And so we are officially off across this great nation heading towards Alaska; Alaska is our final destination and so those places we see along the way are just that-quick stops. We hadn't planned on spending lots of time in any one place until Alaska.
It is amazing how diverse our own country is, yet parts are alike. :) Crossing Illinois- flat, and field upon field of corn, beans, hay, and cows, and lovely windmills! (I love windmills!) Crossed the mighty Mississippi to cross Iowa-flat, and field upon field of corn, beans, hay, and cows, and lovely windmills! There were even combo fields with swaths of green amidst the fields of young corn and bean plants. Some of those swaths were already baled into hay! Those fields of cows, so many different shades, were all enjoying the beautiful day. We did make a somber stop at the site where Buddy Holly, the "Big Bopper," and Richie Valens lost their lives in a plane crash after playing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. Their plane was barely airborne when it crashed into a nearby field. They were an integral part of the start of Rock and Roll and we encountered many others along that grassy trail to their small memorial monument to pay our respects.
Then a jaunt into Minnesota and finally South Dakota. We wanted to make Mount Rushmore before nightfall so we could see the program and the lighting of the monument. South Dakota is an amazing state, starting out flat, and then small hills, flat again, buttes, bigger hills... We were reminded of the Who's song: "I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles....." Wow! We did do a double-take as we passed a field with cows and horses and a camel. Yep. It was real! Then we saw a dinosaur! That wasn't :). We made Mount Rushmore in time and it was amazing to pop over a hill and around a turn and... there they are, the four presidents, watching you as you round another turn on your way to the actual park. It is incredible to think of the vision of the sculptor and the work involved to create this. At the end of the entire program, the park ranger invited all veterans and active duty service people up on the stage to help retire the colors. What an emotional moment to see that many people that have served our country.
We then had help from Siri to find a campground that accepts tents. Not all do, you know! Thank goodness it isn't "tourist season" yet. HINT: if you ever do this, go this time of year. A LOT of schools are still in session so there was next to no traffic, hotels and campgrounds had vacancies, parking anywhere was plentiful, and the crowds were a minimum. Of course, some things weren't open yet, but "Opening soon!" and there was a flurry of activity at most places as they were sprucing up their digs.
Our campsite was perfect, set near a creek and restrooms and showers. Andrew had our tent and mattress set up in record time. My job? Holding the light so he could see what he was doing. We knew this night would be a late night and we'd be setting things up in the dark.
I am actually posting this on Wednesday AM, but there was no cell service at the campgrounds and limited as we rounded those hairpin turns and switchbacks!
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