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?
Brad says
Is there ever a time when a Prius must be plugged in? I don’t think so, but thought I’d ask.
Also, did you see any prairie dogs, or are they farther south?
Lauren says
You don’t have to plug in a Prius. When I was a kid, we plugged in one of our cars (the station wagon?) but I didn’t know why. I think it had an engine block heater or something.
I forgot about Prairie Dog guy! Yes, we saw prairie dogs. There was a ‘village’ on the wildlife loop. We didn’t stop, but there was this old guy standing by his car, positively beaming with joy to see so many prairie dogs. We gave each other thumbs up as we passed. He was so happy. (I would have had to tell him my dad’s ‘prairie dog suppression’ strategy, and that would have wiped his smile right off. 😉 )
Deborah says
Way to go, Little Lauren!
Peggy says
Very nice trip!
1. Do they ever plan to finish Crazy Horse?
2. Have you ever been to Laura Ingalls’ homestead?
Lloyd says
1. They are still working on it. They were working on it while we were there. There seemed to be roughly the same number of visitors at Crazy Horse as Mount Rushmore.
Lauren says
I have not been to Laura Ingalls’ homestead. I fear I might explode in an ugly burst of nostalgia if I did. 😉
CousinSam says
Thanks for the stack of rocks