Cross Country Trip 2013

June 1, 2013

Saturday June 1,2013
Hallelujah, the sun is shinning and the rain had stopped. Still had a little wind, maybe 15-20 mph but we were excited we could get on the road. Left Gillette about 9 am and prayed the awning would hold.
Our first stop was Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. It was north on Hwy 14 off the main interstate of 90.

Gorgeous country side where cattle could roam. We even saw a cowboy herding the cows.

The Devils Tower was formed millions of years ago, and as the story goes a large bear was chasing the natives and tried to claw his way up producing what appears to be scratch marks in the rock. Well its a story that goes with the tower, I just report what is reported to me.

We took a mile hike around the tower to see the scenery and were fortunate to see some climbers on the tower.

No, this is not at the top, just looking into the valley.

Look through the forest, and at the bottom you might be able to see Buttercup. We parked her and unhitched the car to go to the visitor center of Devils Tower.

The climbers are in the middle.

We also saw a whole field of prairie dogs. They were the cutest little guys we've ever seen. A whole family was in one hole and came out to play. They came real close but I didn't want to get bit so I left them alone.

Then back on the road to the Black Hills and Mt Rushmore. Got settled and then started exploring. Our campground is centrally located so we will go in different directions for the next three days as we explore Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Sturgis, Lead, Wind Caves, and Deadwood. Also lots of scenic highways.

Well, I have to say I saw one of the highlights in my life tonight. We went to the evening program at Mount Rushmore. My first time, and what a site it was!!

The entrance.

The Virginia and Wyoming flags.

Virginia admitted to the Union in 1788.

We also had a treat while sitting in the amphitheater waiting for the show to start. We spotted a mountain goat way up on the mountain just under the carvings.

Just wandering around the rock ledges having his evening snack. Dennis even got some good pictures by putting the camera up to the binoculars. Who would have thought!!!

The program started with patriotic music and the park ranger giving a 10 minute talk of US history, then a movie about the US and Mt. Rushmore. Followed by the lighting of the heads of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt & Lincoln!!! How beautiful!! Followed by the ranger calling down all veterans to help lower the flag for the night. Was a very moving program - one we'll never forget!!!