First challenge was to get Jacks pram repaired. He had a puncture so we had a quite visit to the "Ricks Auto" to ask for help. Rick smiled and got his 'boy' to assist. I have to say they were excellent - if you ever have a pram malfunction in South Dakota - head to Ricks. Within 20 minutes the pram tyre was repaired and the $6 charge was great value.
Next stop was the Hot Springs, Pioneer Museum. This is an old school house building where everyone in South Dakota, it seems, has donated something old to make a museum. Now in my view, it was three floors of junk with the odd intersting artefact. In Emma's view it was a fascinating glimpse into how things used to be in the late 1800's through to 1930's.
Next stop was the Mamoth Site. Now we were expecting to see one mamoth - and lots of tourist tack. What we found was a series scientific site. This 'sink hole' was about 150 feet wide and contained about 60 Mamoth skeletons. It was quite remarkable. It was educational, interesting and quite fascinating to think that 27,000 years ago a load of (Male) mamoths got too close to this steep sided water hole - and fell in. It was only ever teenage males that fell in.........my theory is that the females were given a map to find the water hole but got lost....
We had lunch in a diner that seemed to be using the same furniture as we had seen in the museum earlier. Emma was excited about "liver and onions" being on the menu. I was scared.
Foolishly I orderd Roast Beef Sandwich with Gravey and Mash. It was a Roat Beef Sandwich - covered in Mash Potatoes and Gravy - cannot criticise really. Emma claimed to like her Liver and Onions but I think she was just being stubborn as I told her it would be terrible.
Onwards to work off the lunch....to Cascade Falls. A beautiful stopping point. Local hot springs mean the river that feeds into these little falls is always 22 degrees - all year round. The kids and Emma enjoyed a swim while I played with Jack.
We were the only people there at first until 2 or 3 other families joined us. It was perfect...until the 5 foot long snake appeared - just where the kids had been climbing. Now my philosophy with snakes it to leave alone - that way they won't bite me. One of the other families had a philosophy of "Lets stand in the bushes, barefoot and root around until we find the critter...and then kill him."
Thankfully despite best effots over a prolonged period of time - they did not find the snake.
Onwards we went to Custer State Park - home of 1,300 Buffalo.
We loved our drive through this park. The rolling hills reminded us of parts of England or Scotland - but it was 85 degrees and there were Buffalo. Around every corner there were Buffalo or Deer or Prairie Dogs (Emma's favourites). It was glorious.
We are now in Custer - a very small town. Emma just ate a Buffalo burger.
We are almost at our half-way point in the USA....going quickly but we have done a lot. Over 2,000 miles so far and soooo much fun.
Ken
I think Melb or Perth need you and I need to come and take over :-)
ReplyDelete