South Dakota

Heading west from Wisconsin took us across lower Minnesota.  I thought this is the land of lakes.....must be in the north!  Into South Dakota we made a stop in Mitchell at yes.........The Corn Palace! Just had to.  It really is amazing that they change the theme every year.  Entire outside of the bldg. is covered in ears of corn and corn husks. Here's the next rig Jeff wants to purchase; nothing like taking your Smart Car along with you!

Our next stop was THE BAD LANDS.  Our first real feeling we were entering the Wild West.  Facinating rock formations.  I just can't imagine the homesteaders and cowboys riding through this area. This is about where I would have probably turned back. Another highlight was of course Wall Drug.  Purchased in 1931 by Ted & Dorothy Hulstead, which was close to failing until Dorothy decided to advertise free ice water to travelers headed West.  It became a huge American entreprenuerial success story.  All roads lead to Wall Drug and there wasn't just one sign but signs for miles and miles,  As a matter of fact there is a sign in every state!  What a complex of stores, food, museums. 

Wall Drug Gang

A Bus Tour ! Never say Never !

Okay, I know I said I would never go on a bus tour.  We started out with breakfast at Ft. Hayes, where Dancing with the Wolves was filmed, so a replica of a small western town.  We boarded the bus at 9 AM and headed for Mt. Rushmore where we met President Teddy Roosevelt. Very facinating. Then we headed through Custer National Park.  Didn't see too much wildlife, except for one lonely Buffalo and prairie dog, but the views were awesome and the tunnels the bus had to go through were really something.  Of course that made us hungry for a buffalo burger and chips.  French fries that is.

Sylvan lake was beautiful with jagged rock formations surrounding it's edges.  Too bad we couldn't kyak or swim.  But back into the bus we went off to see Crazy Horse.  Now that was something to see.  We were touched how the large family (10 KIDS) of the sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski, have carried on constructing and maintaining it and with NO Government Funding so they won't have any control over it.  He started in 1923 and it's far from even being finished.  See the picture of the marble sculpture in front of the monument  to see how much more to do,

We also saw The Needles.  Again unbelievable rock formations.  So now it is 6 PM and the bus driver did not stop talking the entire trip, laughing at his own jokes and we are not yet in the hearing aide association so it was LOUD.  We were exhausted but driver Ken was a wealth of knowlege about the area and we sure saved alot on gas! So it wasn't all that bad but still not our cup of tea in general.  Had a great dinner at The Firehouse Brew Pub in Rapid City to end the day.