South Dakota 2012

August 23, 2012

Wind Cave Tour

Boxwork formation inside Wind Cave

Headed to Hot Springs to catch up with Frank & Diana Lamothe so we could tour Wind Cave together.  It was good to see them, had not seen them since February when then were in Havasu.   Took the Natural Entrance Tour, which takes about 1 1/2 hrs, is approx 1/2 mile long and involves over 300 steps....nothing compared to Jewel cave.   It was very interesting seeing all the boxwork in the cave.   We saw a little in Jewel cave, but this cave is known for it's boxwork.    This is a great cave with narrow passage ways making it exciting.  I would recommend this one to anyone in this area.

Jo, Diana, Frank and Bobby

We then went into Hot Springs and had lunch at the Bakery.   Frank had a donut but the rest of us had mexican food.   We then drove thru town, lots of limestone buildings to look at.  The Forest Service has an office in town, so we went out and got a stamp for my passport book, since I forgot to get the Buffalo Grasslands stamp while in Wall, SD

We then head home, along the way saw a herd of buffalo.  They are magnificent animals.

August 22, 2012

Cathedral Spires

Today's adventure took on the Needles Hwy, one of the roads that goes thru Custer State Park.  It was overcast, so hopefully my pics turnout.  It's suppose to get into the 90's so the sun will be out shortly.

The Needle

We took hwy 16A, then turned on Playhouse road and then took hwy 87 to the Needle.   Along the way you get to see many spires and rock formations, along with deer, turkeys and squirrels.  We also had many tractors pass us going the opposite directions.   We heard they are trying to set a Guiness World Record of some sort.

The trip was absolutely beautiful, weather was perfect for walking around the rocks.   We went thru all 6 tunnels on this route, three of which we had not seen before. Just a bit of information, this road nor 16A would we take the motorhome on, we might make it thru the tunnels with out touching, but I would not try it.   Granted the tour buses go thru them, but we never saw one doing it! Tunnel #4 is only 10' 7" high.....I know we'd take off an air conditioner for sure!

Along the way we stopped at various pull outs and took pictures of the Cathedral Spires.   You could hike up to them but we elected not too.   Lazy today!  We then continued on to find the Needle.  At this point we had passed thru tunnel #4, and just before #5, you see a sign that's a little nerve racking.   This tunnel is 8' 4"  wide, so we had to make sure our mirrors did not touch.  Made it safe and sound.
 

Tunnel #5

Parked the car immediately after going thru the Needles tunnel and watched many cars come thru.   It's these little things that makes us so happy!  LOL.   The needle its self, you could miss because of the tunnel.   It right at the tunnel entrance (west side).  It extremely hard to get a full shot because of the road and rock structures around it, but it interesting to see.

Sylvan Lake

We then continued on towards Hill City, as you head down the hill, we found Sylvan Lake.  Beautiful lake, the reflections in the water were spectacular.   I could certainly spend a week here.   From here you can also climb to the top of Harney peak, elevation 7,242.   The lake is at 6,145.

After walking 1/2 away around the lake, we then continued onto Hill City where we looked thru the shops.   Once again, bought nothing.   On the route home we stopped at the Red Ass winery, sampled some of there sweet wines, very expensive so did not buy a bottle.

August 21, 2012

Jewel Cave

Drove to Jewel Cave National Monument today.  Should you ever go, make sure you make reservations, otherwise you could have a 2-3 hr wait.   Thank goodness, I called this morning while traveling and made our reservations.   We only had to wait about 15 minutes.

This is the 2nd largest cavern in the world with over 160 miles mapped, however, it does not compare to Carlsbad or Kartchner caverns in my eyes.  Granted they are two totally different types of caves but I would not return to this cavern.   The couple that was in front of me, agreed.  The tour takes about 1 1/2 hrs and you climb over 700 steps.  Nice workout on the old calves.

Crazy Horse

We left the caverns and drove about a mile west to the original opening of the cavern.  You get to see the cabin that the original ranger stayed in but do not get to see the opening.....that's seen on a lantern tour, which we did not purchase.

Decided we were hungry since it was around 1:30, so we drove into Custer and had lunch at the Bakery.  Afterwards we looked through some of the shops.  At this point, all the stores are looking the same!  LOL.

What memorial will look like once finished

We then headed to Crazy Horse Memorial.   It cost $10 a person to get in, but you can use your ticket to return another day but it must be within 3 days of your purchase.   We listened to the movie about how the carving got started and where they hope to go in the future.   The head is very impressive and once the entire project is completed (doubt this will occur in my life time), it will be amazing.   One of the things you learn is that Mt Rushmore will fit inside Crazy Horse head, it's absolutely huge.  If I recall correctly, Mt Rushmore figures are 60' high, where Crazy Horse memorial will be over 500' high and over 600' long.

When the memorial is finalized, the area will include a school, medical facility, museum (it's done) and many other buildings.  It certainly will be impressive.....yes, it already is!


August 20, 2012

Bobby & Larry playing golf

Played golf today with our friends Larry & Mona who live here in Rapid City.   They also have a home in Havasu and Bobby plays golf on Wednesday's and Saturday's with Larry.   Mona only played nine holes, her shoulder is still bothering her.   We are going to have dinner with them on Friday at their house.

Bobby wanted to drain the hot water heater and while doing this, snapped the plug.  Off to Lowes we went.  Got a new plug and we are back in business.

Tomorrow we are either go to the needles hwy or Jewel caves....maybe both!

August 19, 2012

Elk

Stayed home and took care of stuff around the motorhome.   I waxed the cupboards in Bobby's bathroom and one of the ones in the bedroom.   Bobby washed the truck.  Afterwards I worked on my blog and then went swimming.

Mt Rushmore at night

Around 6:30 PM we drove up to see the closing ceremony at Mt Rushmore.   Along the way we pasted the Bear Country Exhibit and had the opportunity to see the elk feeding.   My brother Roger would love to have seen these bucks....magnificent!

The ceremony was very interesting....love the part where the lady ranger tells what the Pledge of Allegiance means.   She tells it like Red Skelton did many years ago.   At the end, she invites all past and present military persons to join her on the stage for the lowering of the flag.   She then asks each individual to give their name, branch of service and what war the served in, if any.  Very moving.

August 18, 2012

Chapel of the Hill

Dinosaur Park

Today we’ll do things around town.   Started out visiting the Chapel in the Hills, the church is a duplicate of the original in Norway.   The church is made entirely of wood and is approx 40 years old.  I’d say it would hold around 60 people during a service.   It was beautiful, as well as the other buildings, which included a gift shop and museum.  There was also a dream path, which we walked down.

From there we went to the dinosaur park…it's a park that has 5 very large dinosaurs for kids to play on but the view of the city is remarkable.   They say you can see for over 100 miles.   It was a little hazy so we could not see that far.

Air & Space Museum

We then went to the farmers market in downtown.   Not much of a market but we got to see a parade while we were there.   The county fair started this weekend and think it was in celebration of it being in town.

Then we went to the Sioux Pottery place, the two pieces that I wanted had been sold so we did not buy anything.

Air & Space Museum

Afterwards we drove out the Elks lodge.   Wanted to see how much it cost to play golf, decided to have lunch, so we split a clubhouse sandwich.  

Then we drove to Ellsworth Air Force Base and looked at the air & space museum.   Very nice display of old planes.

Tomorrow, not sure what we’ll do….rest?   Probably not!!!!

 

August 17, 2012

Mt Rushmore thru the tunnel

We wanted to take one of the three scenic drives in Custer State Park, so we chose the wildlife loop.   You take hwy 16A and follow it around the park.   It’s a beautiful drive, (reminds me of Oregon) accept when you drive thru the tunnels (3 of them), you can look back thru them and see Mt Rushmore.   It’s almost like the designer knew….oh, he did!   LOL.   Weather was perfect….78 degrees.   Great for viewing wildlife!

One of three herds we saw

Obviously I was looking for the wildlife and sure enough, we found it.   We saw buffalo, deer, hawks, prairie dogs, burros, turkeys, chipmunks & antelope.  

There are lodges that you can stop and have lunch, but I elected to take our lunch.  Much better idea, as we were able to use part of it to feed the burros!   LOL.   There are lots of side roads that you can take we took the one to Mt. Coolidge lookout.   From there you can see Crazy Horse, Needles, Harney Peak, Mt Rushmore, the air force base and badlands.   It was located at 6,100’.  

Feeding the burros

We went past two lakes: Lakota and Legion, both were magnificent.   Small in size but so picturesque!  Walked around both lakes….too bad we are not fisherman, as it appeared fish were biting!

Obviously I was looking for the wildlife and sure enough, we found it.   We saw buffalo, deer, hawks, prairie dogs, burros, turkeys & antelope.  

Antelope in the park

Our last stop before heading home was Keystone.    We had stopped before but had not gone all thru the stores.  We walked up and down the main street.   Once again, I was good and did not buy anything.

This is a great day trip but expect to spend 8-10 hrs, the road is very windy and you have to stop and see so many things!  My type of day trip!

August 16, 2012

Spearfish Falls

Had breakfast at Fort Hayes and saw one of the sites where the filmed Dances with Wolves. While here, we saw Gary & Myra, some friends from Havasu, they live here in Rapid City.

We then drove to Spearfish, looked around town and found the fish hatchery.   Very interesting, they do a great job of displaying the history, which included an old train ice box, which they used to transport the baby fish to various places.   It was used from late 1880's until 1941.

Rock at Roughlock Falls...looks like a cat

From there we drove thru Spearfish Canyon....it's a beautiful scenic drive that goes from Spearfish to Deadwood.   It's very similar to driving hwy 35 from Portland to Madras.   At one point (near Lead) we were at 6,200 feet.    Along the way we saw three waterfalls (Bridal Veil, Spearfish & Roughlock).   Bridal Veil was not much, but the other two were spectacular for their size and for the time of year.  Also this is the site where the filmed another part of Dances with Wolves.   All you see is a sign telling you this!

Wild Bill Hickok Gravesite

While in Deadwood, we drove to the Mt Mirah Cemeteray where Wild Bill Hickok, Clamity Jane and other famous individauls are buried.  We then went into town and had lunch, afterwards walked up and down main street.   We found the Elks lodge so went up and visited for about 1/2 hr.   We then drove home.  It was a long day since we left at 7:45 AM and got home at 7:00 PM.


August 15, 2012

Bobby played golf while I took Max into the groomers to get his nails trimmed.  Boy did they need it!

Then I went to the Sioux Pottery plant and looked at the pottery.  I will return and purchase a bowl or vase, forgot my 25% off coupon.  It's worth it to wait to buy.   Then I went to the grocery store, making Pasta Figioli Soup for dinner. The soup was wonderful.

Tomorrow we are heading to Spearfish and Deadwood.

August 14, 2012

Decided it was time to give the Motorhome a bath....boy did it need it.  Travel certainly go her dirty!

The wifi reception at the coach is not strong enough to down load pics into my blog, so I came up to the office to add pics.

Tonight we might go to Mt Rushmore to see the evening ceremony.

August 13, 2012

Mt Rushmore

This morning Bobby went into town to see our friends from Havasu that live here (Larry & Russ).  They own a tire shop here and Larry came out and inspected the tires on the motorhome.  In his opinion, they are good for another 15,000+ miles.  Good news for us!

Another view of Mt Rushmore

They made a golf tee-time for Wed, so Larry told me about some shopping spots in town....I'll go spend Bobby's money while he golf's with his friends.

We then drove up to see Mt. Rushmore.  Oh my gosh, even though I've seen pictures, it was amazing to see in real life.   You can't stop looking at it while walking around.   We took the ranger tour, very interesting, filled with facts.   Along the route, we saw a billy goat.  So awesome!

Billy Goat on Mt Rushmore

Afterwards went to the town of Keystone and looked thru some of the shops.  Difficult to find a parking spot, so we decided to come back another day.   Along the trip home, we saw a bunch of wild turkeys.

Art work in Keystone

Once we entered the rv park, we saw a gentleman hunting for something, asked if he was geochasing, he was so we stopped to help find the cache.   We found it.

August 12, 2012

Sturgis...was last day of the rally

Today we are heading to Sturgis, it is the last day of the bike rally and we are hoping we get to see some of them.  We know that many of have left already, as we saw them when drive the last 3 days.  We got there around 8:30, it was a cool 69 degrees.   Perfect for walking around the town.

One of the unique bikes we saw

There are still a few bikes around but the main street is open to all traffic.  During the rally only motorcycles are allowed on Main St.  We walked up and down the street, looking at the bikes, riders and inside the stores.   Looked at so many shirts but did not buy anything.   The store owners tell you that their shirts run small....understatement.  An extra large barely fit me!   I realize women are suppose to show their breasts but!

We then drove to Bear Butte, it's suppose to be a beautiful area and I wanted to take a pic of the mountain in the lake.  When we got there, the lake is extremely low due to drought and the wind was blowing so pic of mountain in the lake.   We did see buffalo, so that was worth the drive.

Buffalo Chip Bar

We then drove to Full Throttle & Chip Buffalo bars.  Both were closing down so not much to see.   This town basically closes once Biker Week is over.

Statue in downtown Rapid City

Drove back to Rapid City and decided to look at the sculptures in downtown.  The are on the corners on Main and Joseph streets.  They are of presidents and/or famous people.

Came home around 4:00 and will finishing watch the golf tournament.

August 11, 2012

 

Wildlife in Badlands

It’s around 7:30 and we are taking the hwy 240 loop through the park, which will bring us out on the I-90 at Wall, SD.  It's still early enough to catch some of the sun rising and throwing shadows on the mountains, however it’s fairly overcast. 

Badlands in the morning

The Badlands are beautiful and amazing.   The layers of colors are fascinating and beautiful.   It’s too bad that they are eroding away.   Thank goodness, they’ll still be there as long as we are alive.   We took it slow and stopped at most of the pull outs to take pictures.   It was windy, so I had a bad hair day, so don’t laugh at my pics….lol.   

Along the drive we saw a coyote, antelope, big horn sheep (even a baby one) and a bald eagle. 

Having fun at Wall Drugs

The loop ends in the town of Wall, SD, home to the infamous Wall Drug Store.  Believe me, it’s the largest one we’ve ever seen.   First thing, we went to the café and had one of their famous pecan rolls.   It was delicious, however would have been better heated.  Believe it or not, they don’t have a microwave so could not heat it.   Strange!!!

Wall Drugs

We looked around town, went thru some of the shops, bought a few things and then headed towards Rapid City.   First stop was Safeway to get fuel and few groceries.  Where we are staying is approx 10 miles outside of Rapid City towards Mt. Rushmore off hwy 16.

Arrived at Hart Ranch (part of our RPI membership), got settled in and then toured the facility.  It has close to 500 sites.   Major rain storm just came thru, sure we’ll see more tonight.   Tomorrow, heading to Sturgis to see what it’s all about, even though it’s the last day.

August 10, 2012

1880 Town, Murdo, SD

Prairie Dog

Went and had breakfast at Casey’s in Chamberlin…it was just OK.  Went back to the coach, loaded it up and it the road.   Went to exit 170 to see the 1880 Town and Longhorn Ranch.  It has 40 buildings you can tour.   It was very interesting seeing all the memorabilia they had to offer.   Some of the memorabilia included sets from the movie “Dancing with Wolves”.  

We then got back on the interstate and came off at exit 131.  First stop…Ranch Store…home of the Prairie Dog Town.   Yes, I got many pics of them, included the white one.   This Prairie Dog has black skin and white fur vs. the others that have tan skin and brown fir.   We bought a shirt for Bobby and a vase for me. 

White Prairie Dog

Badlands

We then went to Prairie Homestead and saw more of the Prairie Dogs.   Continued on down the road where we entered the Badlands National Park.   It was hot so we did not take a trip onto the valley floor, but did take short hikes on the paths.   Bobby reminded me (very disappointed) that I could not collect rocks….darn….not exact words I used).   Spent about an hour or more looking at the badlands and then went to the campground.   Since it’s a National Park, we only had to pay $8.00 for dry camping.   Great deal!

Got settled in and then I went to the visitors center, gift store and look out where I could see more of the badlands.   Bobby stayed home and watched the news.   

We have TV reception, so we’ll watch tv and then in the morning, we’ll head to Wall, SD and then onto Rapid City. 

August 9, 2012

Corn Palace

Left Sioux Falls around 9:00 AM, we made our first stop at the world’s only Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD.   You would not believe the art work that is created from Corn, Rye, Oat Heads and Sour Dock.   The use over 3,000 bushels of the Rye, Oats & Sour Dock each year to help create the artwork; the rest is created with 275 thousand ears of corn.   The corn is cut in half and nailed to the building.  The designs are created similar to a paint by number drawing.  First they design the art, then lay it out on black paper and then put the paper on the wall and then add the corn, etc.    I would highly recommend you see this facility if ever get in this area.

Corn Palace

Many famous individuals, bands, etc. have performed at the palace, IE: Lawrence Welk, Willie Nelson, Bob Hope and the Charlie Daniels Band, just to name a few.   In the winter, the facility is used to hold basketball games & tournaments

We then took a 5 block walk to the Carnegie Resource Center.   Originally this was a library but today it’s a history and genealogy facility.   The dome inside was designed and painted by Oscar Howe, a Yanktonai Sioux Artist (he also designed the artwork for the corn palace for many years).  There is also a room on A J Kings, who was the contractor on the building.   It has a lot of history, some of the tools used and many photos of the artists that have performed at the corn palace.

Lewis & Clark Rest Stop

Bobby needed a new pair of walking shoes (I wore out his old pair…lol) so we head to Cabela’s, where he found a pair of keens.  

It’s now around 2:00 PM and we got back on I-90 and will head to Chamberlin.   At exit 264 we stopped at the rest stop as it features Lewis & Clark.   They have recreated the keelboat that they used to explore this area.  From outside, you get a view of Lake Francis Case, a reservoir created by the Missouri River. 

Sunset over the Missouri River

Back on the freeway heading west, we took exit 263 so we can see the Akta Lakota Museum.   It was closed so we’ll spend the night and see it tomorrow.

Found the American Creek Campground, it’s right on the east bank of the Missouri River.   When we got out to hook up the sewer, etc. we were infested with thousands of the bugs.   They have wings but look like a silver fish.   Don’t bite….goodness.   Can’t watch the Olympics, no internet service, too bad!!!!

August 8, 2012

Sioux Falls

First thing, we headed to an RV parts store to get a part of the refrigerator light.   The bracket broke so we need a new part.  Got it....expensive little bracket, $12.   We then did some geochasing, while geochasing we saw the Pioneer Memorial, so went and found it.   From there we could see a church off in the distance so we went to locate.  It was the St Joseph Cathedral.   We did a self-guided tour.   Very nice!

Pettigrew Home & Museum

We then went to the Pettigrew house and Museum.   It very nice, the outside of the house has pertified wood as part of the siding.  The inside has linoleum (did not realize they ever made linoleum for walls) on the walls and ceiling, also one room had silk fabric as the covering.   Would high recommend you tour.

Afterwards we found the Sioux Falls....small compared to Niagara...LOL.   It had water coming but not much.  We walked around the grounds and saw the buildings, etc.

We then went to Scheels, are sporting goods store similar to Bass Pro.   From there, we headed back to the coach.

August 7, 2012

Cornfield and windmills

crafts built at Pipestone

Left around 7:30 and headed to Pipestone National Monument.  Along the way, we saw many cornfields, the most amazing thing was the windmills in the middle of the cornfields.

Pipestone Monument is located in Pipestone, MN and is a sacred place for the Indians.  Here they dig and make pipes, plus other items, from the pipestone, which is a red rock.   We watched a lady carve a pipe and then took a 3/4 mile hike out to see the quarries.   We also saw the Minneswaka fall....small fall, but pretty.

Minneswaka Falls

One of the quarries

We then headed to Soiux Falls.   We will stay at Tower Campground.   It's close to the falls.  Since it's late in the day, we'll stay in and see the sites tomorrow.