A week ago today we left Middlebury to begin our Western Journey. It was a little more emotional to leave this time since we knew we very likely won't see our friends and family again for months.
We started our trip in Walnut Grove MN. We happened to be there on 1 of the 3 wk-ends in the year that they have an outdoor Ingalls Drama. The show began at dusk and lasted 2 hrs. It was very good! The next day we visited the Wilder Museum. The girls especially loved it.
On Monday we left our campground and started for SD. We made a few short stops along the way. In MN we stopped at Pipestone Nat'l Monument, which was really quite interesting. In Mitchell SD we made a stop at the Corn Palace. It was very unique. We then drove to just east of the Badlands and dry camped for the nt. The next day we drove the scenic loop in the Badlands. It's an amazing place-beautiful in its own way. The children loved the climbing they could do there.
After the Badlands we drove an hr. and dry camped at Cabelas in Rapid City. It was a great place to shop for Jays Birthday which was the next day. :) Wed. morning we went to a campground in Hermosa SD near the Black Hills, where we are staying till Monday. We visited Mt Rushmore on Wednesday afternoon/eve. Very neat place and was interesting to learn how it came to be. We've discovered that we learn so much at every National Monument/Memorial/ Historical Site. With the videos, visitors centers, and Jr. Ranger programs they are quite educational!
On Thursday we went to Jewel Cave Nat'l Monument. We did the Lantern tour which is quite an adventure! The children thought it was one of the greatest things ever. Its the third longest cave in the world by the way. We had a very interesting tour guide who gave us loads of info about the cave.
Today we want to spend time in Custer State Park in the Black Hills and take some of the scenic roads there. We have already seen lot's of wildlife in the area. LOTS of deer and turkeys, and a few mt. goats and bison. (James is keeping count) And we haven't even taken the Wildlife Loop Rd. yet, which has really been bothering James.
I hope it cools off for you Hoosiers soon. I've heard a few comments about the heat. Makes me rather glad I'm here and not there :-)
God Bless! Until next time, Ruth and Family
our only light was lanterns.
Wilder Museum
