The Conclusion of Part I

Thursday night I ventured out to a local watering hole around the corner from my hotel.  

Firehouse Brewing Company has an excellent Firehouse Red that I would recommend.  I sat at the bar, had dinner and a few (ok maybe more than a few) drinks.  The guys next to me, both self proclaimed hippies, (Altman and Lloyd) talked to me about various things to do in South Dakota.  It became painfully clear to me how much we all take the states we live in for granted.

After a late night (without any ass slapping incidents), I opted for a relaxing morning….. taking in a bit of the downtown area of Rapid City.  I then drove to Custer State Park where I hiked a little while admiring the beautiful scenery.   One of the men who supported the construction of Mt. Rushmore, Peter Norbeck, designed some of the roads leading into the park including the Needles Parkway and Iron Mountain Road.  Here is but a glimpse of this drive.

 

I have decided that wildlife must love me.  After my close call at Yellowstone, they certainly are drawn to me.

Later in the afternoon I visited Wind Cave just south of the state park.  This particular cave is the fourth largest in the world and is home to 95% of the worlds boxwork (thin blades of the mineral calcite that cling to the inside of the cave in a honeycomb or box pattern).

Strong wind currents that blow alternatively in and out of the cave suggested its name; they are caused by changes in atmospheric pressure.  The cave has over 125 miles of surveyed passageways which rangers estimate to be only 5% of what exists more than 200 feet below the surface.

For the last night in Rapid City, I chose to return to Mt. Rushmore for a lighting ceremony, held every night.  Much like other national parks, the ticket I purchased yesterday was good for a return visit.   Luckily for me, I had also saved my bottle of wine from my trip through Washington for this special occasion.  I consumed a glass while waiting for the festivities to begin.

A couple in their late 50’s sat beside me and we struck up a conversation.  They were from Springfield, Illinois and had rented an RV to drive cross country to “see what they could see," and had been driving since Sunday.  I could relate.  

They were talkative, entertaining, funny and it didn't take long for me to determine that they were good, genuine people.   The program, which lasted approximately 30 minutes ended with a dim lighting of the mountain.  It was incredible.

A park ranger then asked all the men and women in the audience who had served in the military to come down to the front and be recognized.  The man from Illinois stood up, walked down the stairs to the front of the stage.  The Star Spangled Banner was sung and then a moment of silence while the veterans helped to take the American flag down for the day.  I heard the wife, who just a short time before had been so happy and talkative, sniffle.  I looked over and she was wiping tears from her face as she watched her husband on the stage below. 

After the ceremony, the husband returned and embraced his wife.  It was evident that throughout their many years together they had endured many things.  I turned to quietly leave when the man turned around, patted me on the back and said, “it was nice to meet you, good luck with the rest of your trip.”

As this part of my trip comes to an end, I realize that the people I have met and talked to along the way has been almost as amazing as the places I have seen.  I have been moved by the kindness and generosity of complete strangers and have taken something away from each experience.

What I will take away with me due to the chance encounter with the couple from Illinois....hug someone you love today.