South Dakota - Part 2

With so much to see in South Dakota, we decided to stay a couple of days.  We ended up at the Horsethief Campground in Hill City.  It was great.  

We got the most secluded campsite in the back.  Simon gave it his paws up and we set up camp.  It was 75 degrees during the day and we had no idea that once the sun went down, the temperature would drop 30 degrees.  Good thing we were in a forest and there was plenty of wood for the fire.

Simon loves hanging at the campsite!  There is so much to smell and explore.  One day we had tuna sandwiches for lunch and Adam drained the water by a tree.  Simon stalked that tuna tree for 2 days!  

One afternoon Adam and I climbed the hill behind the campsite.  It was my idea, but I didn't realize how steep it was.  I got totally freaked out half way up but Adam encouraged me and I made it.  

 I was not as crazy as he was to stand on this rock which was at the top and hanging off.  You can't tell from this picture, but we are about 500 ft up.  I was scared just watching him.  And of course I was yelling at him to get down before he fell off!

Terrified!  Can we get down now?!?

"Get away from the edge!"

After the climb, we headed to the campground laundry mat to wash some clothes.  While we waited on the laundry we played checkers.  Adam won, I demand a rematch!

Close to Hill City were the Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorials.  I have been reading this book called "Eureka."  It is short stories about how people have realized and accomplished success with their "Ah Ha moments."  The creation of Mount Rushmore was one of the stories.  It was neat to see, but I expected it to be bigger.  Still, the likenesses are very impressive.  We only looked at it from the road and decided it was all we needed to see.

Crazy Horse is in the process of being sculpted.  I like the fact that the local Indian tribes will have a monument to celebrate their history.  One day, when it is completed, we can say we visited the monument when it was being built.  

Face completed

This is what the finished product will look like

Back at the campsite, Adam put me to work "teaching" me how to use the saw and ax.  I was pretty good at it and cut the rest of the firewood.  I got a really good workout on my right bicep.  It's looking pretty strong now!