So, we figure we spent about $300 on this trip. Here’s the breakdown:
State Park Entrance fee: $20 (Really $15, but it was self-serve and we didn’t have correct change.)
Camp Site: $60 ($24 a night plus fees)
Mount Rushmore: $11
Mount Rushmore book: $18
Crazy Horse: $22
Firewood: $8
Coffee/refills: $7
Gas: $100
Snacks: $25
Space heater: $20
You heard me right. Space heater. This trip was all about keeping Lloyd happy, and the low Friday night was supposed to be 32 degrees. I was paying extra for a camp site with electricity, so we were darn well going to use it. Don’t worry, the whole set-up was super-safe. (I do not recommend anyone else doing that. Remember, I’m very unsafe.) We were glad to have it.
The best buffalo/bison we saw was right away on Friday, not on the Wildlife Loop. It was in the shade of some camper on the side of the road. We never saw one that close to human stuff again, dang it.
The museum exhibits at both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse were impressive. What struck me the most is that these guys thought, “You know what would be cool? Carving a mountain.” and then they did it.
I may not have the hutzpah to carve a mountain, but Sam, I did make a cairn for you, as requested. I’m sure it’s still there.
Lloyd was thrilled at moments of gas mileage zen:
(That’s 100 miles per gallon, in case you can’t see. Or hear his hooting.)
We did stop at Wall Drug on the way home. Once again, it was rather familiar. The street reminded me of my hometown, and the stores smelled like Jeans West – the western gear store where we’d rent skis. My hometown didn’t have a life-size covered wagon, though!
Little Lauren was positively swooning inside me, and I realized that I have honored her in the best way: by driving our own covered wagon across the plains, sleeping in it under the stars. *cough cough* too much. *cough cough* pretty thick. *cough cough*
I guess that’s about it. Any questions?