Sunday in Rapid City

[Colliemom]

Good Morning all,

Sitting here in Happy Holliday RV Park in Rapid City, watching the rain clouds moving in from the west. So far have only had a couple of sprinkles. Supposed to meet Beth later this morning to go exploring, but if it's going to rain, probably won't. So Beth, if you happen to see this and it's raining, don't expect me. I will go explore tomorrow instead. However forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies today and highs in mid 70's. Not a bad campground here. Spaces are close together, about 25 by 40 I think, but they are spacing everybody out, so nobody's on top of each other as there is plenty of room right now. One nice thing I like is that the sites have covered picnic shelters. So every two sites, share a shelter. That way nobody has to put out awnings and if it's raining, you can still sit out at a table. The folks who run the place are super nice and go out of their way to help. Miss Molly has a strip of grass to lay on, so she's happy. Right now she's chewing on a Bully Stick. She loves those things and the Pet Store I get them from is picky where she gets her stuff, so that's good. /she's in doggie heaven right now.

Barb, hope you don't have rain on your "maiden" voyage either. Been a crazy weather spring this year. Had to laugh when you quoted by line about the dog park. Wasn't quite that big I miss having it, as it was a fun place for her and I both. Wish more campgrounds would put them in. Granted there's a dog flu going around etc. but you don't have to take you dog over when others are there.

Was trying to download my pictures from camera to computer last nlght, but the computer won't recognize my card reader So maybe have to get a different one. I worked before though. My camera isn't compatible with Windows .1, so can't download direct from the camera. And they didn't have a new driver out for this model when I last looked. Don't have it's USB hookup along anyway as couldn't use it before. But my memory stick can take a ton of pictures, so no issues there. Have already weeded a few out on there.

Saw Mt. Rushmore yesterday. What an awe inspiring landmark. You need to see it in person to really get the perspective of it. It's stunning actually. One man's dream has becoming a lasting symbol of what this country is all about. It attracts people from all walks and cultures. Totally amazing and humbling. And yes Linda (Rufflesgal), I thought same of Wall Drugs too, although I have to admit the original owners thinking was way ahead of our times when they started it. And if it were not for them, the town of Wall wouldn't exist.

So guess I shall go hop in the shower and take Molly for a walk in a bit here. Can't let the time get away from me as I need to get down to Keystone to meet Beth eventually. So you all have a nice day. be safe if on the road and enjoy your travels.

[Othersharon]

Good morning Sue and all to follow. Sounds like you are having a good trip and glad Molly is enjoying it too. Hope the rain holds off so you can meet up with Beth today. We finally got hit with rain yesterday and hot and humid! Apparently more to come today and then temps supposed to lower tomorrow. I can handle the heat but the humidity is another story. So didn't get anything done outside yesterday. With luck it'll dry out enough in the next day or two to get out and mow. Plus I need to get to the weeds in the front flower beds and spread the mulch I have waiting. Ava, glad things are settling down for you. Hope you can move on to go see your dad soon. You are a good friend. Hard to keep up with everyone on here. Travel time has started! Loving reading about the adventures. I've decided to get my passport so I can maybe go up to Canada. My niece is up in the Toronto area and that not too far from here. They have a boat they are going to live on so it'll be fun to visit them. Apparently they finally got it in the water yesterday after weeks of working on it. Talk about an adventure! Well, time for another cup of coffee and decide what to get into today! Have a good day and be safe if you are on the road.

[Bethers]

Sue, they are calling for a thunderstorm this afternoon. I'll understand if you decide to sit today out. If you come through tomorrow, stop at the store. I'll be there most of the day and can at least say hi again.

[Cudedog]

Beth:

What is the name of the campground you are work camping at?

I may be coming to Yellowstone (here's hoping!) in August. Are you up for a "meet and greet"?

Thanks.

Anne

[dpf]

Good Morning. Coffee is done…grab a cup. There’s creamer in the refrigerator and sugar on the counter. If you’re hungry…tough luck! It was sunny when I rolled out of bed but it’s clouding up and looks like we’re going to get some rain. Looking at the weather site it appears that we could have rain every day until next Tuesday. We need some warm weather. The kids are getting antsy because the pool isn’t open but the water has to hit 70* and so does the air temp. I really think that the school should consider starting after Labor Day and going later than May 15. So far we’ve had cold rainy days and most of their ball games are being cancelled because of wet fields. Then when they start school mid-August it’s hotter than hades and the pool has to close. Just doesn’t make sense to me.

I haven’t accomplished diddily squat so far this weekend. I wake up with high expectations but just can’t seem to get motivated. I’m trying my best to get the bedroom and closet straighten up. I think I have hoarder tendencies when it comes to clothes. I haven’t worn some of them in ages but have trouble getting rid of them. To be perfectly honest I need something to really piss me off and then I don’t have an ounce of sentimentality and would probably throw out my DH and the kids. I’d keep Bronc and Radar!

Sue, Mt. Rushmore is magnificent isn’t it? No matter how many times I go there I am in awe. To think it was done before all the modern equipment that is available now. I enjoy going through the museum and reading the letters from people who thought the project was the biggest folly they had ever heard of. Actually I prefer the Black Hills early in the summer or early fall…it’s a little cooler and not so many people. Make sure you tour the road behind the monument!



Wall Drug…well is Wall Drug! It’s a tourist trap, but we always stop! The Hustead family vision has kept the little town of Wall alive and it has provided income for local families and paid the tuition for many South Dakota college students. One of my friends in college worked there every summer and always said that the employees were treated wonderful. They provided dormitories for workers. I believe they have RV sites for seasonal workers too.

Well I guess I don’t need to write a novel. Safe travels to everyone. I enjoy reading about them on here and Facebook.

[Bethers]

Beth:

What is the name of the campground you are work camping at?

I may be coming to Yellowstone (here's hoping!) in August. Are you up for a "meet and greet"?

Thanks.

Anne

Anne, I'm in Keystone, so you'd have to travel north from Yellowstone. I'm not working in a cg, but at the convenience store in Keystone. Lots of cg's around, however. And I'd love to meet you.

Pat, I never get tired of Mt Rushmore or Custer State Park, or any of the Black Hills for that matter. So feel free to go on about them.

[JudyJB]

Storming all night and this morning with steady rain and heavy winds, so motorhome was rocking and rolling all night. I had both furnaces going on low, plus my electric heater on high. It was a good excuse to stay in bed a while longer this morning.

This state park is almost empty right now. A few people came for the weekend, but apparently the cold weather and projected storms dissuaded most of the crowd. There was a popup tent camper just down from me with a family that arrived in late afternoon and left in the middle of the night or at least very early this morning. Apparently, they did not read the weather forecast because if must have been cold and shaky in that place last night. Makes me glad I have four solid walls and lots of propane!

Opened the refrigerator panel on the outside yesterday. I had to wait for the winds to die down because I had to first open the awning because the support was blocking the panel. Could see no dirt or critters in there, so decided to drop by a couple of local RV repair places on my way to Aurora tomorrow and hope someone takes pity on me. Will be watching my grandkids a couple of days this coming week and making a trip to dump stuff off at my storage facility that I don't want to haul around for another year.

Glad I am not driving in this rain and wind!

[dpf]

Okay Beth...then I'll give my review on a couple of other attractions in the Hills!

The 1880 train ride from Hill City to Keystone is fantastic. It's so relaxing. BUT make sure you go to the bathroom before you leave the station and return! I was very uncomfortable for about half the ride to Keystone! I didn't realize there weren't any restrooms on the train. Dumb me....after drinking a pot of coffee in the motel room before we left.

The Cosmos....wasn't fond of it but a lot of people love it. It's a vortex. We went first thing in the morning and I was off kilter for the rest of the day. Dizzy and disorientated. It wasn't until we were back in the motel and I had a chance to lay down and sleep for a little bit that the feeling went away. It didn't bother anyone else.

The Presidents Museum in Keystone. It's alright. Make sure you have plenty of time. Wear a light jacket...it's cold in there....they must not want the wax to melt.

Hill City....eat at the Alpine Inn. Fantastic. Fun town just to wander around. Prairie Berry Winery is a fun stop.

Keystone is another town that's just fun to wander around.

Deadwood. History to the max. Love it. You don't have to be a gambler to enjoy it...but I'm sure it helps...I'm not a gambler. Another town that is just fun to wander around in. Last Fall when Missy and I were there I had trouble with the altitude. That had never happened to me before and I wonder if it wasn't an indication of this darn respiratory thing I've been fighting. I want to walk through Mt. Moriah cemetery some day.

Lead...lots of History. There is a restaurant call the Round House that is spectacular just for the historic railroad interior.

Reptile Gardens....in my opinion it's a total waste of money.

Custer State Park....awesome. I could drive through it everyday and not get bored.

The Needles Highway....a must do.

Iron Mountain Road.....beautiful drive. I'd rather be the passenger than the driver though!

The town of Custer...nice. Really nothing special but another town that is fun to wander. Purple Pie House and the Dakota Cowboy are great places to eat.

Crazy Horse. I'm sorry but I'm beginning to think that place is a rip off. Seems like nothing really gets accomplished. I realize that it is going to be huge and is privately funded. But when you consider the amount of time they have been working on it and the amount of time it took to finish Mt. Rushmore and the era in which it was completed things just aren't adding up. Plus I know people who lived in Custer all their life and they know some of the Ziolkowski family...well to put it bluntly....they aren't too sure the money is being managed prudently. If it is ever finished it will be magnificent. It is another place that's fun to wander around in the gallery and if some of the local Native American artists are selling their artwork is fun to look. Every trip to the Hills I have to go see the Big Stone Faces.....but I will not go the Crazy Horse every time.

Rough Lock Falls....beautiful and so peaceful. Take a lunch and just sit and enjoy the scenery.

Spearfish Canyon....gorgeous drive all the time but the very best in the Fall.

City of Spearfish has a outstanding city campground. Also there is the historic Booth Fish Hatchery.

I haven't done any caves because I'm claustrophobic and I don't want to be the person who starts to hyperventilate or faints and has to be hauled out!

I'm sure not everyone would agree with my review. But it's mine.

[Acadianmom]

Pat, your review makes me want to go see all that you talked about. Someday.

Guess what, it's raining again. Last night the Texas coast and Houston were getting it again and I guess it is just now getting here. The worst of it has passed I hope. I can still hear thunder.

Walmart had their pork ribs on sale after Memorial Day so I bought a big slab of ribs. I have been wanting to try some on the new BBQ pit. I really do like the pit. I had one heck of a fire going to start out. I had to put the fire all the way down and turn the ribs over every 5 minutes to keep them from burning. After the fire burned down a little I could leave the ribs longer. My Vivofit shows 4,800 steps and that was between the kitchen and the back porch. lol The ribs were very good.

No other plans for today. I really want to make cookies or a cake but we don't need the calories. People keep posting desserts on Facebook that look so good. I didn't go get my Sunday paper before it started raining so guess I will be reading a damp paper. I'll be luck if it's only damp.

Martha

[Rufflesgurl]

Mt. Rushmore is awesome! Think the same as Pat about Crazy Horse. We really enjoyed driving thru the hills to Sturgis - neat little town. We were there when the motorcycles weren't!! Sue you and Molly keep enjoying your travels!

Linda

[sharon]

I loved Wall drugstore...anytime I can get a cup of coffee for a dime and a good cinnamon roll to go along with it, I'm in. Loved just looking thru the store. Pat, I'm pretty much with you about the area...I've been there camping and been there several times for bike week...just love the whole area!

[Bethers]

Crazy Horse was on Sue's bucket list. Because of construction on Needles Highway, I gave her a choice of Needles Highway orCCrazy Horse today, letting her know my preference would be Needles Highway. She chose Crazy Horse. We ended up just driving by and she took pictures. If the construction on Needles Highway on that end had been opened up, I would have done both. But she got the full Iron Mountain Road and Wildlife Loop of Custer State Park and a drive through Custer.

When my friend Ron was in town a week ago I took him to the Spearfish Canyon drive. Because of his breathing, we couldn't go all the way down the walk to Roughlock Falls, but he still got a good look. Had to skip Spearfish Falls for the same reason, but, of course, could see Bridal Veil falls. I love that drive, also.

If you take the 1880 Train, also schedule the return to give you at least a couple hours in Hill City (or Keystone) do you can enjoy the stop. As to the Alpine Inn, I'm a bigger fan of dinner there than lunch.

Another neat place is the Borglum Museum in Keystone, with all the history of Borglum and his journey to build Mt Rushmore.

[dpf]

Mt. Rushmore is awesome! Think the same as Pat about Crazy Horse. We really enjoyed driving thru the hills to Sturgis - neat little town. We were there when the motorcycles weren't!! Sue you and Molly keep enjoying your travels!

Linda

Mt. Rushmore was finished in 14 years. Crazy Horse has been a work in progress for 67 years.

[snowball]

now no one mentioned the dinosaurs in Rapid City!!!
my mom said that they were constructed when she was a kid and she used
to sit inside them....
so much to see there see that I need to go again the last trip to SD was to
renew my drivers license and that is about all I did...
would love to see the falls that were mentioned oh wow that was a loud thunder
sheila