We made good use of the “toad” to see all we could of this interesting area. (For non-RV’ers, a “toad” is the vehicle that is towed behind the RV.) You’ve seen a thousand postcard pictures of Mt. Rushmore. Here is one that shows what it really looks like from the viewing plaza. I really think this view portrays the scale of the work in a way that you don’t get in the post card pictures.
One of us wanted to visit the “near by” Wind Cave National Park. One of us thought that was too much driving. When we arrived, it was too late to access the cave, but we had the road through the park to ourselves and had an interesting close encounter with a buffalo — oops, sorry, they want us to say bison now.
The road was narrow. It took its time getting out of the road. We had a long way to go and needed to get off this road before dark. Jane was driving; I leaned out the window with the camera. Another time that later, I thought, I shouldn’t a done that!
In the big city. Wall Drugs – Their advertising is so effective, isn’t it?
In the bigger city, Rapid City. Today (26th) is our 39th anniversary. One of us had picked out the Cowboy Corner in Interior, just a few miles from our campsite at Cedar Pass. It was prime rib night at the tiny, well-recommended store/gas station/restaurant/bar in Interior, population about 80. The other one of us said they did not want to go there; it looked like a dump. So, coming out of the forest, we came upon the big lights of Rapid City and what Elliot Nalley calls “Generica.” Our 39th was celebrated at On the Border. If you are looking for Mexican food, of course you’d be disappointed. But as just plain food, it was pretty good. (Note: I’m sure there are a number of good non-chain restaurants in Rapid City — it was late. We we were hungry and we were on the chain restaurant strip.
When I paid the bill at On the Border, $25.12, I thought back to our first anniversary in 1979. We went to the Sundial on top of the Peachtree Plaza hotel. I’ll still remember how I felt when I paid that $50 tab. It seemed outrageous and I knew we couldn’t afford it. I just now calculated the equivalent in today’s dollars – $178. So, tonight we did real good.
The next day, we enjoyed a bison burger and a pizza at the Wagon Wheel in Interior. The town has three bars, a church, a school, and just a few houses. I guess most of those eighty people live in the suburbs.
How does Mount Rushmore compare to Stone Mountain?
Similar. You know both were carved by the same man.
Loving your journey!
Great blog. Such discipline to do this every day but then it’s Rob we are talking about. Joyce and I enjoyed this adventure 2 years ago sans the RV, Chevy Tahoe and motels instead. Reading your blog reminds us of pleasant times and places again.
Finally limped over to my computer and checked out the Blog.
FANTASTIC!
Have really liked your comments on various dinning experiences. Wagon Wheel in Interior is what I look for in travels. Local and non-chain that gives you a bit of uneasiness about what your going to experience.
Keep up the good work.
Love your posting so much!!!! Hope you having a great time on the road.
Miss you both so much 🙂
I have one state left on my bucket list. It is just North of your travels. North Dakota is the state I still need to visit. Sounds like you’re covering a lot of territory and seen a lot of sites on your way. Thanks for the photos and staying in touch.
Love the trip journal. Your travel rig isn’t bad, either. :-).
This is great, wonderful !! I need to see these places. I’m sure as you said, the pictures just can’t tell what it’s like to be there. Can’t wait to read more and see more pics !!
Hope you are avoiding the fires