Moved to Hill City, South Dakota

We both finished our respective runs in Spearfish this morning.  Up at 0400 and to the start/staging are at 0530.  Restrooms were not open in the staging area and the runners were assured there would be porta johns at the start line.  Upon arrival, we were informed that the johns were arriving late.  If you are a runner, you know what that means . . . . Most of the group made the hike up to the lodge in Savoy only to be turned around.  No dice. Other than that the race was fantastic.  Running through the canyon at sunrise was incredible.  Unfortunately the temperature rose dramatically, to such a point that the local Sheriff depart began running bottle water to the runners between the water stations.  The temperature registered 106 (in the direct sunlight, on the pavement, race conditions).

Met a lot of nice runners, a couple from Atlanta and one that recently moved from Atlanta.  We moved 100 miles south today to Hill City, near Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse.  Hill City looked to be a nice, quint little town as we drove through on the driveto our site, the Rafters Flying J Ranch.  Once set up, we will make the trip back to walk the town.

Up bright and early (crack of dawn here appears to be 0430) and off to Mt Rushmore.  When you get there early, there is not traffic, no crowds and the parking is not monitored . . e.g. we saved the $11 parking fee.  Had plenty of time to enjoy the park sans crowds as it officially doesn’t open until 0800.  As the crowds built, we headed out for breakfast in the nearby town of Custer.  Enjoyed a great breakfast at the Baker’s Bakery and left with a cinnamon roll the sized of a small tire (for desert).

A little different view:

Next we went up to the Crazy Horse Monument and facility.  No work on the monument todays as it is Sunday but had time to walk the Indian Museums and watch the orientation movie.  Boy, it was crowded.

Back to Hill City for the afternoon, but did make a side trip to the Prairie Berry Winery, where they specialize in fruit-flavored wine, apparently pretty good ad they have won over 850 medals in competitions.  Picked up a bottle of Pomegranate Riesling to open later. Picked up a rock from the actual carving for Jason, our grandson. (And of course, some other things).

Plan on going back to Mt. Rushmore this evening to see it “lit up”.

Tomorrow will be pretty much open, probably take in some of the local scenery and just relax.