Walter and set out on our annual Memorial Travel this year with what may have been the least researched and planned out trip in our 10 years of marriage.
We have been stressed to the max this spring, besides working full time, I taught a new class at the University of Tulsa that took a lot of effort and time. Also- my dad has been sick, was hospitalized for two weeks and now requires almost daily care. Much of that has fallen to my sister and I since we live in town with him. It's tough, he's got his own mind and it doesn't flow with convention. In fact- we have ended up seeking gaurdianship in order to best help him.
Anyway- we were so eager to get out of town we set off with an ambitious goal of making it to Wall, South Dakota in one day. It was a 12 hour drive which is doable but we were both so exhausted from life we regretted it. Also- our GPS took us the "fastest" way which wasn't main highways. As a result we did experience a great deal of scenery. We drove along the North Platte River for miles which was gorgeous. As we reached the Sand Hills it was dusk and a thunder storm rolled through. We were treated to the light show as we drove and notice many Nebraskans set up on high points to watch the storm.
We reached Wall, South Dakota that night and checked into the Econo Lodge. Econo Lodge was a result of the lack of planning and also there wasn't much to pick from in the first place.
Four nights here.
As it turns out the Econo Lodge had a 1950's charm and the bed was comfortable. Although they were fully booked and the parking lot full of SUVs with canues and kayacks on top, by the time Walter and I woke up the next morning it was empty. We had slept in. We ended up sleeping late into the morning every day as well as napping. (Again- exhaustion.)
The main attraction in Wall was Badlands National Park. The weather was quite cool and windy. Our first visit to the park consisted of driving the scenic loop, the visitor center and gift shop and a short hike with spectacular scenery. More of the same over the next two days.
Evenings we sought out dinner in Wall with mixed results. Sadly, I can't say we had a great experience with dining in Wall. We should have just gone to the cafe at Wall Drug straight off.
Wall Drug was amazing and lives up to the dozens of billboards leading into town. How to describe Wall Drug? What started as a drug store in the 20's became a destination after they advertised "free cold water" to travelers. Now, a huge expanse of an attraction it is a mall with shops including fudge/candy, camping gear, western wear, book store, kitschy tourist souvenirs (of which I was enamored with the mounted jackalope heads and would have purchased one if they were less than $200!) , fine silver and black gold jewelry and a cafe. Wall Drug even has a 'traveler' chapel that was a beautiful, peaceful place where we stopped for a brief mindful moment. Walter got his fortune told.
After four nights in Wall (This would have been too many if we hadn't enjoyed just resting, sleeping in and napping.) We packed up and headed to Custer, South Dakota by way of Devil's Tower National Monument.
At Devil's Tower we hiked the trail around the rock formation, visited the gift shop and visitor center. It was a beautiful day and we even got to spy some rock climbers on their way down from the summit.
We made it to our lodging that evening. Custer, South Dakota was small, cute touristy town with lots of good restaurants. I'd advising staying here longer than Wall.
Our first day we headed out to Wind Cave National Park. We had booked the Fairgrounds Cave Tour in advance. Wind Cave was so cool. The tour was awesome.
During this trip we also visited Mount Rushmore.
I never fully finished this post nor did I add pictures but just publishing anyway.
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