Day 22 September 13, 2008 Last Day in South Dakota

WOW, what a week. What a fantastic week here in South Dakota. I am always sad when the trips officially end. Even though some of us will be traveling together in different directions, the time sure goes by fast in a place like this. Today, most went their separate ways to catch what they missed or revisit a favorite spot here in the Black Hills.

Ed and I decided to do the train ride from Hill City to Keystone. It is an old railroad that goes about ten miles between the two cities. The ride up was great, saw some wildlife, more beautiful countryside and arrived in Keystone in about an hour. We toured the little town and visited the Presidents Wax Museum. I have to say I was disappointed as the display was not very good. Butch and Betty met us in Keystone for a quick bite and a ride back to Hill City. We also ran into Leonard and Paula in Keystone.

I did not get everyone's plans for the day but George, Bev, Pat and Ed L. went to Bear Country and said it was fantastic. The animals were out and about and playful. It was so late tonight I did not get any pictures from them but if I do will post them another day. Arnie and Marilyn went back to Mount Rushmore. I an not sure what Steve, Sue, Delilah and Jen did today. I think Mt. Rushmore but not sure. Most of us spent some time this afternoon getting things sorted and put away for our departure tomorrow.

This evening we all met for dinner at the Alpine Inn. There is not a lot to think about at this restaurant either a six ounce or nine ounce fillet Mignon. Very reasonably priced, I think our bill was like $25.00 for both of us. The steak came with a lettuce wedge with dressing, baked potato and Texas toast. Plenty of food and very good.

We all went back to the clubhouse for dessert. Tomorrow is George and Bev's 51st wedding anniversary so cake, ice cream and champagne was provided. Butch made several toasts, one being a very successful trip, I can speak for Ed and I, it has been a great trip. and many thanks to Butch and Betty as trail boss and Mrs. trail boss. Butch put a lot of work and energy in the planning and we thank him very much for all he did. Also a big thanks to George and Bev for taking on the Moab portion of the trip. We had a blast there also and the entire trip has been great. Another special toast was given in honor of George and Bev's anniversary.

Tomorrow is travel day, the group splitting up and going different directions. Pat and Ed L. are leaving at 7:00 am and heading to Billings Montana, George, Bev, Arnie, Marilyn, Leonard, Paula, Ed and I are heading to Hardin Montana and will visit Little Big Horn on Monday, after that we all split up to go home different ways. Sue and Steve are going to Cody Wyoming and Butch and Betty will decide in the morning if they are going to Hardin or Cody. I am betting on Cody. Delila and Jen are staying on another day and it was great meeting them, Delila is Leonard's sister and her friend Jen.

Our last group effort this evening was a cut throat game of Left Right Center... With 16 playing it was great fun and the big winner was..... drum roll.................. Sue.

I want to wish everyone safe travels going home, and it has been a great time and Ed and I enjoy these trips very much. I think we have a great group from SIRS 15 and looking forward to more travels and good times. Also, all you humans, take care of my fur friends!!

One last time for this trip.... BUTCH, WHAT TIME ARE WE LEAVING?

Black Hills Central Railroad

Alpine Inn Restaraunt
Dinner party


Trail Boss Butch doing the toasts
CHEERS!!George, Moab, Utah Leader

Happy Anniversary George and Bev



Drive Safe, and see ya all back in Amador County!!! Hugggs!!!

Day 21 September 12, 2008 Wall Drug Store

Today we were off to Wall, South Dakota to visit Wall Drug. This place covers an entire block and has different stores within from the original drug store, jewelry store, western wear and boots, leather goods, just about everything you can think of.
Dorothy and Ted Hustead bought the Wall drugstore in 1931 in a town with a population of 326 people. Family was skeptical as this town was in the middle of nowhere. There was hope with the monument at Mount Rushmore being built. It was in the summer of 1936 when it was hot and dry that Dorothy came up with an idea to help their business. With travelers driving across the hot prairie, one of the things they want more than anything, water, cold water. They put up signs telling the travelers there was free water at Wall Drug. For hours people came pouring in, all hot and frazzled, for hours they poured gallons of ice water, made ice cream cones and gave directions. When the travelers moved on, they were thankful for the break and refreshing cold water. This simple idea became the trademark for Wall Drug and they still offer free water and five cent cup of coffee.

Our group wandered through the different shops for a couple of hours and of course purchases were made. The line for the cafeteria at the lunch counter was very long so we decided to go across the street for lunch.

We were suppose to drive up through Badlands, but the weather was turning and starting to get cold and rain, and I think we all are getting a little pooped. We returned to camp and earlier in the day we decided to have BBQ hamburgers for dinner. It is raining but that does not stop this group. We are moving to the clubhouse for burgers and cocktail hour of course...

Wall Drug Store
Teradactal Bird

Arnie gets his FREE water

Ed and Maureen

Ed's new girlfriend

Group shot
Butch, Betty Leonard, Paula, Bev, George, Ed L. Pat, Maureen, Ed, Marilyn, Arnie, Delilia, Jen.......

Thanks to Butch and Ed L. for cooking up the hamburgers, we did not let a little rain stop us. After we ate, we played left right center. The big winners tonight, Bev, Pat and Arnie.

Day 20 September 11, 2008 Sturgis and Deadwood

Good morning, I generally do the blog at night, however this morning I just wanted to say, please remember those lost to us seven years ago on that horrible day. Thank God we are living in a free country and a special thanks to those in the Military that protects our rights. More later on our day here in South Dakota.



******************************************************************* Good evening, today we drove to Sturgis, drove through Spearfish Canyon, Lead and Deadwood. Some of us started out with breakfast at Fort Hays Restaurant again, I like this place it is simple country food. On the way, we saw some Big horn sheep on the side of the rode. We drove to Sturgis and toured the motorcycle museum. My daughter was a bit concerned about us going to Sturgis, it was quiet and I guess the only time to be concerned is during the "Big Run" Not much going on there this time of year. We then took a ride through Spearfish Canyon and stopped at Bridal Falls. I sort of think this is a common name for water falls, this one is not as big as the one at Yosemite but still very pretty. We took a group photo.. Off to Lead, SD, where we visited a gold mine. We just missed the tour. It is the largest open pit gold mine in the United States and owned by Homestake Mining Company. The shafts below the pit is over 8000 feet deep. It is no longer in operation and reclamation work is continuing.

We then drove to Deadwood, which is primarily a Casino town, very small casinos and the one major problem is PARKING!! We had four vehicles and we got separated in the town and if we did not have the hand held radios, we would never have found each other. We went into one casino to get some lunch and can you believe, no food... what is a casino without an operating restaurant.. so off we go in to find a place to eat, again getting separated. All but one couple finally hooked up and we had a meal at a tiny little place and was pretty good food. There was a bit of gambling and a few of us came out a few bucks ahead. Come to think of it, I never did find out where the other couple ended up but they made it back to camp.

Tonight some of us went to the clubhouse and played cards. We played 3-13 and although I played it a couple of years ago, confusion was basically the state of mind... but it was fun..

Tomorrow we are off again, to Wall Drug Store and Badlands. Our week here is rapidly coming to an end, there is so much to see here and a few places I would like to return to, maybe Saturday we can cram in everything we missed.

Big Horn Sheep

Bridal Falls

Group at Bridal Falls

Our Miner Betty

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum


Old Motorcycles

Gold Motorcycle

Maureen at Sturgis


As most of you know, I do not have a dog anymore so I adopt all the pups on our trips. You have seen Max, Shortie and Jake on several blogs and here are two more of my fur friends. Sugar and Star. Sugar belongs to Arnie and Marilyn and she and I have become good friends. Star belongs to Pat and Ed L and I have known her for several years. They know I am the "goody lady" always with the treats. I came out of the rigs and the dogs were in the field, saw me and CHARGED!! Glad I had some treats in my pocket.

Sugar and Star

Sugar

Here is my buddy Max, we travel with Max and his humans quite a bit.

Another adventure tomorrow!

Day 19 September 10, 2008 Free Day

Today was a free day, do what you want day, nothing in particular planned. I think for some it was rest day as we have been doing full days to try to see as much as we can while here in South Dakota.


Bev, Betty, Pat and I drove into Rapid City and took a tour at Mt Rushmore Black Hill Gold factory. It was quite interesting to see how they actually make jewelry, There were a few purchases made as well. We stopped at Ruby Tuesday's and had a salad for lunch.


Marilyn and Paula did some domestic chores and relaxed. The guys had some repairs and "just stuff" to do, there was golf planned for the afternoon however canceled. George and Ed visited the Gutzon Borglum Museum the sculptor who created the Presidents of Mount Rushmore.

Steve and Sue visited Mount Rushmore today as they missed the trip yesterday.


Basically a "kick back" day.


Tonight we went back to Ft Hays Restaurant for a dinner show. Again it was done with the old western theme, we ate out of those tin plates again and the choice was BBQ beef, Chicken and gravy, baked potato, beans, applesauce and biscuit. The show was a western band, Fort Hays Wranglers and they were very good. They played old country songs, some show tunes, a bit of rock and roll, also Katie the fiddler was outstanding playing some bluegrass. There was some comedy, some interaction with the audience. They topped off the show with a tribute to our veterans singing God Bless the USA. Excellent show!!!


Side view of Washington



Some of our group at the dinner show



Fort Hays Wrangler Band

Some additional pictures from yesterday

Ed L and Pat

Flags at RushmoreGeorge and Bev

Veterans, Leonard 4th from right

Veterans Butch in maroon sweatshirt Ed L in blue jacket

Day 18, September 9,2008 Custer Park and Mount Rushmore

We had a beautiful day with temperatures in mid 70's and felt so good. We started out having breakfast at the Cattleman Restaurant in Custer, then on to Custer State Park. They are starting to round up the Buffalo, calling it culling the herd, some go to other ranches and some go for food. We observed cowboys rounding them up and was quite interesting. We drove on and saw herds of antelope. We were stopped in the road by donkeys taking over the highway. They are quite tame and stick their heads in the vehicle windows and eat out of your hand. There were some cute babies as well. It took about two hours to drive through the park and headed to Mount Rushmore.

Mount Rushmore is amazing and I am so glad we took this trip to see this monument. We started out watching a film on how sculptor Gutzon Borglum chose what Presidents would be carved on the mountain. Washington was chosen because he was our first President and Father of our country. Jefferson doubled the size of our country by purchasing the Louisiana Territory, he also drafted the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln was credited with holding the nation together during the Civil War. Roosevelt supported the completion of the Panama Canal which would have an effect on world trade. He also set aside some of the National Parks.

Some of our group took a tour with a ranger who gave quite a bit of history. We then walked the rest of the path and stairs, many many stairs. This park is beautiful and most likely some of us will visit it again before we leave. A trip to the gift shop was a must, and of course some had ice cream... Ed and I were riding with Arnie and Marilyn today, we had a great time even if we did tour Custer Park AGAIN!!! We are still trying to figure out what horrible thing we can do to the GPS navigation device that failed us today... very long story and very long ride home. We had dinner in Custer and made it back to the park in time to get ready to go to the evening show at Mt. Rushmore. I am sure Sugar, Arnie and Marilyn's dog and one of my new fur buddies, was happy to see our return. I have to get a picture of Sugar on the blog soon.


Arnie and Marilyn


This evening, we attended the Lighting ceremony back at Mount Rushmore. The ceremony is very moving and very patriotic, the park ranger that gave the presentation was outstanding. At the end of the ceremony, the ranger asked for servicemen and women, veterans or family members who lost loved ones in war, to go down to the stage to bring down the flag. Butch. Leonard and Ed L. went down as they served in the armed forces. It was an honor for our dear Butch to be chosen to assist in folding the flag. I think this ceremony just made it a bit more special for all of us. What a fantastic way to end the day....

Maureen and Ed


Custer State Park..
Antelope

Donkeys in road

Baby Donkey

The Roundup of Buffalo

Mount Rushmore
View through tunnel

The Presidents

Our group holding the Amador Ledger

Butch and Betty Butch and Ed L at the flag ceremony

Night view of The Presidents


God Bless America!