Days 2 and 3 are running together

Well, we have made it to the end of day 3 and we are now in Sheridan, Wyoming. We spent all yesterday seeing the sights of South Dakota. We started Saturday morning with the tour of St. Joseph's Indian school and museum. It was so informative and really very emotional to see what was done to those people. There was a guided museum tour and film about the native Americans that lived on the plains area. We then went on west and toured the badlands. Unbelievable beauty!!! We got out and walked forever and looked at everything there. It is no wonder people went there to hide, we only lost Tate once and that is pretty good no matter where we are. You just can't believe the colors in the rock there, I always saw paintings of reds and yellows and thought that was just an artists view, it really is those colors!

We ventured on to Rapid City and had a stop at the largest Reptile Gardens. Well, those of you who know me well must only imagine my excitement at being able to be among snakes and the like. I made it through unscathed and was actually able to get a few great shots while we were there. They had some beautiful flowers and birds, so I was OK thru Tate's big reptile adventure.

On to Mt. Rushmore we went. We made it there before the big night lighting ceremony and so we were able to go on a hike. OK, well, it said strenuous on the sign. They weren't kidding! I got about 3/4 of the way done and thought, how DO they get fat girls out of the bottom of the canyon if you decide you can't make it. Well, with some huffing and puffing and fear that the 13 year old would make fun of me, I hoisted my heavy rear out of the canyon one long painful step after another. I really at one point found a cute little building and thought, someone could just send me a blanket and I could stay right there for the night. Anyway, back at the top saw a beautiful lighting ceremony and watched as all military veterans or active duty in the audience were called down by the flag. Very powerful! Mt. Rushmore is stunning day or night!

We made it back to a tiny room for the night. Both beds were pushed against the walls and you had to crawl in from the bottom of the bed. Even with this, we had a restful night, we were pooped (especially after the hiking incident).

Day 3 started with a nice breakfast which was good considering we didn't stop to eat at all on day 2. It was peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and apples and crackers in the car for dinner. It is OK though, none of us look as if we will starve anytime soon.
We traveled the most awesome road this morning. 16a was the highway and it had switchbacks that were unreal! Complete 360's with log bridges and tunnels that went right thru the mountains. We stopped at Lakota lake and were the only ones there. A beautiful valley lake and mountains surrounding it. We saw deer and a turkey family (Mom, Dad and about 12 little ones). Then drove thru Custer State park and up to Crazy Horse Monument. It is still a work in progress but glad we got to see it.

Our next stop was Devil's Tower in Wyoming and WOW is all you can say about it. There were some climbers up on it. At 1280 feet, I can't imagine the feeling of being up on that rock formation (of course I am the one still tired from yesterday's little hike thing). It really was worth the trip over to see it. We also saw tons of Antelope along the way, and I am not kidding, TONS. They are everywhere out here.

We made it to the Sheridan Westgate and it is like heaven on earth in this room. I have settled in for the night after a great prime rib dinner, complete with the most incredible bread pudding in chocolate liqueur sauce, a latte and have done the laundry for the night at the "guest laundry" here. We are set for tomorrow, on to Yellowstone we go.'

Goodnight!