Critters, Monuments & Fun

This is my log from 4/24/13, 25th & 26th

Due to spotty internet service I'm unable to post the blog every day. Hang in there with me and as I can I’ll post.

We made it to Hill City, SD gateway to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer National Park, and surround. This morning Fran battled 40 mph winds again and blowing snow. According to the forecast we can expect drastic improvements – higher temps, no weather, no high winds. Woohoo. We are road weary. RVing isn’t for wimps. First glimpse of Mt. Rushmore and some of the many rock formations:

 

 

 

 

 

Last night we stayed in Wall, SD and visited Wall Drug just as the many signs along I-90 west said we should. 5 cent coffee, “cowboy up, cowgirl up, apothecary, museum, restaurant, antiques, tiffany glass, tee shirts, etc.” you name it, it was there. Lots of memorabilia of an era past. Fun place. This is the "Travellers Chapel" in Wall Drug.

Grizzly Fran with one of the many featured statues.

I couln't resist sitting next to this old timer.

We caught our first sight of Mt. Rushmore and some of the rock formations around the area. We’re planning on doing lots of exploring tomorrow and will share all the photos and experiences.

We’re camped at a KOA near Keystone and so excited to set up and stay a few days. It’s quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the highway. The views, vistas and great open skies are a sight to behold. It reminds you of God’s incredible power and creativeness. All things are possible through Him.

Lee, this picture is for you. Yes, a large flock of turkeys. Big & fat. We’ve seen their tracks all through the campsite along with mule deer.

Thanks so much for the kind comments and encouragement with the blog.

4/25/13

Rest day and chores.

4/26/13

WOW what a day it’s been. Crazy Horse, Custer National Park and Mt. Rushmore. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. It was amazing seeing the various wildlife today up close and personal. The Buffalo were right next to us several times. The bulls are huge and intimidating! Did you know that Buffalo can run at speeds up to 35 mph. We sure didn’t want to test our luck. There were signs posted everywhere not to approach them as they were dangerous. No worry with us attempting that.

Two big guys:

A really big guy:
 

New Baby:

 Friendly Burro:

 

Crazy Horse

Profile of George Washington at Mt. Rushmore

First Goat Siting by Mt. Rushmore:

This Antelope was right behind me while I was taking a picture of the herd across the street. Guess I better keep close watch from now on.

All the main streets (and many in the neighborhoods) in all the towns we’ve visited are wide and tree-lined. The main streets are filled with original buildings dating back to the 1800’s. We had a great Buffalo Burger in Custer.

 

Today is a balmy 62 degrees, sunny and wonderful. Finally, we are so very grateful. Thank you Jesus.

We are well rested having spent 3 days at a KOA near Keystone, SD near to everything we wanted to see.

We had a terrific meal at the Ruby House/Saloon on Main Street in Keystone. Talk about memorabilia and antiques. The place was filled to the brim. Ruby Tucker, infamous proprietress of the Ruby House was killed by an ill-fated bullet; July, 1890, Keystone, SD. She was the tragic loser in a gunfight between “Lecherous Leo the Lawman” and Wildman Ed, favored patrons of her establishment. The two were reportedly feuding over Ruby’s affection when the accident occurred. Ruby rushed into the street just as the two men fired and was shot dead. The clientele were worried that the Ruby House would close. Ruby had started the establishment at the height of the gold rush and it was evidently the best place in town. Ruby House lives on. In Ruby’s last will & testament the Honorable Liable announced the existence of a sizeable legacy set aside for the care, maintenance & management of the Ruby House. Here’s to the wild west.

Tommorow we'll be on the way to Wyoming and Montana. It's a Sunday - our second of our trip and we plan on spending some time worshiping our Lord and Savior. He is the one who made our trip possible and we thank Him for every moment.

Its worth a thought, maybe more: Psalm 23: 1 The Lord is my Shepard, I have everything I need.