Tag Archives: South Dakota

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections– Independence Day From the Black Hills to Estes Park

After taking part in Independence Day festivities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3rd, the plan was to drive over 300 miles from Custer, South Dakota to Estes Park, Colorado in time to watch fireworks with the Rocky Mountains as a back drop. Before we could get underway though we needed to head back to Mount Rushmore to grab a few pictures we were unable to get the day before due to larger crowds. The main picture needed was the traditional family photo with the entrance sign for our scrapbook of Monopoly Travels. While in the area we decided to spend a few minutes driving by in a more relaxed matter to see this National Memorial in the daylight. The day before it was battle driving as the crowds converged on this place early in the morning. It was also nice to see things during daylight hours.

Entering Mt. Rushmore

While spending about a half hour driving through the area we where able to stop at the entrance sign where a mountain goat entered the area allowing us to watch as it watched us back for a nice wildlife experience at Mt. Rushmore. The day was much nicer and dryer compared to the day before with the sun shining on this early summer day. We were quickly learning how to find each persons spot around National Parks entrances signs taking less time to capture our picture.

Being visited by a mountain goat

During this short time we took a slow drive past the carved stone making up the Presidential monument viewing it from the highway before continuing on down to Keystone, South Dakota to turn around. On the way back there was a different view of Mt. Rushmore for one last time before leaving South Dakota. Passing behind it I kept looking back to see what the stone on the backside was like wondering how it was shaped before being carved. It definitely didn’t appear as I had imagined. I expected it to be a large piece of solid stone but these were smaller stone with many scars and cracks making it look broken up enough that carving would be quite difficult. It is most likely more solid than it appears in order to be carved and stand many decades of freezing winters and hot summers.

The back side of Mt. Rushmore

With Mount Rushmore now in the rear view mirror we were officially on our way to new territories. Along the way we drove passed Crazy Horse Monument still being carved. It’s a larger carving then I would expect given the size of the carvings we’ve recently left. In what felt like no time at all we were entering Wyoming. Stopping for a picture next to this state sign, it felt good to be on our way west and entering a state we’ve not been to yet. Heading towards the Rocky Mountains was the portion of this adventure I was most anticipating and looking forward to. Some time in the mountains experiencing what effects the altitude would have on us in picturesque landscapes was exciting.

Entering Wyoming for the first time

Shortly after getting into Wyoming we found a rest area with picnic tables for a stop to grill something to eat. Enjoying the warmth of summer while sharing stories of our time so far made for a fulfilling stop while gazing out over the prairies of Western United States during lunch. Once the grill was cool enough to pack back into the trunk of our car we settled in for a long drive south. Over the next couple of hours we watched the Prairies of Wyoming pass by, some passengers catching a nap along the way. Cheyenne, WY started to approach for our next opportunity to fill up with gas and allow each person to stretch their legs along with a restroom visit. The next stop would be Estes Park in Colorado.

A nearly full moon rising over the Rocky Mountains

A short time after entering Colorado we reached Loveland where we turned back west to begin our climb into the mountains. Meandering through Loveland we passed by people celebrating and claiming their spot to watch that nights fireworks reminding us that it was Independence Day. Continuing into the mountains the road began to climb higher and higher. At times a raging river followed this road adding to this mountain experience letting us see parts of the landscape we would experience in the coming days. It was all so beautiful going around every bend, climbing higher and higher. After continuously pressing the accelerator for the past half an hour we began to level out and entered Estes Park.

Making it to Estes Park near Rocky Mountain National Park

With beautiful mountains all around distracting my attention from the road we found our hotel and got checked in. Soon after dragging our belongings to our room I was back outside taking in the beautiful surroundings. It was nearing time to eat and pizza delivery was the choice for the evening. Now to relax from a day in the car and prepare for fireworks to mark the end of our journey on this Independence Day. Camping chairs were removed from the trunk of the car and set up in the hotel parking lot where we would eat dinner and enjoy exploding rockets set against a mountainous backdrop. The next day would mark our introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Celebrating Independenc Day in Estes Park Colorado

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections-The First National Park, Badlands

Sunlight was spreading over South Dakota on this early summer morning. It was going to be a beautiful, although warm, day for exploring and I couldn’t wait to get going. I had heard about the Badlands from friends who’ve visited and their stories never really enticed me to want to visit but now I was just outside the entrance to this National Park and was very anxious to begin this journey. While the rest of the family were getting ready, as we waited for the breakfast lounge to open, I was out on the balcony of the hotel looking over pamphlets and brochures for the Badlands in an attempt to satisfy the restlessness continuing to grow inside. They described the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, and the Black Hills which would cover the next couple of adventures in the coming days.

Finally we were all in our car, a 2008 Ford Taurus painted a dark metallic blue purchased just weeks before. Minutes later we were at the entrance sign where I stopped to take it in. These sculptured mounds of clay with grass covered Buttes set aside by elected officials for all to explore. The car ahead of us had stopped to take their picture by this entrance sign and I decided that seemed like a great way to begin the journey. We all scrambled out of the packed car and took a place next to this wooden monument announcing Badlands National Park. We took  a few pictures commemorating the start of this beautiful place. Our Monopoly Adventures had officially begun!

Our first view of these sculptured mounds

Returning to the car, my excitement continued to flow through each limb with my heart pumping wildly. We stopped at the wooden booth right inside the park to pay our entrance fee and get a map before continuing on. Just a short drive we came upon a parking lot to explore an overlook so I quickly pulled into a spot and stopped the car. Once again we all exited the vehicle to get our first real glance at the beautiful landscape surrounding us and study the map we had just received. For what seemed liked an eternity, I stood in front of the Taurus and gazed out at the Badlands taking it in with my family. I would transition from examining these natural creations to watching my girls begin to look around at these fascinating mounds to seeing the appreciation of where we were in my dads face. There was a feeling that I couldn’t really describe from this moment until many years later. It was a spiritual experience. A very humbling moment filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be in this place with my family.

There was a trail leading out to a point on one of these mounds which I eventually followed with my two little girls joining me. At the end of this trail we felt immersed in this landscape surrounded by these eroded clay sculptures. Now we could begin to see the details of cracked mud with plants growing out of them every so often to break up each layer forming each hill. I feeling of satisfaction had begun to contain my excitement finally but my drive to see more was still strong. Back to the car to find another area we went.

Getting the first junior ranger badge and our first signature

Our map showed different highlights which would become our next adventures throughout the day along with the park newspaper detailing some of the ranger led programs of interest for us to join. It was looking through this newspaper that alerted us to a Junior Ranger program. We meandered to the visitor center to find out more about this program. Obtaining the Junior Ranger book, my wife saw what was required and got the girls working on these achievements. One of the requirements was for them to take part in a ranger program. One was beginning soon near the visitors center so we decided that would be our next task. They sat with several other kids listening to the ranger educating them on the process of digging up fossils. Each one was given a cupcake wrapper packed tightly with soil. Their goal was to carefully dig out the fossil inside using brushes, table knives, toothpicks, and water without damaging what was inside.

Once the program was over they had each earned a badge to proudly wear throughout the rest of the day. Before setting out on this journey I had decided I wanted to get a ranger to sign our Monopoly Board in each park as a symbol that we were there. This seemed like a good opportunity to get that taken care of. I went back to the car and grabbed the board along with a permanent, black marker and made it back to the ranger.  Somewhat hesitantly we asked if he would sign it over the Badlands spot to which he agreed. Taking a couple of pictures of this event, I placed the map in between the edges of the board to allow his signature to dry smudge free and returned it to the car.  Now it was back to climbing and exploring these beautiful clay mounds.

Resting on a Butte

Over the next several hours we explored before getting something to eat. Once lunch was over I was ready for a nap. There was a nearby parking area for a trail which I pulled into. A ranger program was scheduled for this area in a little while but in the meantime I scanned for a place to rest out of the sun. The parking area had a lot of people coming and going with no real good spot to relax. Off in the distance a little ways I spotted and nice flat butte out of the sunlight. I grabbed a camp chair from the trunk of our car and hauled it with me as I climbed up onto this little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of paved areas. Along the way I was a little nervous about coming across a rattlesnake. Thankfully there were none on this path and I made it to the top unharmed and unattacked.

Finding a nice location to unfold my chair I sat down and closed my eyes. After about 45 minutes or so of resting in piece, I packed my chair back up and returned to the car. Apparently others had been entertained by this activity and taken a few pictures as I rested on this butte. Laughing I returned the chair to the trunk and headed to where the ranger would be presenting soon. It must be a good trip if you can entertain other adventurers with your activities. Once the ranger talk was complete we began to head back towards the town of  Wall as the day was getting long. Even though we were all pretty exhausted from our day, I stopped occasionally along the way to explore nearby mounds. One of the most colorful was the Yellow Mounds with the evening sun shining on them.

Soon the sun was nearing the horizon and we were all tired and hungry, although not sure which one was stronger. There was a restaurant close to our hotel room so we stopped in to get some food before crashing into our beds for the night. The next day would be more travel as we headed to the Black Hills.

Climbing the Yellow Mounds

Exploring, South Dakota, Troy's Blog

The Infamous Corn Palace.

On a recent road trip in the upper Midwest we had the privilege of staying in Mitchell, South Dakota and of course we had to see this years version of the Corn Palace. The theme was “Rock of Ages” and was almost complete at the time of our visit. On the front of the building there is a picture of a guitarist and Willie Nelson constructed out of pieces of grain. Moving around the building there is a mural of Elvis, a singer, piano, person playing guitar, singers, and dancers to finish off the adjacent wall.

The adjacent wall murals

Most of the lighter portions are created using corn cobs along with wheat stems bundled together and sorghum stems bundled together created to give a darker contrast all working together to form these giant pieces of art. This is a very time consuming and laborious process which they undertake every summer creating a new theme covering two sides of the building.

Area set up for creating the pieces of each mural

This marks the third time I’ve been to this popular attraction. The last time was about 6 years ago with my first visit occurring a little over 7 years ago on my first trip to South Dakota. One of the surprises for me this summer was the change in domes on top of the building. Previous domes where solid and painted yellow and green that I remember. I like the new ones better.

The new domes and balcony

More modern and interesting allowing light to play off of the metal creating some nice effects. We didn’t see it at night but from pictures I searched the Corn Palace lights up beautifully with the new metal domes. Another nice addition since I last visited was a second floor balcony allowing more light inside due to large windows and the ability to walk outside on a nice day such as the one we visited on.

 

National Parks, New Experiences, Troy's Blog

The Last Fireworks at Mt. Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore

It was the best of times …. uh … it was a cool and dreary day at ….. it was the worst of times … Let’s go back to that cool and dreary thing. It was July 3rd and the sun had not awakened yet as we were quickly getting up and packing the car for a day at Mt. Rushmore. We had heard about the Independence Day Fireworks being some of the best in the U.S. as they are broadcast in many different areas of the U.S. and even internationally and were eager to get our spot to enjoy a day of festivities.

Mt. Rushmore Entrance

Daylight was arriving to the Black Hills of South Dakota as we were driving towards this patriotic destination. Friends that had been there in years past for this celebration warned us to get there early or there would be no place to park or sit. Finally we passed the entrance sign to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial and began to wonder where all of the cars were. There were plenty of indications that a huge crowd was expected but no lines. Could we really be early enough to have avoided much of the traffic? Enlightenment quickly arrived as we neared the entrance and saw that the only way to get into the park was from the other direction of which the line of vehicles went as far as we could see. We continued driving down the other side of the mountain passing stopped cars waiting to enter the memorial. Finally the end of the line appeared so all we had to do was turn around and get in line.

It was at this time that traveling with children reminding me of the frustrations that can occur as one of them blurted out “I have to go to the bathroom! Can we stop!?” Great! Every minute we delay getting in line reduces our chances of parking inside the park. Well, waiting as long as we were going to have to it was better to not take a chance so I pulled over by a gas station and let out the children and my wife to take care of this issue while I turned the car around and got in line. As the line started to move I began to grow nervous as our missing passengers hadn’t returned yet. As I continued to creep further and further away from the gas station I kept looking for Karen and the kids with no sign of them. The line was about to move forward around a corner when finally here they came. Success! The children were once again comfortable and we were all together again without giving up too many spaces in line.

Front and Center for the Celebration

It was just after 8 a.m. when we entered Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Park. Relieved that we would be parking inside the grounds it was time to find a parking spot and then move as quickly as possible to find a spot to sit for the day. After several minutes more we had landed in our place to park for the day and there was still plenty of room for more cars. Moving on towards the monument we were again stalled due to security screening. Nothing we could do about this so just wait for our turn. Besides, everyone else needed to do the same thing. As we waited there were plenty of things to look at such as a huge screen monitor to watch all the festivities on. This monitor took up an entire semi-trailer! I had never seen a screen that big. Now I wish I had taken a picture of it. Once through security (which was similar to airport security except you could bring coolers through with larger amounts of liquid) it was on to find our living quarters to enjoy the Independence Day festivities. We were fortunate to get prime seating (using our own camping chairs of course) staring directly at the monument.

The Monument Crying

The entire area was filled with fog keeping the sun from beating down on us. As the morning grew older we could see people setting up the fireworks display we had so eagerly anticipated. After sitting for about on hour rain began to fall. It was at this time we started questioning if we should stay. It appeared as though the rain could continue much of the day and possibly cancel any fireworks display. This was confirmed by periodic weather updates given by park rangers and those watching the radar on their phones. To make matters worse the rain was basically defined to this area of the mountain and just kept building for much of the morning. We decided that there had been plenty of time planning this event that we should stay so off to get rain ponchos and rain coats and wait it out. After being out in the rain for several hours we would take turns going through different buildings to see the displays and find a reprieve from the rain.

Setting up the Fireworks Display

Throughout the day there were many different activities planned including Native American dancing and ceremonies along with military aircraft flying over. Around the middle of the afternoon the rain slowed down and eventually stopped. Some of the aircraft flyovers had been canceled already but there were more scheduled and now that the rain had stopped their were indications that these could take place. The sky had began to clear and there was plenty of sun to dry us out and the hope for fireworks had returned making us extremely happy we decided to stay. As the daylight began to wane, so did the clear sky. Just in time fog had rolled into the mountains making it impossible to even see the monument let alone any fireworks. Our hopes of witnessing this spectacular display were once again dashed.

The B-1B Flyover

After a long day of waiting fireworks time had arrived. Unfortunately there was one problem! It was uncertain if we would be able see them. Time came and an announcement over the loudspeaker began to confirm our disappointment. They decided to test one of the shells to see how it would look. It was difficult to know if it was the firework or lightning as that is what if reminded me of. After this test the audience was asked if they should continue with the rest of the display. A loud resounding YES! was the crowds response. After a few more minutes the pyrotechnics display we were all waiting to see began. It reminding me of a mix of lightning and northern lights set to music. Once this had finished many members of the audience agreed that this was the best fireworks show we never got to see. As it turns out, this may also be the last Independence Day Fireworks display at Mt. Rushmore for some time to come. To read more about that go here ….

This was a day that tested our fortitude and rewarded our persistence with a unique light show created by humans and nature which will not be duplicated for a number of years if ever at Mt. Rushmore.

View From A Far