We explored the area including the small town to the south. We found the fairgrounds and a small museum on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and about the POW Camp that was on this site. The museum was closed, but when we went to leave a gentleman pulled up in his truck and asked if he could help. We said we were looking around and found the museum closed. He said with a smile, give me two minutes and I will open it for you. He was one of the volunteers coming in to do some work on the internet. For the next hour, with his help wed had the building to ourselves. The only request he had was that we sign his visitors log. We also left a donation.
October 6, 2018 – Pine Lake State Park – Iowa
Pine Lake State Park, Iowa – Site 106 (actually site 104)
Arrived at this park in the rain…..John had made a small error in the booking. We were not scheduled to arrive here until October 8th.
We decided to put an empty reservation tag on our post explaining that we had already paid online, but not for the two days we were actually staying there. We hoped that the Park Ranger would understand, but in the end did not have to worry about it because we did not see them the entire weekend.
The park here was in a nice area, but the facilities were a little rustic. Our site had a great view of the river.
Because of all the rain the area has had lately, there is a lot of water pooling in the grass, and along with that MUD. We were very careful putting the camper in place as not to make too many divots.
October 5, 2018 – Niobrara State Park, Nebraska
On the move to Nebraska. A long day of driving – 573km. The state park is awesome. Cement pads for every site, and hardly anyone here. It was cold and windy but sunny when we arrived.
October 4, 2018 – Custer State Park – Day 4
A very rainy day today. But more surprising, the truck was covered with ice! A great day to visit Rapid City. Starting with a visit to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. The displays were pretty good.
Then a trip to Camping World, laundry, the bank, then WalMart (to buy Stephanie an electric blanket)
It stopped raining by the time we got back to the site, but it was too cold to have a campfire.
October 3, 2018 – Custer State Park – Day 3
We continued with our tour around the National Park today. We found out when we arrived the other day that we missed the annual Bison Roundup. They round them up every year to do a general health check and to see how many cows are pregnant. When they determine the amount of forage (food) that is available for the winter, they will decide how many to keep (about 1500) and how many will be moved to other parks. Also took a quick trip to Wyoming to pick up a geocache and have some lunch.
October 2, 2018 – Custer State Park – Day 2
Day 2 – Custer State Park – Site 20
Today was awesome! The temperature reached 28c with a very blue sky. We visited both monuments, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, travelled a portion of the needles highway and saw lots of wildlife.
October 1, 2018 – Custer State Park – Black Hills, South Dakota
Custer State Park – Site 20
22c today!
A quick travel day for today. Only 162km. After setting up we visited the General Store, picked up some firewood, then enjoyed dinner outside and a campfire. The first since Sault Ste Marie.
September 30, 2018 – Cedar Pass Campground – Day 3
Day 3 – Cedar Pass Campground – Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Our last day in the area. We decided we would return to the Minuteman Missile Museum and visit the Launch Control Centre and an actual missile site. It was very enlightening. We continued to Wall to have lunch. this time we only spent 5 minutes in Wall Drug (picked up some postage stamps). Then traveled the opposite direction around the Badlands Loop.
September 29, 2018 – Cedar Pass Campground – Day 2
Day 2 – Cedar Pass Campground – Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Our site is nice, but next time site 20-22-24 are the best. No obstructions when it comes to the view. Today’s adventure was to tour the Badlands Loop looking for animals. It also brought us to the town of Wall, and of course Wall Drug. The largest souvenir shop ever. Almost beats Disney shops in size. Picked up a geocache in the Wall Cemetery.
Along the drive we saw bison, sheep, pronghorn and prairie dogs. We also saw a white river. Clay deposits make the water milky white.
On the way back to the campsite we stopped at the Minuteman Missile Museum. It was about close so we will go back tomorrow.
The weather was cold today. High of 11c and the wind was blowing. Its getting harder to cook and eat outside.
September 28, 2018 – Cedar Pass Campground, South Dakota
Cedar Pass Campground – Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Moving on to Cedar Pass State Park in the Badlands, South Dakota. The drive went a lot faster than expected. We are getting well conditioned……Keep the gas tank full!! The gas stations can be few and far between.
When we arrived at Cedar Pass the sun was shinning, with scattered clouds. It made the scenery look awesome. We did a quick tour of the visitors centre and of the Cedar Pass Lodge. It is hard to keep your eyes on the road while driving because everywhere you look it’s different
