A few weeks ago, I posted in the forum asking for recommendations relating to our first ever Badlands trip. The responses I got back were, as always, incredibly helpful--addressing a wide range of issues from routing to things to see that we did not even think of.
I can't list everything we saw in our eight days there, but what a trip!! Routing was really helpful, saving me a ton of money (toll avoidance) and ride frustration. Saw the corn palace (which we had never really heard of), Wall Drug (what a hoot--great ice cream, too) and lots more on our way. Once there we had an amazing ride via the Needles Highway (highly recommended, just make sure your toad is small enough!) and the Wildlife route (yep, had to feed the donkeys) where we saw lots of buffalo and pronghorns.
We lucked out at our Badlands campground where a couple suggested we go to the lightiing ceremony at Mount Rushmore. Totally different experience. The ranger doing the presentation was a phenomenal speaker. He gave a lot of information about the motivation behind and construction of Rushmore. Following a really good video, he called up onto the stage (this takes place in a large, outdoor amphitheater) all current and past members of the military. There must have been 150-200 people come up, mostly retirees (lots from Vietnam era, some Korean) with a good sprinkling of current active duty personnel. He randomly chose 9 volunteers to lower the flag. Was very inspiring to see them perform this ritual flawlessly, lowering the flag, folding it correctly and presenting it to him. He then had them form themselves into five columns, facing him. Had no idea what he was doing as he prefaced over the speaker, "I know it may have been awhile for most of you, but.......COMPANY, ATTENNNNTION! ABOOOOUT FACE!" What a sight to see these mostly old guys and women suddenly stand ramrod straight, then pivot 90 degrees left to face the audience in perfect unison. The crowd of at least 400-500 went crazy, screaming, whistling and clapping like mad. Hardly a dry eye in the place. He then went down each column, asking each individual to state their name and branch of service. He concluded by facing the audience, stating his name and "United States Marines." What a great evening.
Lots more highlights, but can't wait to go back again and see all we missed.
Now in Colorado Springs at the KOA for about six days before heading back to Virginia. Ironically, only Foretravel we have seen this trip was a Grand Villa fueling up around Monument as we went by on I-25.
Many thanks to all who helped us with our planning!
Don and Nancy
Your welcome Don, glad we could help. Great story about our veterans. U.S. Army 58-61.
Don: I loved that area and hope to go back. Your description sure brought back memories. Wall Drug was our first stop on our trip and we stayed in the Rv park behind. What we didn't know was that the trains came through at 5 in the morning every morning. Lot of bikers up there when we were there but it was two weeks after Sturgis. Needles and Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse. DAN
Glad you had a good time. We did too. I love the badlands
Saw this guy plus a few others
(https://sichenze.smugmug.com/Travel/Wall-and-the-Badlands-April/i-MwLtchZ/0/S/JAS_%202012_04_6422-S.jpg) (https://sichenze.smugmug.com/Travel/Wall-and-the-Badlands-April/i-MwLtchZ/A)
And these views
(https://sichenze.smugmug.com/Travel/Wall-and-the-Badlands-April/i-krKDHZk/0/S/JAS_%202012_04_6354-S.jpg) (https://sichenze.smugmug.com/Travel/Wall-and-the-Badlands-April/i-krKDHZk/A)
Don, While in the Springs don't miss the bug museum and CG. The CG is a little rough but I understand its improving.
. (http://maymuseum-camp-rvpark.blogspot.com/)
You cant miss the sign, its a GIANT Beetle. Its located across from Fort Carson
Gary B
John,
How ironic. The only animal we DIDN'T see was a bighorn ram. My wife swears the only reason they put those warning signs on the highway is to control the vehicle speed. I'm gonna go "glass half-full" on this one and say it's a great reason to come back!
Gary B., thanks for the recommendation. If we don't get to it this time, we will on a return trip. We have a patio home across from the Air Force Academy which we rent out, so we are back and fort a lot. Love it out here.
Thanks again, everyone!
Don and Nancy
You can also see lots of buffalo there too.