Wow, a lot has happened since the last post. First, was the long drive across Minnesota and South Dakota. Not a whole lot to look at across South Dakota. However, Ark found it quite exquisite! Before you ask me about my sanity, let me explain. I grew up in the mountains. The naked eye could see to the next tree and nothing else. If you have any idea of what South Dakota looks like, you can see how I would be so excited to see it. For miles, all you could see was the prairie...rolling, flat, green, and desolate. Not saying I would like to live there, but was entertained for most of the 600 miles to get there.
Our first SD adventure took us to Badlands National Park. The name sounded quite funny to me and according to my sister, it's where retired folks who weren't very nice migrate...I don't think that's correct. But once again, I was captivated by the random beauty all around.
By the time we had finished the scenic drive through the Badlands, it was time to head to Wall Drug. Are there any more people out there that have never heard of Wall Drug? Well, for your sake I'll share. It's the most advertised drug store in the world. Let's just say, it's a tourist trap with no sign of being a drug store as we know it. I was ready to leave Wall, SD. Finally after driving through the Black Hills, we arrived at our campground and begrudgingly forked over $12 for parking at the campground. We've traveled the US and never had to pay to park at the campground. Annoying.
As some of you may understand, driving over 600 miles in one day will take it out of you. We went to sleep quite early and slept quite soundly for just about 11 hours. Then our drive to Mount Rushmore began. The first thing on the list was to hit Wind Cave National Park. We thought we could use our National Parks Pass, but the fine print says "Does not include tours." Therefore, no Wind Cave for us. Next planned was the drive on Needles Highway through the Black Hills. We weren't expecting to pay $6/person just to drive on it. We passed. Finally, we arrived at Mt. Rushmore. Didn't expect to pay $10 for parking there either. The National Park Service is getting a letter...anyway, it was amazing to see something so famous...something you only see on TV or read about it books. At least that was the way in my family. Not a whole lot else in SD besides these three attractions. Definitely a highlight in our book.
Estes Park, CO was the next stop. We met our sisters and went camping in the Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a great time for us to catch up with our sisters, see the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and hike a bit. Our last night was spent with my sister in Denver. Then it was time to pack up our bags for the last time and head home. The drive to Prescott was almost 800 miles, yet it went by pretty quickly! Heading to bed in our own beds in our own houses after so long of being together was quite strange. An adjustment to say the least!
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