The sleeping was good again. It cooled off to about 61
degrees overnight. In the morning Jasper and I got up at 4 am and went for a
walk. This was really early but our bodies are still adjusting to the two-hour
time difference. We usually get up at 6 every morning in Greensboro so we were
not really that far off our schedule. After our walk the sun started coming up
over the peaks and was really something to see. Most campers were up and going
by 6AM as it is hard to ignore the day is starting when the sun comes up. Our
plan for the day was to drive through the rest of the Badlands and head to
Rapid City with a quick stop at Wall Drug Store a famous landmark in this part
of the USA. We fixed breakfast and then headed out of the park. It was a
30-mile scenic route, which included about 15 miles of gravel road. We saw
bison, prairie dogs and even few antelope. Once we got out of the park the city of Wall was just a few
miles away. Finally a visit to Wall Drug store was in order. We left the dogs
in the car and went to take a quick look. We had some ice cream and then my Dad
and I decided to go back and get the dogs while Lyn and Joanne went shopping.
Did I say shopping? This could be trouble. We have a budget of $100 dollars a
day on this trip so shopping is usually avoided. My Dad and I found a bench to
sit on the main street and enjoyed talking and watching all of the characters
walking by, fully aware that we were the two characters on the bench. After
about an hour Lyn and Joanne came back and much to my surprise the damage was
minimal. Lyn purchased a $5 pair of sunglasses and that was it. Yea still on
budget! Next we headed to a KOA campground in Rapid City. It was only about an
hour away. After we set up camp we made our usual run to Wal-Mart and then hit
the pool! It felt great as the temperature had risen to about 82 and we had
very little shade in the campsite. We decided to go to dinner in Sturgis. It is
home to one of the biggest bike rallies in the country. During the event people
come from all over to hang out party and show off their motorcycles. I have
always had it in the back of my mind that I would have liked to do that one-day.
So today was my chance and instead of some big Hog making all kinds of noise, I
ride in my Prius that actually makes little to no noise. Not exactly what I had
dreamed of but these days that’s how I roll! The town was actually very quiet.
We found a place to eat, had a good dinner and then went back to the campsite.
Bedtime is usually 10PM and that was exactly what time it was so we went to
bed. Tomorrow is Mt. Rushmore and maybe Crazy Horse. Should be a great way to
spend the 4th!
The road out of the Badlands.
Out on Rim loop. (Gravel roads)
Finally a picture of all of us! Wait where are the dogs?
Antelope!
Ice cream at Wall Drug.
Dinner at Sturgis.
