Here we are yesterday viewing one of our national treasures! This trip has many firsts for me...and visiting Mt. Rushmore has been on my list of "must see" places. Over the last two days since leaving Cody, WY the road traveled to Mt. Rushmore has taken us through the Bighorn Mountains (breath-taking views) to Devil's Tower National Monument, both in Wyoming.
Rae's grandson Matt made each of us a walking stick to use on the trail around Devil's Tower. The trail is only 1.3 miles long but we celebrated our accomplishment in completing it. Native Americans consider this place sacred and there were many prayer bundles and flags tied to trees along the trail. We saw several climbers climbing the columned rock face on all sides of the tower which reaches more than 800 feet above the trail. We spent the night dry camping (no hook-ups) in the Devil's Tower campground with an inspiring view of a sunlit meadow at daybreak. With our America the Beautiful Senior Pass, we had free entry to the Monument. Our campsite was $6 for the night. Lots of prairie dogs and deer...but no WiFi.
Gary, our campground host at Devil's Tower, suggested a route to Mt Rushmore that took us first to Sturgis, S. Dakota (home of a famous annual motorcycle rally) and then through the Black Hills and towns of Deadwood and Leads.
After our stop at Mt Rushmore, we drove the short distance to Rapid City, our destination for the night. For you quilters out there, we visited a very fun quilt shop called Thimble Cottage Quilt Village, home of Pearl Louise Designs. Lots of fun. Have a look at www.thimblecottage.com.
We are loving the freedom of traveling by RV, making our own meals where and when it pleases us. Gas prices are getting better and we are no longer shocked when we fill up the tank. Zander has settled in, sleeps with Rae, and likes to look out the window from my lap. Some dog! Loving life on the road...
Ellen
Not a PS: Today is September 11, a day of remembering the great tragedy of 2001, but also a day to celebrate our great country and the freedoms we enjoy.
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