South Dakota and back to Wyoming

My apologies for not posting last night, I already got one worried friend checking. Thank you!
It was a long day, leaving Wyoming to South Dakota, then back to Wyoming again and driving these dark roads until nearly 2:00 AM - yuck. I only counted 7 cars on the road, and 1 car was on the right side with the hood up - a dead deer was on the left side. Glad that wasn't me - who in the world would I call to come and get me?

So here goes....

I headed further east towards South Dakota today. My first stop was at Devil's Tower. Well, to be honest, I think I had to stop, look at the map again, and try figure out where I was and where I wanted to go. Once I thought I was good, I had a huge problem with the GPS. I looked at the map and couldn't understand why the blue dot wasn't matching the audio. Darn! Samantha was so good at this.
If you look closely, you can see Loporchio gnome.

Seeing the the scenery is very similar, I've been trying to look more closely at these strange building structures scattered all over Wyoming. (I've got to do something other than listen to music all day. And texting isn't a good idea, no reception anyway.) I'm thinking they've got to be something related to the state's attempt to pursue petroleum? I'll upload a picture later tonight once I settle in Montana. Look how dirty my car is.

 This is Devil's Tower from a distance. I read that it was the core of a volcano here in the Black Hills. Once I drove closer, I was joined by many, many motorcycles. Wow- they must travel in packs all over this area.

I opted not to hike up, but enjoyed mint chip ice-cream in honor of Samantha. Not sure that excuse is going to work when I start adding on those lost pounds - eek.

After driving about 3 more hours, I needed another break and some real food. I spotted Applebee's and the decision was made. While I've heard they have many tv's showing sports in the restaurant, this one had none. No worries, I had my knitting and did a few more rows. While speaking with the waitress, she shared that Spearfish, Wyoming is a college town. I guess it's home to the Black Hills State College where they focus on teachers. mmmm. Interesting. I proceed to ask about the weather; it was 93 degrees and beautiful at the moment. There's a small airport, and even a Starbucks. Everything was different when she answered my question about how cold it got. She replied only 2 days where they were below zero- yuck!!! I was thinking below freezing - 32 degrees. Forget it! Too cold!!!!

On the road further east towards Mt. Rushmore. I made a quick stop for coffee and tried to get the girl to take my recycled water bottles. No luck- she says they don't do that out here in South Dakota. They don't recycle in Wyoming either. 

Mt. Rushmore was amazing to say the least. I thought it was interesting to read that the entrance has flags from all of our states and when they joined our union. 

 This grand idea was suggested back in 1924 and was actually begun in 1927 from what I read. President Coolidge officiated the dedication and shared his thoughts with the group. He shared that the shear size of the monument was required to demonstrate the importance of these 4 famous men and they were to be paced close to heaven, thus here in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

 Of course, I couldn't go all this way and not see the Crazy Horse Memorial as well. That road was tricky- not well signed.

 Eventually, after a few u-turns, I did find the entrance to this amazing structure as well. If you look carefully you can see the front of the face and the hole where the arm extends out.

I'm off to try to get a picture of the state sign; one I have now passed 3 times and still haven't been able to safely stop to take a picture. 

Hugs :-) I'll settle in earlier tonight- I don't like the night driving alone. promise.