Sep 5, 2012 - July--Lauren's Vacation in South Dakota

July---South Dakota Hot summer in Nebraska! We have been really spoiled these past few years----staying somewhere cool in the summer. We knew that coming back to NE the end of June and for the 4th of July was going to be hot, but we weren’t expecting 100 degree days, and NO rain!! We had an important reason to come back….we had to pick up Lauren, so that she could go with us to South Dakota for a week or so! Had a great time with the kids over the 4th---I can’t believe that there weren’t any major grass fires around Grand Island! I was...

Aug 15, 2012 - Exploring the Black Hills

We began our day by heading back up to Mount Rushmore. On our way we saw our first wild life of the day, a mountain goat climbing the rocks around Mount Rushmore. That was another first for all of us. We spent some time learning about the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum and how it took 14 years to complete the carving of Mount Rushmore. It was amazing to learn that each face is 60 feet tall, each eye is 11 feet wide and Washington's nose is 21 feet long. They are impressive and their history was intriguing. We headed out to find Sylvan Lake in...

Aug 14, 2012 - Black Hills of South Dakota

Our trip into South Dakota was uneventful except for one thing, the motorcycles. Everywhere we went there were motorcycles. We were both wondering if Sturgis was going on but wouldn't find out that answer for a couple of days. Yet, Jim drooled and drooled as motorcycles zipped up one side of a mountain and down the other. Poor guy, it was torturous for him.

Aug 14, 2012 - A long travel day!

Today we had our longest travel day with the grand kids and they were troopers. We were up early and on the road by 9:30. The travel plan was to drive 315 miles, which would take 5 hours and 45 minutes, UGH! Joshua settled down to reading his book, while Karissa got a movie going on the DVD player. Lisa started working on the travel log and the truck was quite for the morning. We left Montana and drove into the northeast tip of Wyoming. After a picnic lunch at a rest area, George decided he was not for another hour detour to see Devil's...

Jul 29, 2012 - to Hill City SD; 16/194

120729-Sun-63336-Today we ended at 63465, started at 63336 miles, for total miles today of 129. We went to MT. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Mountain and some mountain roads. Now we are at the Mt. Rushmore KOA. Shirley’s rear tire is flat and I have to get it fixed. Also I barely have internet, so there might not be any pictures. We went from the KOA to Mt. Rushmore for the lighting. We had a lot of fun.

Jul 13, 2012 - 5 days in Hill City

Spent the last 5 days in Hill City, SD. Didn't have WiFi so had to wait until now to make our comments. Among other things we went to Mt. Rushmore twice, once during the day to see the monument and later that evening to see the lighting program. During the day we went on the walk that takes you below the carving and to the cabin of the carver. We came back for the evening expecting some laser show but did not happen. Saw a movie regarding the four presidents, heard a short speech by a ranger, then they lit up the carving. Somewhat...

Jun 22, 2012 - The town of Custer & our wildlife search

Today our temps are in the low 70's. After some chores, we packed a lunch and left for the day. About 12:35 we entered the Wildlife Loop hoping to fill our quest for buffalo and wildlife photos. We saw a herd of white tail deer. We next stopped to watch some prairie dogs. They are so cute. About 1:30 we finally saw out coveted herd of buffalo. Mommas, bulls and babies. So awesome. We took many photos. Stopped and had our picnic lunch at the visitor's center. As we were leaving the wildlife loop we saw antelope. I got a good closeup. From...

Jun 21, 2012 - Custer State Park-The Needles

Harry still flying. Returns tomorow night. We were all tired after our big walk yesterday. Jackie & Bill got up and went to the park pavillion for pancakes & sausage. They let me sleep, at my request, I did not wake up until 10am. After our morning chores & lunch We went to Custer State Park. She took us to the Lodge where Harry's niece, Jeni & Jeremy's wedding was held in April. Such a beautiful setting. We drove through the park. We have the most beautiful photos. We drove through tunnels just cut through the boulders. They were just big...

Jun 20, 2012 - Devil's Tower-Boondocks-Deadwood

Had breakfast, checked our wet clothes to get all dry. Off we went by 10am. We were going through our nearest town, Hill City, when a deer just sauntered across main street, seemingly unconcerned with traffic. Naturally traffic stopped. It is a 120 mile trip to Devil's Tower. On our way we passed beautiful Lake Pactola. Gorgeous!! We saw the "Sugar Shack", a hamburg, ice cream joint. Behind it was a GIANT glider. You could climb up stairs and sit in it for a photo op. From there we went to "Boondock" It was a place of 50's-60's memorabilia....

Jun 19, 2012 - Rapid City ER-Mt. Rushmore

The day did not start out too well. We discovered, when we got up, that Dad's thigh had worsened. Now a deep purple & bigger area. Had a quick breakfast and we headed to Rapid City to ER. Found it easily. Got in pretty quickly. They did x-rays & blood tests. The ER doc determined that it stretched the muscles enough that it broke some capilaries. It bled out in the thigh. No major damage. Now just a large bruise that would take 4-5 wks. to go away. He is walking better each day. After lunch we headed up to Mt. Rushmore. We saw the movie...

Jun 18, 2012 - Harry to work and catchup

Early day today. Went 40 minutes each way to drop Harry at the Rapid City Airport and laid back down by 6:30am! We did not get up until about 9am. Lazy day today and catchup at the RV. Visted RV neighbors for awhile. Bill Whiting & Vickie stopped by on their motorcycles. They were on their way to Custer and another bike ride. Dad taking it easy for another day at our request. Jackie & I went back to the railroad station for more postcards. From there we went to a Christmas shop. They say they have 10,000 ornaments & we believe them. So much...

Jun 17, 2012 - More Riding and Father's Day BBQ

Up early to have breakfast at our hotel cafe. Harry and Vickie played the slots there while we waited for a table. Can you tell we were in a gambling town? Rode bikes back to the Rapid City area to meet Jeni and husband Jeremy for another new trail ride. We put 600 miles on our bike in 3 days! Good thing Harry got me the comfy Mustang back seat!! Did wonder around the town of Keystone a little and found Dad a special treat of chocolate truffles and a dew rag to make me look even more like a biker babe! Met Mom and Dad later at the RV to...