Day 4: Day-off in Rapid City

Play Day in Rapid City

Today was so much fun! We woke up early, out of habit. This allowed us to enjoy the swarm of senior tourists in our hotel lobby. We were by far the youngest rubberneckers today.

First adventure: Mt. Rushmore. Pretty darn cool. We were slightly disappointed that we couldn't get as close as Macaulay Culkin in Richie Rich...but we got over it.

Following this excursion, we drove to Custer State Park. There are a bajillion parks around here, but this one came recommended. Talk about delivering above expectations. This place was over the top. I now know what heaven looks like, and that would be Lake Sylvan.

At first we got so excited about the lake that we decided to ditch the hike, grab the shooters out of our trunk and rent a paddle boat for the day. Then we remembered that it was 10am and we had spent three straight days in a car.  So, we went back to the hiking plan and that was definitely a good choice. Here's a view from our 8 mile journey and a sign (because let's face it, its not every day someone from CT hikes in the Black Hills):

Dad, I look forward to hearing about the formation of these interesting rocks :) And Mom, don't worry...that threatening storm cloud held off until the end of our hike. At that point, it actually HAILED. We were extremely confused but had enough time to grab some M&M's and gatorade and run for the car.

For lunch, we ate at the "Mangy Moose Saloon." The alternative was "Bumpin' Buffalo" so it was a hard choice.  We had beer and BBQ (gotta hit the the gym HARD in Cali). I was so tired afterwards that I took an afternoon snooze.

Anyways, we had a great day. We are now waiting for our room service and preparing for our LONG drive to Jackson, Wyoming tomorrow.  Talk to you then! XO

~Road Chief