Monday, June 4, 2012

Cows, bison, and prairie dogs - Oh My!

Jake in the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands.

At Mt. Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore jumpy pic...thanks Susan!
We enjoyed our long haul across the state of South Dakota.  Lonely Planet told us it would be a boring drive along I-90 but we disagree.  We saw miles and miles of farmland and grassland with an occasional silo, barn, and gas station.  When we hit Chamberlain, SD we had an amazing view of the Missouri River Valley and soon after we started to see the Badlands in the distance.  It's crazy how the strange rocky formations seem to pop right up from the miles of flat grassland.  We made a quick stop in Rapid City to pick up some goodies for dinner and then we made our way to the campground in the heart of the Black Hills.  Our campsite is perfect - quiet, shady, and a beautiful view of the wooded mountains.  After relaxing in the hammock for a bit we headed up to the night lighting ceremony at Mt. Rushmore.  We weren't expecting to be as impressed with Mt. Rushmore as we ended up being.  I didn't think there was any way a man-made landmark could be so wondrous...but it was.  We met a sweet park ranger named Uncle Willy and he spoke with us for 30 minutes about Mt. Rushmore and other must-sees in the area.  He was very interested to talk with Jake about pharmacy - specifically compounding.  We visited the museum to learn about Gutzon Borglum and the hundreds of other men who worked to create this monument to honor our country and its leaders.  We walked all around the grounds, took a few jumpy pics, and headed to the amphitheater to watch the lighting ceremony.  It was very patriotic and ended with a nice tribute to our U.S. military.  We arrived back to our campsite at 10:00 and we were so tired that we skipped dinner. (Y'all know I NEVER miss a meal!) We slept so well in our cozy little tent and woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed only to look at the clock and see that it was 4:45. Ooops!  We are headed to another pancake breakfast for charity and then off to explore the Badlands National Park and the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands.  Fingers crossed that we'll see a prairie dog in its natural habitat.  That would just make my day!  Hope all is well where you are!

8 comments:

  1. Amanda sent me the link to your blog. I look forward to hearing about your adventures! Safe travels.
    Cindy

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  2. So glad your trip is all you expected and more! Makes me want to go. Love to you both.

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    1. OOPS! Don't know what I'm doing. Will have to get my tech expert to explain "publish". That last comment was from Mom Gibbs.

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  3. Hey you two...Dick Roberts here. Am enjoying your travel reports. Skipped a meal...Elizabeth, have Jake take you to see a doctor quick! Be safe.

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  4. I'm loving your blog. So glad y'all are doing this! Have fun and be safe. Can't wait to read more!
    Cariene Keadle

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  5. I hope you do get to see some prairie dogs, they are among my favorite little creatures!

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  6. Oh it sounds like you guys are going to have a fun adventure! I told Kayla you were in SD and she said, "Where is SD?" I told her all the states you drove through to get there and she said, "oh my gosh!" Enjoy your travels!

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  7. Enjoying your reads! Keep'm coming and have fun! Love from Virginia!
    Cindy & Gene

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