The Dakotas

So much happens in a day it is hard to keep up! We all have gained a new appreciation for the Great Plains. On our way through western Montana we stopped at Pompey's Pillar.  We happened to hit the very weekend they were honoring William Clark because it was on July 25, 1806 that Clark carved his name on this famous rock, the day that the Corps of Discovery arrived there.

On to North Dakota…we had never heard of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but now recommend it as a must see for those traveling through this part of the country.  It is as much about the man TR as it is about the beauty of the grasslands and the little Missouri Badlands.

We rolled into Custer, SD a bit late without reservations and were a bit worried as the popular Custer State Park was showing no vacancy on their website.  Amy found a number of private campground options, but we would need to stop and ask as the offices were closed. As we creeped through town we saw a lit-up cross above an open sign at a small RV campground called French Creek.  They had a spot for us! What great folks…very hospitable and kind to the weary traveler. We could spend two weeks here visiting all of the great places.  Yesterday we visited Wind Cave National Park and took an hour and a half tour through the cave.  They have found over 240 miles of cave all within a one square mile area and estimate they have only found 5% of the cave based on air volume exchange data. The most unique feature is the box work formations. Wind Cave is also a primary bison reserve.

We also visited The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. The area was once a sink hole with an artesian hot spring that attracted Mammoths as well as other animals who got stuck in the hole and died.  So, far they have found the remains of 60 mammoths and several other species such as the giant short-faced bear, a very rare find. The boys are having breakfast at the moment and are discussing how the short faced bear might have gotten stuck and died in the hole…it's awesome!

Today we are off to see the Crazy Horse monument, Mount Rushmore, and a drive through Custer State Park.  We are sure to have more to report after today's adventure.