Back on track

Got up early this morning and drove to Rapid City. Spent about half the day there while we waited for the car, which was being repaired at Sears. We then drove to Custer State Park, where we got on a trail heading up to Harney Peak – the highest point in South Dakota. It was a gorgeous 3.5 mile hike up to a rocky-top vista. We has some snacks (dinner at this point) before heading back down.


The trail wove through lush forest, with gigantic jutting rock formations mingling in with the trees. We only ran into a few other hikers – most heading down as we were heading up. The trail to the peak actually led out of the state park and into the Black Elk Wilderness of the Black Hills National Forest where the peak is located.


The state park was really nice – lots and lots of lodges, campground, cabins, picnic areas. We even saw a few wild buffalo up pretty close, but didn’t stop to get a picture at first because there were so many I figured for sure we’d see more. Then we didn’t, until this one which was pretty far away (had to use the digital zoom to get this shot which is why it's not as clear).


We ended the day at Mt. Rushmore where we met up with Will’s brother, mom, sister Linda, and nephew Scott, and saw the evening program as they light up the monument. We’ll be heading back there tomorrow, along with Jewel Cave and Crazy Horse before heading to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming.



P.S. If my dear darling niece Caroline is reading this: I think I have more good news for you. When the mechanics at Sears were working on the car they had to take out the back seat that connects to the trunk and they found ANOTHER little something that I think is yours... are you missing any other games??