07.14.11, left home at 6:00a.m. to drive 317 miles to see a ‘rock’. Chimney Rock. I had learned the history in fourth grade, but seeing it and some of the other formations on the way was interesting. On to Hot Springs, SD, to Mammoth Site. We were able to dig and be part of those scientists’ work that were studying there. We continued driving to Custer, SD. One thing that didn’t work out here was the fact that we are all a little too old for the Flintstones, Bed Rock Park. The hotel has a pool and deer outside our hotel window!
07.15.11, we are driving to another ‘rock’. Crazy Horse. No blasting right now, but did get some rock from it. We are riding an 1880 steam train from one town to another. When going around the curves, looks like we’ll derail. Again, we are off to another ‘rock’. Mount Rushmore. We are hiking the trail and taking pictures. We are buying souvenirs. We are driving to Deadwood to spend the night. Good thing there are comfy beds
07.16.11, on to Devil’s Tower, Wyoming. AWESOME. I’m actually hiking! Mom is freaking out because she can’t see me. I must be up over 500 feet. I’m over the boulders and at the base of the walls of the Tower! I’m headed back down. We are hiking the trail around the Tower now. Mom and dad said we are driving into Montana just to say we went to Montana…seriously??? Well, that was exciting, now to Rapid City, SD. This is interesting… we are going to Black Hills Caverns. Mom’s lost, but she is heading back down the same road…there’s the sign. What an extreme! High up on the Tower and this tour says we will go 230 or more feet in the ground.
07.17.11, we are up early and driving to Wall Drug. I’m ready to go, but mom is shopping. I can’t wait to get to the Badlands. Oh, nice! We missed the turn into the Badlands, and we are on the side we were going to leave from. HOT!! We hiked a little, but way too hot and getting a headache. Oh great! Mom thinks we need to stop at Badlands Petrified Gardens…what we haven’t seen enough ‘rock’?? We are driving to Kadoka, SD, to eat. I’m settling in for the 328 mile drive back home.
I’ve learned that we should all help navigate! Most things worked out. We did see a lot of ‘rock’, but each one was very different. It is amazing what artists can do! The trip put pictures to the history I’ve learned, and being able to actually hike was a great experience. I want to do more in the future. I would recommend taking a van versus a Camry because sometimes family togetherness is a little too tight at times!
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
