While I can’t say things are going exactly smoothly (can you say leaking battery and wrong turn that added 60 miles) we are seeing some really cool stuff.
After a rocky start we made it to Rushmore late Friday. Can you believe that that whole mountain was completed in 14 years?! We listened to a ranger talk and learned that most of the work was done in 6 years and with very basic tools. The description of the men in rudimentary harnesses dangling hundreds of feet up jack-hammering the mountain side totally gave me the willies. I can’t image singing up for that.
The entire area is quite beautiful in fact. I’m not sure what I expected but rock formations jutting out of the ground, forest, and seas of grasses wasn’t it.
We drove through Custer State Park (by the way..why is this guy so famous for being an idiot) on our way to Wind Cave National Park.
There were a whole lot of buffalo
I wish the picture could convey how huge they are. And don’t worry I wasn’t that close I have a telephoto lens.
Can you see that little guy in the middle of the photo? There was a whole village of them making this crazy loud chirping sound. At first we thought it was birds making all the noise.
We also saw some Pronghorn Antelope and lots of deer. All just hanging out by the side of the road as if waiting for us to see them. I’ve been to Glacier and Yellowstone Parks and never seen so much wildlife.
And that wasn’t even the main attraction. Wind Cave is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
According to our guide it’s the 4th longest cave in the world and contains 95% of the worlds boxwork formations. My pictures can’t do it justice but you get an idea.
The tour took us 189 feet underground and traveled for about a half mile. The spaces were a little tight at times and other times opened to large rooms.
At one point the guide turned off the light and we got to experience true dark. You really couldn’t see the hand in front of your face. So cool. The whole family loved it. In fact Bug kept saying, “Amazing!” the whole way through.
We’ve also been on a trail ride (can you saw sore butt) and had lots of campground fun but this post is long enough.
6 states, 1680 miles, and an unbelievable amount of gas so far. Wisconsin tomorrow.
I went to South Dakota/Mount Rushmore when I was a kid, and it was a blast. :) Thanks for the memories! :D
Posted by: Manda | June 29, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Wow!! This has got to be such an amazing trip for the kiddos (you too, but at their age....awesome!!). Love the photos!! And the update!! Wow...Wisconsin already!!
hugs
Posted by: irishgirlieknits | June 29, 2009 at 11:29 PM
dont spare the dteails! this is great...living vicariously through you! safe travels!
Posted by: marcy aka knittinggolfer | June 30, 2009 at 05:44 AM
great pictures! You sure know how to set up a shot.
Posted by: Carolenj | June 30, 2009 at 07:50 AM
This is an amazing vacation/family trip so far, and it's only the beginning! Keep posting. Can't wait to see what you find next!
Posted by: woohoogirl | June 30, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Agree with Marcy and your Bug! Those are some amazing, amazing sights. Don't even think about sparing any details!
Posted by: Kathy | June 30, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Thanks you for sharing your traevls. I have never seen these places (yet!)
Posted by: Nancy | June 30, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Sounds like a wonderful trip, even with the bumps in the road!!
Posted by: Stacy | June 30, 2009 at 05:29 PM
You are creating life-long memories...enjoy!
Posted by: Tece | July 02, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Cool! I love that you guys took advantage of our great country!
Posted by: Nell | August 06, 2009 at 09:33 PM