August 22, 2012

Heartland RV Resort and Campground, Hermosa, SD

We had a leisurely morning before getting ready to leave.  The cats are starting to adjust as we get into a routine preparing to move.  I have learned that it is best to bring in the slides before Monte starts the truck engine because as soon as the cats hear the engine they run for cover and sometimes they hide in places that are hard for us to reach them.

We stopped at the dump station on our way out of Sleepy Hollow RV Campground.  Each place we stay is different as far as the facilities go.  Some have total hook-ups which include electric, water and dump station right at the sight.  Some places you get the electric and water but have to dump on the way out.  Some places have pools and public showers.  Although we have a great shower in our rig if the showers in a camp are clean we will use them.  Because the dump station at Sleepy Hollow was at the exit, Monte put out one of his traffic cones behind the rig and forgot to get it when we left.  He was upset about it because it was a fairly new one.  It is easy to forget things when there are so many things to do.  We do have a checklist but have gotten a little lazy about using it.  The other day I forgot to put a rubber band around our paper towel holder and when we got to our next destination we discovered the entire roll had unraveled.

We had a short drive (65 miles) which I was grateful for as my back is still bothering me and sitting for long hours in the car doesn’t help.  I knew we were going to be near a fairly big town so I plugged in Walmart because we needed some supplies and after seeing the prices in the small town of Wall I wanted to shop someplace that wouldn’t bankrupt us.  Sure enough there was not only Walmart but a Sam’s Club as well.  We parked in Walmart and Monte jumped into my car and we drove the half mile to Sam’s Club.  After stowing our groceries in the rig we went across the street and treated ourselves to Scholotzsky’s Deli.  I had pastrami and swiss and Monte had roast beef.  We ordered large sandwiches but only ate half.  We brought the other half with us for dinner.  After lunch we went into Walmart and stocked up on more groceries.  It was a challenge finding room in the fridge but I managed.

The Heartland RV Campground was only 20 miles away.  We got settled in quickly and set out for MT. Rushmore.  We had a couple of different options on how to get there and chose to take 16A which turned out to be a very winding road.  There were several one vehicle tunnels that required beeping the horn to alert on-coming cars that you were entering the tunnel. 

 

We came across a herd of bison. 

 So we pulled over to the side of the road where there were other cars already parked.  Several people were out of their cars taking pictures so we got out also.  We were as close as 10 feet away.  Then this lady drives right up to us and informs us that these animals have been known to charge people and we could not possibly out-run them.  Needless to say to rushed right back to the car.  As we started to pull away the bison started to move across the road in front of us.  Even though it took us about 30 minutes to go less than a mile because they kept crisscrossing in front of us, it was pretty neat.

We finally were able to get going and came across a scenic outlook and got our first glimpse of MT. Rushmore across the valley.

  It was breathtaking.  We kept looking out for more wildlife but only came across some wild turkeys and some chipmunks. 

They were really cute as they darted away from us.  They are tiny and can really move fast.

We arrived at the entrance to MT Rushmore and paid our $11 parking fee.

  Monte has the America the Beautiful Senior pass but it was not accepted at this park.

  But the price was well worth the spectacular scenery.  We walked through the exhibits and watched a film about the erecting of Mt. Rushmore at the visitor center.  I also stamped my Passport.

  Back in Mammoth Caves I purchased a “Passport” which is a book that is broken down in regions.  Every time you visit a National Park you stamp the date and the name of the park in the book.

At around 7 we made our way to the amphitheatre and sat down.

  We chose to sit at the very top because it was the only row of seats that had a wall in back to lean on.  With the way my back has been feeling I needed some support.  I ate my other half of sandwich from lunch while Monte took some more pictures.  Then as Monte started to eat his sandwich, a wasp came to share his dinner. 

Then another, then another, until there was a swarm of at least 20 wasps surrounding Monte’s sandwich.  He cleared the seats around him with people running away.  Me included!  He bravely continued eating and with only two bites left had to give up.  The wasps finally left as it got darker. 

At 8 a Park Ranger gave a very informational speech about the Presidents of MT. Rushmore and the reason they were chosen.  We watched another film and when it was over the Ranger invited all the Vets to come down and join her on stage. 

 The audience applauded the entire time the Vets were making their way down.  It was wonderful but I couldn’t help thinking about how the attitude in this country has changed regarding Vets.  I can remember watching new clips of Vets being spit on as they returned from Nam.   What a shame.  After all the Vets were lined up, the Ranger asked each one for their name, branch of service and rank.  The flag was lowered and we all sang the National Anthem.  I couldn’t help being overwhelmed by the patriotism and the beauty of the faces of the Presidents as the mountain was lit up.

 

After the program we made our way back to our car and started the drive home.  We opted to take the highway.  It was pitch black and had some sharp turns.  Back home we watched a little TV and went to bed.  All in all it was an outstanding day.  Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.