Day 8 - Black Hills, SD to Sheridan, Wyoming
Like all the days before, I woke before 5:30. It wasn't a restful sleep last night, but not because of the temperature. Actually, the sleeping temperature was very comfortable. But, the winds picked up and I found myself worried about another wind storm. We got lucky in the Badlands and now I'm a little more cautious. Although the state parks are a tremendous cost savings, the feeling of safety and security of staying at a KOA is definitely a little more satisfying.
As we were packing up the campsite, we heard the rythmic beating of hooves. This KOA has a set of stables and evidently at 6:00am each morning they run the horses down from their barn, past the campgrounds and into the stables for the day. There must have been 200+ horses that passed by our site in a gallop with no less than 10 Cowgirls herding them along the path. Brooke and Robin were both awake to enjoy the sunrise event with me this morning.
After packing up the campsite we went down to the main grounds and enjoyed an all you can eat pancake breakfast. The kids were more interested in catching the flying flapjacks than actually eating them. The draw for the kids was asking for more pancakes. Apparently, in order to get additional cakes you need to catch them. The cook flips them high and you need to get your plate underneath to catch them in the air. Otherwise, they become ant food ;-) Took a few chances because she had 30 people watching her. After breakfast we took off for the caves.
Once again, the GPS was a little non-direct and took us on a circuitous route through Custer National Park. Well, what we thought was an unfortunate misdirection ended up being an incredible drive. The Black Hills were endless and if felt like we zig zagged our way through the entire moutain range. But the beauty of the scenery was mesmerizing. We were also blessed with the experience of having Bison pass right in front of the car on the road we traveled. Hundreds of Bison just roaming along like we weren't even there. Fascinating.
When we got to the Wind Caves at 9:35 we were disappointed to find out the 10am tour was full and the next tour was an 1 1/2 tour starting at 10:30. We didn't factor this into our very aggressive schedule, but decided that we are there and this is a very unique experience for the kids. So, off we went, deep into the bowels of the Black Hills. These caves were nothing like the caves I've been in before. This set of caves are considered "dry caves" which means they were created by water flowing through at one time, but do not have water continually flowing through them. Because of this simple, but important fact, there are no living organisms in this cave. Very unusual. The tour was fascinating and the kids enjoyed the experience; glad we decided to stay. So, with our peanut butter, plastic knives and sandwich wraps in hand we headed out to Mamouth Site. Sharon made the sandwiches while I drove.
The Mammouth site was great for Ethan and Matt because they both have always been interested in the Mammouths. The site was an actual archeological dig site preserved in it's unfinished state. The site was purchased from a developer by a private benefactor who realized the importance of maintaining this piece of history. So, a building was actually built around the dig site and students and scientists still study it's contents to this day. The boys were delighted and the girls learned a bit of Mammouth history while we were there.
OK, don't know about you, but I'm certainly tired at this point. But, the day isn't over yet. Now, we need to head out to Wyoming to see Devil's Tower. Another long pull in the hot 96 degree sun. I am so thankful for air conditioning. Driving through South Dakota you really get a feeling for the long, open roads and farmlands that make up the center part of our country. The highways really do seem to go on forever and I find myself celebrating the few mile markers I see along the way. The other thing missing out here are speed limit signs. You see them occasionally, but not with the same regularity as we do out East.
Although Devils' Tower seemed to be out of our way, it was really worth the trip. It's an unbelievable site where pictures just don't provide enough detail. When Ally first saw it she remembered that she had learned a legend in school about the tower. She proceeded to recite to us the legend and when we arrived her rendition was confirmed by the brochure handed to us after paying the park entry fee. I guess she is actually remembering the things she learns in school!!! The tower looks so out of place and almost man made in some ways. The striations running down the side are so straight and almost symmetrical. It is imposing to stand at the base and look up the 860+ feet. There were birds circling at the top like they were waiting for their prey to remain still so they can begin their meal. It made me wonder what is actually at the top, but I wasn't curious enough to strap on the climbing harness to find out. Evidently, you can climb it if you are interested in scaling something that big with an almost completely smooth surface. Nope, not on my bucket list!
Well, that's it for sights today. It's been a great day and we are going to finish up in Sheridan Wyoming for the night. The kids are getting a little sick of the car now, but Yellowstone is only a few days away. Still hanging in there....
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