Hill City, SD

I'm currently posting from inside a tent 5 miles away from Mt. Rushmore; it's a little strange to be on the internet while camping in the Black Hills of South Dakota! I've started to keep notes while we're driving so that I don't forget anything. The days are long and we see so much that I'm bound to forget by the time I get to post.

Yesterday morning I woke up and had no idea what day of the week it was; it was a nice feeling. We did indeed visit the Mall of America and IKEA for breakfast. I couldn't believe it, but there was a line at the door of IKEA with people waiting for breakfast. The store didn't even open until half an hour after breakfast started. I was going to take a picture of that, but I refrained. Eric also showed us the Minnehaha Falls and they were really pretty. I think what I really like might be the name. I saw a car parked on the Minnehaha Parkway with the license plate, "Hahah20." I got a good chuckle out of it! Minnesota reminds me of the NPR show, Prairie Home Companion; just because it takes place in Minnesota, no other reason.

As we were driving yesterday, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of gas mileage a huge camper pulling a car behind it must get. I wouldn't want that gas bill!! I accidentally ran over some type of bird yesterday that was running across the road. I heard a thump and looked back to see feathers everywhere! There are remnants on one of the side mirrors. We saw our first sign for Wall Drug 355 miles away, and of course we eventually stopped 355 miles later. We also stopped at a place called The Corn Palace. I was disappointed because it really wasn't a corn palace, but it's okay because it was free.

The Badlands were incredible! Pictures really don't do them justice at all (don't worry mom, I still took pictures anyway). I loved driving in them! After visiting the Badlands and Wall Drug we ended up driving off into the sunset. It was absolutely gorgeous, and I hope to be one of many more to come. We arrived in Hill City around 9:45, and as we were driving to the campground we drove past Mt.Rushmore all lit up. It's definitely smaller than I was expecting, but we're going to head back this morning to investigate in day light.

After we finally arrived at the campsite we had to put the tent up in the dark. It was very comical to say the least since it's a brand new tent and I had never put it up before! You can use your imagination.

I'm off for the $2.50, all you can eat pancake breakfast that they have here at the campground. By the way, it's the nicest campground I've ever seen! I'll leave you with my next question. Why are there an abundance of SEA food restaurants in the midwest? Seems strange to me!