Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

A large bison greeted us on our arrival at Wind Cave National Park.

Our trip took us from Colorado north through the west end of Nebraska. We arrived in South Dakota and paid a quick visit to the Wind Cave National Park. This park is re-known for the surrounding prairie grasslands, mega fauna, and the famous Wind Cave- an underground network of caves discovered in 1890 extending two hundred feet under ground.

The weather was warm and sunny when we arrived.

The wind was so strong it almost blew the paper out of Will's hand!!

We spent the night at a campground near Rapid City. After the heat of the day there were numerous thunderstorms, and tornado warnings, but the next day dawned bright and hot. We made a stop at the Crazy Horse Monument on the way to Mt. Rushmore.

This privately funded memorial was commissioned by the Lakota Indians to honor the famous Crazy Horse who was murdered tragically at the age of 26 years. Korczak the sculptor died in 1982. The sculpture is still underway and when complete will depict the Crazy Horse pointing to the lands of his people.

The Crazy Horse Monument.

Model of the Crazy Horse Monument.

Mt. Rushmore!!!

We were so excited to arrive at Mt. Rushmore and see the sculpture in person. We were able to join the Ranger talk along the Presidential trail which loops from the Visitor Center to the base of the mountain and through the sculptor Borglum's studio before returning to the amphitheater.

Each of us had a chance to see our favorite president close up, Caroline- Teddy Roosevelt, William- George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, Peter -Teddy Roosevelt.

The Wanderers in front of Mt. Rushmore!

We stopped for milk-shakes at the famous Wall Drug!

What would a visit be without a ride on the Jackalope.

Badlands National Park.

We arrived at the Badlands National Park in the evening, racing ahead of a huge thunderstorm system. The sky was dark and the wind was gusting when we set up at the campsite. The rain, wind, and small hail buffeted the camper as we settled in for the evening. When the storm finished the clouds raced past and we were treated to a lovely view of the sun setting on the hills across the street.

The Badlands highlighted by the green grassland.

Thunderstorms approaching the Badlands.

Sunset on the Badlands following the storm.

Badlands are a unique mixture of prairie grassland and grayish black sedimentary rock (Pierre).

Climbing on the Badlands formations.

Sedimentary rock looks as if painted by brush.

Soil baked by the sun.

View looking out through the "notch".

Pierre shale was perfect for climbing.

Looking quite the part.

Colorado Friends in Boulder/Denver area

Our first stop after the Rocky Mountain National Park was to Lafayette, Colorado. We spent a night with JT.(Jim) and his family.  JT and Bonnie, had also invited  (Shu)Mark and Kerry to join us for a pizza dinner with their family.

The kids had a great time playing in the yard while the adults had a chance to catch up and reminisce.

The kids had their own pizza feast!!

The play house was the head quarters!

UVM Alumni.

 We spent a great day sightseeing in Boulder while our RV had the oil changed. It is a vibrant town with lots to see and do. Our time was spent along Pearl Street taking in the shops and street performers. The next stop was with Nancy-Jane's childhood friend Sarah and her family.

Sarah and her husband Dave are both teachers. We had a chance to visit the school and where Sarah teaches and her son Jason, and daughter Jessica both attend. All had just finished up school and were beginning their summer break!

Back at school to show us the campus.

Jason checks out his mobile in Sarah's classroom.

Art teacher extraordinaire!!!

Solar paneled golf cart??a new idea??

After our visit to school and lunch we hit the local pool. The kids kept us entertained with the stunts on the slide and the diving board! The adults enjoyed the warm Colorado sun and caught up. We also were anticipating the Bruin's playoff game that evening!

The super slide!

Jason doing stunt dives off the board!

Jessica on the waterslide.

Caroline on the slide.

Caroline on the diving board!

Jess does a show jump!

The final farewell to Colorado with Dave, Sarah, Jason and Jessica

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

 Our route from the Grand Tetons took us southeast  through Dubois, Wyoming. The small log cabin town was an amazing lunch stop. The children ran in the park and we paid a quick visit to the Bighorn Sheep Heritage Center. We spent the night in Casper, Wyoming- temperatures were well in the 80's and dry again. It was a pleasant change and we were able to dry out all of our damp shoes and gear!

We arrived in Rocky Mountain National Park late in the afternoon on a warm windy day. Our first stop was the Beaver Meadow Visitor Center. We made our way from there to the Moraine Campground. Summer has begun and the campground was teeming with families and visitors. We lucked out because of a cancellation and had a prime spot overlooking the meadow. Elk were grazing and many had new calves! 

The boys rounded up a large group and played "capture the flag" until dark! The next morning we walked down to the Moraine Stables for a 8am trail ride in the park.

We arrived on a hot sunny day.

Our campsite overlooked a beautiful meadow framed by the Rockies!

Ready to saddle up!

The kids were in the front of the line- up!!

The views were stunning!

Paige and my horse and the kids.

After our ride we packed up and explored more of the park. We stopped at the Moraine visitor center to make a plan. We drove up to Beaver Lake and hiked on the snowy trail to the lake. We had a picnic lunch and drove to the trail for the Alluvial fans. The river washes icy water down these rocky chutes past the trail and under little bridges. Elk buck were grazing in and around the river.

Longs Peak.

The Alluvial fan.

"Bouldering" is now a favorite past time.

Jackson Hole Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park

View of Teton Range

We caught the glimpse of the Grand Tetons as we drove from Yellowstone through the Grand Teton National Park en route to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Our plan was to visit Rich's friend from college, Josh, and his family in Victor, Idaho and return to the park for a stay.

One of the highlights of our visit was Louise, Josh and Betsy's little daughter. She was great fun and took a ride up the Jackson Hole tram with us!

Louise stole our hearts!

Caroline and Louise.

Getting ready for the ride on the tram up the mountain.

The view from the tram- serious steep.

There was still lots of snow at the top!

Enjoying some hot cocoa with Josh and Louise.

Exploring downtown Jackson Hole.

Under the arch of antlers in the town square.

There was a great climbing wall at Snow King ski area.

Climbing at Snow King.

The National Park Sign!!!

The Grand Teton National Park was an exciting combination of steep peaks, lakes, and green meadows!! When we arrived from Josh and Betsy's we explored the Craig Thomas Visitor Center.We then headed out for the hike to Taggert Lake. The trail was covered with snow, but the weather was pleasant and sunny. We continued on and stopped at Jenny Lake to explore. Our stop for the night was the Colter Bay campground on Jackson Lake in the park. We built a campfire and enjoyed the evening!

The Grand Tetons are spectacular!!!

We hiked to Taggert Lake.

There was still snow on the route and mountains.

Junior Rangers once again!!

The Colter Bay Campground hike to Colter Bay.

A new type of elk!!!