Custer and Fortwelikeit! -September 12th and 13th

Next stop Custer, SD where we stayed at a fabulous RV Park - Fortwelikeit! We had an aggressive plan to see many sights in this area.

First stop was MT. Rushmore National Monument. We decided to go for the night lighting. When we pulled in it seemed as if it was closed as there were but a few cars in the parking lot. It was lovely to tour the monument with very little people, especially with COVID. We were able to hike the President's Walk without anyone around. It was spectacular! We did stay for the night lighting but that is when our current situation got real. I would say maybe 25% of the people were wearing masks. The amphitheater filled with visitors shoulder to shoulder. COVID...what COVID! OMG! We stayed at the very top near the entrance to watch the lighting so we could quickly exit. We were very happy we stopped but shocked at the lack of respect. South Dakota did you know there is a pandemic? The boys were happy to make a quick stop in the gift shop as well as delight in a yummy ice cream with

Thomas Jefferson's famous ice cream recipe!

The next day we went on a beautiful drive through the Black Hills in Custer State park. Again, no COVID in South Dakota apparently because we were met by a Custer State Park employee with no mask handing out park information. Regardless, I quickly put on my mask in the truck and we stayed the course. We hiked Little Devils Tower Trail. The Black Hills are majestic! Sandie loved the freedom the hike gave her! The boys loved scrambling to the peak.

Next day we packed up to leave for the Badlands and on the way out we realized we forgot to visit Crazy Horse!!! No matter, we made it happen! The history behind it is fascinating! This project started in 1948 and it is almost 80 years in the making.