We had a big, even HUGE day ahead of us for Day 4. We checked out of the lovely Albert Lea motel, noting that each successive motel was better than the previous, and hoping the trend continued. Gas prices had been slightly better than expected, often around $2.59/gallon, and the Grand Marquis mileage was ranging from 22 - 29 mpg. Life was good, vacation was good.
Our first stop today was to be the Cookie Jar in Sioux Falls, SD. We had brought chocolate chip/oatmeal cookies from co-workers, but this was Day 4, people, and there were four of us, and you can do the math. We had a change of mind about the Cookie Jar, and got cookies from Subway instead. White Chocolate Macadamia, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Peanut Butter... fantastic cookies that stay soft and fresh for days, even in multiple states.
We set off for the World Famous Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. On the way we saw signs for Laura Ingalls Wilder's hometown, DeSmet, Hanson County, SD. In fact we were seeing some serious prairie-like areas of the country. We also visited an unpleasant and unidentifiably malodorous rest area in Minnesota, although the state is lovely.
Onward to South Dakota... We reached the Corn Palace, and joined the hordes of tourists posing taking photos, and studying the outside of the building, completely decorated with corn. I had imagined kernels glued to the exterior, but it was husks and ears and other mystery pieces of my favorite vegetable. There was even a miniature replica of Mount Rushmore. Those who have not visited the Corn Palace might think it's hoky and cor - no, I won't stoop to that pun, but I think it's worth a visit if you find yourself in Mitchell, SD.
We saw our first crop-dusters, then some rolling range lands, and the ever-present cattle. We reached Mountain Time, but the phones didn't change when the Triptik noted the change. We were all deeply disappointed in Verizon and AT&T. We got our first glimpse of the Badlands on 90W. Beautiful and amazing, like so much of this country. We reached Wall Drug in Wall, SD after lunch, and spent a too-brief half hour checking out the stores. We could have outfitted ourselves in genuine Western Wear from cowboy hats to boots at these stores. Sadly, there was no room in the GM for four ten-gallon hats. I believe that if you wanted it, there would be a store in that "drugstore" that sold it. It looks like an old west street rather than one store, and it is a very popular stop. Again, I recommend a visit if you are in the area.
After a typically wonderful supper at Golden Corral in Rapid City, SD, we headed for Fort Hays, where "Dances with Wolves", one of Donald's favorites, was filmed. Actually, we learned that the buildings used in the filming had been moved to this new location, but the lack of authenticity did not deter us. Bonnie and I found endless photo ops. Donald lived a dream when he stood where the fort commander had stood and loudly said the famous words, "I just p***** my pants and no one can do anything about it." None of the senior citizens from the bus tours that were also visiting "Fort Hays" were in the building at the time, fortunately. Bonnie and I had the great idea to pose in the wooden upright coffins on the General Store porch, disturbing a flock of octogenarian ladies. We bought our souvenirs and moved on.
Mount Rushmore was our next stop, and we arrived around 6:30 pm. The approaching road includes a stone tunnel that was cool, and up and up the winding road we went, finally reaching the admission booth. There were many, many people wanting to see the Presidents. We walked along the avenue, noting the state flags and obelisks, and saw that Mount Rushmore looks just like its photos. We couldn't get very close, but I learned how to really zoom with my new camera, so that I could fit only two heads in a photo.
We spent about an hour here, but we weren't finished with our Day 4 dance card yet. Next stop Crazy Horse - photos ops and so much information. We also stayed for the laser show at 9:00, and watched from the car like at a drive-in movie, but without the snacks. I had wondered why carving the figure of a man and a horse, however gigantic, was taking so many years, but I came away with some understanding. Dynamiting isn't something that can be rushed. This monument is already awe-inspiring.
We spent about an hour here, but we weren't finished with our Day 4 dance card yet. Next stop Crazy Horse - photos ops and so much information. We also stayed for the laser show at 9:00, and watched from the car like at a drive-in movie, but without the snacks. I had wondered why carving the figure of a man and a horse, however gigantic, was taking so many years, but I came away with some understanding. Dynamiting isn't something that can be rushed. This monument is already awe-inspiring. We reached the Comfort Inn, Custer, SD, at 10:30 pm, 16 hours after leaving our hotel this morning. Were we tired? Exhausted, but awake enough to notice that this motel was even better than the one the night before.
I've been to Cow Palace in San Francisco, but unlike Corn Palace, it is not decorated with parts of its namesake. It was actually decidedly unpalace-like. I don't know how you resisted a visit to LIW's hometown. I don't think I could have passed it up.
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