The great state of South Dakota

On my way through the southern and western parts of South Dakota, I had the opportunity to see some of the sites I had only read about in the past. Beyond Mitchell, and through the badlands to the minutemen missile silo and the highly promoted Wall Drug (which is much more than a drugstore), the changing terrain of this state was interesting. They have been lacking in the rain department, but I saw a twister in formation and hope that rain was at least on the menu for some of the parched lands.

Yesterday brought me to Mt. Rushmore which was magnificent! To see the vision of the great sculptor Borglum and the state's forefathers Norbeck and Robinson and how the roads and the views of the mount came together for the enjoyment of the visitors was awesome. This landscape is truly beautiful and a must see when traveling. On through the wildlife loop and buffalo within arm's reach, along needles highway and culminating in a hike around Sylvan Lake, it was a full day! I topped it off with a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial - still in progress, and then on to the infamous Deadwood, SD which deserves a blog post all it's own!

Today I leave Rapid City, heading south again, but this time I will go below earth's surface and take in the world below in Wind Cave National Park. I might need mother's little helper, but it will surely be worth it!