South Dakota: Day 4, Part III
We left the park at heading north into Wall, SD to experience the legendary Wall Drug. Lunch was the first priority. We nommed on burgers, hot dogs, salad, apple pie, and a donut. I don’t like cake donuts but couldn’t resist trying one of their popular, maple-topped specimens. The exterior had a slight crunch as I penetrated it on my way to a moist middle. (+2 points for “penetrated” and “moist” in the same sentence without reference sex.) I would consider driving back to Wall from Rapid City in the future to taste a fresh donut but they don’t stand a chance against a Martin’s IGA apple fritter!
I giggled to myself when I noticed a rack of wine glasses above a rack of individual cereal boxes which were both above a salad bar. This whole caboodle was next to a milk machine. The entire place amused me. I wish there was more activities and attractions and less of stores selling the same cheap toys but that is the trade off when visiting a tourist destination. (See Lower Broadway in Nashville.)
They have a backyard with a handful of photo opportunities, free ice water, and an animatronic dinosaur.
Jackalope!
Later that event we walked across the road to explore Canyon Lake Park. It was a beautiful park with plenty of water to enjoy between the lake, spillway, and stone ditches and pools. We contemplated crashing a birthday party but the thug to Tyler ratio was too high.
I had the bestest time with these two ladies. I look forward to another excursion sooner than later.
South Dakota: Day 4, Part II
Our last full day in the SD was my favorite. In the late morning we drove 1.5 hours to the Interior, SD entrance to Badlands National Park. We stopped at the first overlook to get a great taste of he park. I noticed the higher wind speeds as soon as I stepped out of the car. This was entertaining until we began our hike on Notch Trail, where the dust would occasionally impair my vision.
The trails description:
Moderate to strenuous. After meandering through a canyon, this trail climbs a log ladder and follows a ledge to “the Notch” for a dramatic view of the White River Valley. Trail begins at the south end of the Door and Window parking area. Watch for drop offs. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Treacherous during or after heavy rains.
Holly and I had read up on the park’s trails and choose this one because of its short distance and assumed payback. It required more courage than energy, unlike the previous day’s hike which was physically demanding as we ascended over 400 feet.
Holly & I had read about the rope ladder. I was very excited even though I knew Beth wouldn’t like it. The first two-thirds could easily be walked up while the remaining portion was an easy climb due to the large timber used. Most of it was also against the rock which prevented the ladder from moving. We had no problem scurrying up but coming down would be a very different experience.
Once we climbed the ladder, the trail followed a ledge that required careful movements at times. I thought it had the perfect amount of danger.
The notch at the far end of the trail had an impressive view but the wind coming through the gap made it difficult to stand or face the view. We stuck around long enough to snap a few photos and then retreated back amongst the rock.
Beth had a hard time making it down the ladder. She panicked halfway down but thankfully kept moving, slowly. I’m not sure how a rescue would have played out but luckily I don’t have to be.
I didn’t believe that my hike in Custer the previous day would be topped by a short, out-and-back trail but it did probably because of the cliffs. The fact that I felt like I was transported to a different area of the country may also have helped its status.
We drove through the park on Badlands Loop Road and soaked many more views and prairie dogs.
I can’t get over the vivid colors in the rock and soil. Beautiful!
South Dakota: Day 4, Part I
I got home late last night and spent a lot of time prepping for this weekend. Thus I haven’t made my way through all my photos from Tuesday. I have decided to share them as I finish.
These are from Badlands National Park, specifically the Yellow Mounds Overlook, which is Holly’s favorite place in the park.
Nuggets
- I am now amongst Nashville’s glorious humidity.
- I’m excited to catch up on work for two days.
- Beth & I have taken Monday off for an extended weekend in Effingham.
- I am close to having photos wrangled from Badlands National Park.
The flight out of MSP is overbooked. We would have stuck around till 7 but that flight only has one seat open. Goodbye free flight. :(
Today
South Dakota: Day 3
Yesterday we spent the middle of the day at Custer State Park. The hike up to Lovers Leap started with a steep trail through the woods and ended by crossing over a creek many times. The woods here are green from top to bottom, unlike Illinois or Tennessee where deciduous trees create a canopy, limiting light from above, and cover the group with their leaves. The experience has the honor of being my favorite hike. (We’ll see if the Badlands can top it today.)
After our hike we had lunch at the State Game Lodge and drove around Wildlife Loop Road. We saw a buffalo, pronghorns, burros, and prairie dogs. The beautiful landscape was probably more entertaining than seeing animals 0.25 miles from the road.
Lastly, we drove up Mt. Coolidge to see the spectacular views from the fire tower. From there we could see Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore, iconic Custer State Park formations, and Badlands National Park. The road up the mountain was narrow, rocky, and without guard rails. Holly didn’t have any problem asking me to drive up it.
We ended our day with pizza and Inception.
Downtown Rapid City
South Dakota: Day 2
Yesterday started slowly with a little driving tour of downtown, a visit to the Rapid City Journal, lunch at Firehouse Brewing Co.. Then we drove up to Dinosaur Park for unbeatable views of Rapid City and quality time with friends of our past.
State buddies!
I am particularly proud of this photo. I walked down into the amphitheater and started aiming my camera up to exclude the stage. Eventually the wide lens caught the sun behind me so I recomposed to place it in the corner of the frame.
Firehouse
South Dakota: Day 1
I realized yesterday that our evening departure and chillaxed attitude about leaving was approaching the bad dreams that Beth & I occasionally have about travel going bad. Air travel in the past had involved early mornings and long drives until we moved to Nashville. But yesterday we left our loft at 4:00 pm and was at our gate 40 minutes later. 40 MINUTES! At least we have a baseline for future trips to BNA.
The flights were cramped, hot, loud, and uncomfortable. The last flight had a couple of babies but they handles the hubbub well.
Funny Moment: As we descended into Minneapolis I noticed many ponds, rivers, and lakes. Then I remembered the state is also known as Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Holly warned us about poor AT&T service. What does that circle mean?
