The Black Hills and Mount Rushmore

The day started off beautiful with clear skies and a cool 35 degrees. It should be nice all day since the high is only forecast to be 67 degrees. Today we’re going sightseeing through the Black hills and then to see Mount Rushmore. Our first stop was Sylvan Lake. This is considered the crown jewel of Custer State Park and the views were spectacular.

Sylvan Lake

From there we drove up Needles Highway and along the way we drove through four or five tunnels stopping to take pictures at many overlooks.

Needles Eye

Looking out over the Black Hills

Gina and I standing in front of the first tunnel we drove through

Cathedral Spires

A different view of the Cathedral Spires

Mom & Pop's 
(that is Mount Rushmore in the background)

Gina caught me reflecting on all the beauty here in the Black Hills

Turkeys are everywhere right now

We just couldn't pass by this small buck without taking his picture

We finally reached our ultimate destination of Mount Rushmore. Gina and I were last here 32 years ago and it has changed a lot. It was nice to see it again and it’s still amazing to us. It’s another one of those items that you must put in your bucket list.

Nice overall view of Mount Rushmore and the visitor's center

Gina at the entrance to the Avenue of Flags

Mount Rushmore

Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln
Just in case you didn't know 

One group photo of us with the boys in the background

Once we made it back home we packed up a little more until it was time for our social hour. Which we followed it by a dinner of grilled chicken breast, grilled asparagus, and a baked potato. The wind was cold and blowing so we said goodnight and headed inside. We had enjoyable and beautiful day seeing the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. Gina and I really thank Mom & Pop’s for showing all the sights to us today.

Today we’ll finish packing our home and winterizing the cabin. Before we leave Sunday morning.  There might even be a four-wheeling ride in there too.

Yesterday was my dad’s birthday and the picture I posted was the best one that I had.  Debbie, my sister-in-law sent me this one that she took in her studio last month.  I sure hope that I look that good when I’m his age.  (photo courtesy of Debbie Medlock photography)

My Dad

Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Happy Birthday Dad !!

Today is my Dad’s birthday and I found this quote the other day. “Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice”, Anonymous.  Dad, the example you gave me to follow is unbelievable. It’s because of who you are that defined who I am.  You have been the greatest Dad a son could ever ask for. I love you and wish your day is a blessed and wonderful day.

It’s Friday morning and another week is almost over. It’s hard to believe that our time here in the Black Hills of South Dakota is almost over. We’re leaving here on Sunday heading for Colorado for a few days.

Yesterday found me washing our truck while Gina washed clothes. Somewhere in there Gina and Mom made a big batch of smoothies.

There's a lot of truck to wash there

Mom ready to make smoothies

Gina even managed to hang clothes out to dry

Once I finished with the truck it was time to start packing up our truck. First up were Gina’s rocks. This took some time. Then we started loading some of my tools that I brought up here to build Mom & Pop’s cabin. We both finally gave out around nine o’clock and went inside. We were both tired and our hot showers felt great. Gina then made some hot chocolate and climbed into bed to watch a movie. I followed soon behind her and we were both asleep fairly quick after the movie ended.

Today we're off for a little sightseeing. First on the agenda is Mount Rushmore. We have drove past it but Gina wants to stop and take a tour of it. We still have a lot more packing to do but today will be one of our last fun days here. Stay tuned as our adventure continues and I’m sure there will be a lot of pictures in the blog tomorrow.


Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.

Our Home Gets A Bath

We’re waking up very cold this morning. Like 34 degrees kind of cold. It’s definitely time to head south just a little.

Wednesday found us watching Mark & Dale leaving

Pop's and I taking pictures of each other

Gina and I didn’t have any big plans today other than washing our trailer. To say it was dirty is a huge understatement. We have been over 2400 miles since its last washing and it showed. We, no really, I got started on washing the trailer around noon. Gina did come out at three o'clock to help. Of course she had to stop at four o’clock and enjoy happy hour with Pop’s since Mom was in town to get her haircut. I on the other hand continued washing and finally finished around 5:30. Ok, I must give Gina credit in that not only did she help wash but she cooked lunch for me while I was washing.

Gina captures me cleaning the roof

Once I finished I sat down outside to rest for a few minutes until Mom arrived back home from getting her haircut. She has been cooking Italian green beans with Italian sausage all day and they smelled pretty good. We all sat down and had a bowl (maybe two or three bowls) for dinner. Like always, the food around here always tastes great.

After dinner Gina and I just relaxed until Ashley, our daughter called us. We talked to her for a while. She’s in Medical School and stays pretty busy so it’s always great to hear her voice. After we said goodbye to her it was late and we both just relaxed in bed watching a movie. Another not so exciting day. However, keeping our home clean is a necessary chore.


Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.

Dining Out With Friends

Wow, it’s Wednesday morning already, hump day at least that's what it was when I was working. We decided to sleep in a little later this morning. We have a lot of things we need to do before we leave Custer on Sunday. That will be our plan for today.

As for yesterday, Gina spent her time helping Pop’s reorganize his shed and barn. I helped a little but for most of my morning I spent it going through pictures of the buffalo roundup and posting a blog entry. While Gina continued showing Pop’s how to organize I drained our waste tanks. By the time I finished dumping Gina was finishing up too. It was time for Gina and I to get cleaned up. Mom had made reservations for dinner at the Alpine Inn in Hill City for five o’clock.

Alpine Inn & Restaurant

Mike, Pat, Mark, Dale, John, Michal, Gina and myself were seated just a few minutes after five o’clock. They do not have menus for their evening seating. The waitress asks three questions, would you a large or small filet, how would you like it cooked and what would you like to drink. We all had a great time together and dinner was good. It’s definitely a place we recommend if you’re in the area. It’s also the only restaurant we have eaten at since we have been here in Custer.

Mark & Dale


John & Michal

Mark and Dale are departing this morning making their way toward Hutchinson, Kansas for the Heavy Duty Truck Rally. John and Michal will be leaving Thursday morning heading for the same place. We have enjoyed all of their company and wish them safe travels.


Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.

Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park

Gina and I want to thank everyone for your prayers and thoughts for Gina’s ear. They're doing much better. Today is also our brother-in law's birthday. Just for you brother, Gina and I hope your day is as "Special" as you are!!

Happy Birthday Rickey

I woke up at three o’clock in the morning to write and post our blog entry. We were out the door at 5:15. We thought we would beat the crowds. However, that was not the case. There was almost five miles of cars waiting for the gate to open at 6:15.

A long line of cars


We were treated to a beautiful sunrise while waiting

We finally got parked around eight o’clock and found a great place to watch the buffalo as they are herded into the corrals. We still had three hours before the buffaloes would be rounded up and ran into the corrals.

This is our view for seeing the Buffalo Roundup

We just sat down talking to all the people around us. Somewhere in there a channel 21 reporter from Rapid City interviewed me.

Being interviewed by Krista from KNBN Channel 21
Here is a link to the article written by her, sorry no video link. However, I did make the news. My fame for about one minute.

Before long we saw a small herd being brought down the hillside. Then a little while later more buffaloes were herded into the valley. Now that more than 1,300 buffaloes were in the valley we waited for them to be ran into the corrals. It finally began and what a show. Not only could you hear and see them. You could actually feel the ground rumbling under your feet. We took a lot of pictures and these are just a few of them. If you would like to see more please click this link: online photo album.

Small herd being pushed to the valley


Most of the herd being pushed


The show begins


You cannot tell but they're running


A cowboy keeping the buffaloes running straight


More cowboys running the buffaloes


More of the herd being pushed


They are now being pushed toward a small gate


There is over a thousand buffalo in this picture


Almost half of them are through the gate


Here's a cow and her calf in the corrals

The roundup only lasted about 15 minutes but it was such sight. From there we walked to the corrals. While at the corrals we ran into Ron and his wife Jennifer. Ron is the chief law enforcement officer here at Custer State Park. There is a lot of history between Ron, Mom & Pop’s. I'm sure Pop's will write about it in his blog on Wednesday. Just before Mom & Pop’s stopped working at the park, Pop’s gave Ron his saddle he won in 1953 as the All Around Rodeo Champion in South Dakota.

Pop's with his rodeo saddle he won in 1953


Pop's with Ron

We walked around for a few minutes and then decided to take a shuttle back to the truck and drive back home.

We passed this bull on our way home
Some of the older and bigger bulls just do what they want, so the park just leaves them alone

Once we got back home I decided to take a short nap while Gina looked at the pictures she had taken. The evening was pretty normal as we enjoyed our social hour. I did grill two pork tenderloins that we enjoyed with leftovers from Sunday. Everyone was tired and we all called it an early night. What a fantastic day. Even though we woke up early and waited three hours for a fifteen-minute show it was worth every second. Gina and I both highly encourage you to put this in your bucket list.

Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.

Enjoyed a Relaxing Sunday with Friends

Sunday morning I woke up to a cool 41 degrees and I even had to turn on the heat to get the chill out. Gina woke up a little later with her ears hurting. We had taken a pork roast out of the freezer so I got that cooking in the crock-pot for dinner. Gina and I then decided to accomplish a couple projects on the cabin today. We completed the dryer exhaust vent through the ceiling and Mark helped me install an outside light by the door. It looks really nice. I only have a couple of projects left now before we leave next Sunday.

Around four o’clock John and Michal came over for our social hour and around 5:30 we ate dinner. Besides the pork roast, Gina made homemade mashed potatoes, Mom made a spinach casserole and Dale steamed carrots and onions. It all tasted wonderful. Not a very exciting day other than eating a wonderful meal.

Before everyone went home we all planned our activities for Monday. We are leaving here at 5:15 in the morning heading to Custer State Park for the Buffalo Roundup. We have heard so much about this that we cannot wait to see it. We should have some good pictures tomorrow. Stay tuned, as I’m sure we’ll have a fantastic day at the Buffalo Roundup. This should make for an interesting blog entry for Tuesday morning.


Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.

Arts & Craft Festival and Touring HIll City

Friday found Gina and I riding up to Rapid City with Mom & Pop’s. We all needed a few items before we depart Custer and today was the perfect day. It started out a little chilly. However, the day turned out beautiful. Once we arrived back home it was time for our social hour and John and Michal were coming over. They are another fulltime RV’ing couple that drive a big Volvo truck like ours. They are staying just down the road at Broken Arrow Campground.

John & Michal

Gina cooked up a pot of chili after gathering a half-pound of ground meat from Dale and a half-pound of buffalo meat from Mom. After chatting for awhile we decided that it was time to enjoy a delicious bowl of chili with all the fixings. It was getting a little cold outside so we called it a day. We all said goodnight and then went inside to stay warm.


Saturday morning found us up early as we were going to the Custer State Park Buffalo Round-Up Days Arts & Crafts Festival. They had lots of booths with a lot of unique stuff.

Looking down a row booths


Yes, you could even get buffalo burgers


This guy is making arrow heads


Of course, there were horses there too


Gina managed to get a picture of this female Bighorn Sheep


Dale, Pop's, Mom, me, Gina, John & Michal

We made it back home a little after noon and I grilled some hot dogs. Gina and I then decided to take a drive to Hill City while Mom & Pop’s decided to take a motorcycle ride for the afternoon.

Once we got parked in Hill City we just browsed through the stores and somehow we managed not to buy anything.

Welcome sign into Hill City


A unique statue of a horse made out of junk steel

We then drove a little further up the road to a Christmas store.

The Christmas Store Sign

When we walked in someone called out “Who Dat”. That caught our attention and then I realized I was wearing a New Orleans Saints tee-shirt. There were two ladies that were wearing “Who Dat Nation” tee-shirts and after talking with them we found at that Betty was from Baton Rouge and Linda was from Delhi, Louisiana.

Betty and Linda (How bout dem shirts)

You never know who you will run into while traveling. Gina continued her shopping and I believe she looked at everything in the store. She made a few purchases and then it was time to head home. I’m not sure what time we got home but we walked over to Mom & Pop’s and visited with them. We said goodnight to them and walked home just in time for the kickoff between LSU and West Virginia football game. We watched the game and congratulations to LSU for the win. By this time it was after ten o’clock and we both went to bed. We had a relaxing and wonderful day. We’re off to church this morning and then I need to finish up a few items on Mom & Pop’s cabin.


Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.