Rapid City … A sweet little city in the southwest corner of the Dakotahs. A hopping off point to today’s excursions. And these excursions would be well worth it. But first, today’s question …
Where is somewhere you went that exceeded expectations, greatly? Not just a little but above and beyond? A restaurant? Smithsonian? Beach? Disney World? Cruise?
Back to today. We are getting closer to home. However, there is a lot to do before we center on Appomattox.
Today … The back yard of all the Black Hills. This area truly takes more than a day, but that is all we gave it. So, we enjoyed every spot we were able to get to, even if it was shrouded, greatly shrouded.
First … Wind Cave National Park. I had overlooked this spot several times. Almost even skipped it today, like I did on the earlier trips to the area. This park seemed too small to give much attention. Let me advise you, don’t overlook Wind Cave.
True – the park is smaller in acreage than most.
True – the name seems it only has one thing to offer, a cave. And it would be hard to beat Carlsbad.
True – this isn’t normally on people’s YouTube clips of bucket list parks.
Also True – this was a great NP.
Two worlds …
– Below with beauty, wonder, mystery.
– Above with prairie, woods, bison, coyote, prairie dogs (though they were asleep today, maybe for the winter)
My wife has an aversion to contained places, so we spent the time above ground level. The cool day gave a blessing to the trail we walked.
On the drive through, we saw the bisons, a magpie, and a coyote. I am not a camper, but this area made me want to hang out a few days under the stars.
I also encourage anyone interested in under ground to look at the history of the cave and how it was discovered, as well as the unique phenomena found there.
From WCNP, we headed around Custer State Park (which one day, I want to come back and explore) and arrived at the foot of a giant stone horse – Crazy Horse Monument. It was starting to get cloudy, but not too bad yet. However, the time inside was amazing. The exposition and displays gave a history and point of view that is a Smithsonian level of expertise. They did request no photos inside, so we honored that.
Another sight I hadn’t really given much forethought. I implore you again – if you are in the area, take the time to go.
Another plus – at the entry gate, one of the workers had their Voodoo Blue FJ Cruiser right there. Oh yeah!
After Crazy Horse, we headed to another stone carving – four presidents immortalized in granite. Mount Rushmore!
But, the clouds got lower, thicker, and everywhere. We arrived at Rushmore and could see nothing – NOTHING.
We spent about an hour there. And got about 20 seconds where we could make out 3 of the 4 faces. I enjoyed the exhibit inside, and got some good gifts for the grandkids.
One interesting tidbit … the parking fee, only $5, is good for the whole year. Who does that?
What this place challenged me to ponder as not to the impact of the four Presidents, though they have a great impact … but the impact of the ingenuity and will of the American people.
We then headed to Wall Pharmacy … had lunch, a nickel coffee, and spent way too much for other people … mostly Christmas. Do take the time to visit this tourist spot. It’s history, it’s diversity, it’s moment of diversion. This place is qwerty and cool at the same time.
I had the bison burger, fires, and apple pie.
And to close out the SW Dakotah trek, we drove through Badlands National Park … did a quick photo shoot.
I have a specific spot where I have taken a shot of the FJ, the blue Crosstrek, and now, the new Crosstrek wilderness. Who knows what vehicle will be seen there in the future?
So, I return to my original point.
Where is somewhere you went that exceeded expectations, greatly? Not just a little but above and beyond? A restaurant? Smithsonian? Beach? Disney World? Cruise?
Wind Cave – Black Hills – Crazy Horse – Rushmore. They impacted me in ways I did not expect.
Let’s open our lives to letting God expand our horizons. Don’t limit Him and His work in our lives.
Where is somewhere you went that exceeded expectations, greatly? Not just a little but above and beyond? A restaurant? Smithsonian? Beach? Disney World? Cruise?
After a long drive after all this, we arrived at the last hotel of the road trip – in KENTUCKY. Tomorrow, the Ark Encounter.
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