Onward to Mount Rushmore- Day 12

We got a great start today...yes, were are learning from our mistakes and trying to be on top of things. As we traveled across South Dakota we stopped in at Mitchell to check out their Corn Palace and get ice cream.

Each year a new mural is attached to the outside. Even now workers are putting up more designs
So corn is cut lengthwise and attached like a color by number painting. Pretty cool!

For the first time we rolled into the KOA before dinner. In fact, we set up camp, cooked up burritos and set off to see Mt. Rushmore. We wavered on going at night for the night display, but the kids begged to go swimming and honestly a relaxing night was needed.

We took an around-about route in the hopes to see a couple of other sites--one was closed, the other we missed the turn off--but we caught them the next day. The view of the Black Hill is amazing. For so long we've traveled through flatland with a few rolling hills. To be amidst canyons and pine trees is like being home.

 

Mount Rushmore was impressive. Not only was it large, but to imagine such a bald mountain amidst the Black Hills, hidden and yet sacred is awe inspiring.

We came, we saw, we conquered (that means we purchased our silly souvenirs successfully in one spot) and we swam. The kids had a blast just hanging out at the pool.

#TIP 11- SIGHTSEEING IS COOL, EXPERIENCING OTHER CULTURES/TRADITIONS OR IN OUR CASE HUGE CITIES IS EDUCATIONAL, BUT DON'T FORGET TO JUST RELAX. SCHEDULE IN A TIME FOR NOTHING--RECOUP SO THAT YOU DON'T WEAR OUT.