Mitchell, SD, September 13, 2009

Mitchell, SD, September 13, 2009

We were so tired last evening that we didn't know if we were swimming or winding our watch.

After a interesting meal at the renown Brig Steak House last night and a good night’s sleep, we are feeling rested and ready to take on the rest of South Dakota and part of Iowa.

Yesterday we had to get out our cold weather suitcase as it was raining in Rapid City, SD. We drove over to Mt Rushmore and visited all the sights.

Unfortunately it was so foggy we couldn’t see anything! I think there is no such thing as a big monument to the 4 Presidents and it’s all a ploy to get you to drive through the Keystone tourist trap and pay $10.00 to the park people. Bob has a different version, but I’ll let him tell you about it!

It was quite a foggy day so our pictures are complicated. First is the shot from the viewing center next to the exhibit hall. As you can see it was a little too foggy.



So then I got an idea. Geneva and I snuck up to the fence, climbed over and scaled part of the monument to get close enough to see the sculptures and voila’ you have presidents!




We then drove through the Badlands. In 30 miles the temperature went from 50 degrees to 75 degrees. We thought we’d zip through the Badlands, because what could it be? Well, it was like eating one more spoon of ice cream. Just one more photo, one more look out point. It was incredible. And also bizarre. The wind was blowing 1000 mph, well maybe not that much, but a lot! Here are some pics we took. Including one of BC. I’m glad we took the time to go through the Badlands.










We found this street sign in the Badlands. My dad was looking down at us, smiling…. (thanks dad!).



We then drove onto Mitchell, SD, losing another hour in the time change. So we arrived here around 6:30, worn out after our second day of a long afternoon haul. Bart has been doing so well. Here’s a picture of the front of his grill. He’s catching lots of grasshoppers. We’re going to need Mike’s power washer to clean it all off!




Our room here at the Best Western is tidy. Their marquee boasts “Belgium Waffles and High Speed Internet.” Well, half that statement is true. BC had a nice Belgium Waffle for breakfast. I’ve noticed that there is a direct correlation to the location and price of a Best Western and the number of towels and pillows in the room. Our room was $59.00 last night and yup, only 2 pillows and 2 towels. Oh well….and intermittent high speed internet. The air conditioning unit was uniquely placed for ease of access and good air flow.......



The scenery continues to amaze us and remind us how beautiful America is. There are so many different landscapes, people and customs. Oh, how lucky we are to be Americans!

Take care, bc and gc

“Take the long way home, There are times you feel you are part of the scenery, oh part of the greenery. Take the long way home.” Supertramp