Pactola Lake, near our campsite
The Badlands
5 cents coffee, only in Wall Drug, in Wall, South Dakota
Crossing the Missouri River which means we have left the cowboy country behind.
Where are we?
Oh yes, still in South Dakota!
It's been a long trip, you see, and all the days and nights and activities are blending into one... But let's see if I can get South Dakota straight here.
We spent a good part of yesterday checking out the areas around Blackhills National Forest. We visited Mt. Rushmore and saw the impressive busts of the four great American Presidents. We tried to see Jewel Cave National Park but could not enter without a reservation (lesson learned), we saw Crazy Horse monument from afar, and we played by our campsite in the late evening sun.
Today we crossed the state passing by Badlands National Park (which totally deserves its name). And to satisfy Jim's childhood memories of being a mid-western boy, we stopped at Walldrug (think cheesy Country Western stuff), the Corn Palace (ummm...I don't have a lot to say about this one), and last but not least, The Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, South Dakota.
We are staying in De Smet tonight, in a B&B next to the original house that 'Pa' built. Tomorrow we will get to learn more about this famous family's story and apparently the kids can ride the wagon just the way Laura used to. Can you imagine our little girl's exciting on this one? I think I am a little giddy about it, too.
We are very much in the Plains now. The bears, the cowboys, and mountains are all behind us. We are already sensing the Midwestern hospitality here. Good stuff.
No comments:
Post a Comment