Sight-Seeing in South Dakota

Today we hit several of the main "tourist attractions" along I-90 in South Dakota. We have traveled this route many times, but we usually don't take time to stop for sight-seeing. We did this time just to help break the trip up a little.

First up was the Corn Palace in Mitchell. We were interested to learn that the exterior is redecorated every year with several varieties of corn. We laughed to see the birds pecking kernels right off the building!
There were several permanent corn murals inside. I guess the birds (and the weather) can't get to those, so they don't have to be replaced every year.
Further down the highway we stopped at the "world famous" Wall Drug. Why is it world famous? Why, because it is advertised all over the world as being world famous! We even saw one billboard bragging that they have a sign in Kenya, Africa. Now, doesn't that just make you want to go there?
Our final destination for the day was Mt. Rushmore. We timed it so we could be there for the evening program and lighting ceremony.
It was a beautiful, cool evening. The perfect ending to a fun day.

Relaxing in South Dakota

The past week has been a whirlwind of fun family activities. Not only that, we haven't had good internet access most of the time, so I am a few days behind in keeping you updated on our road trip. We got to our RV park this evening in time to relax a bit before bed time, and we have a good internet connection so I'm going to try to get caught up on my posting. I am going to back-date my posts, though, for my own purposes, so you'll have to read "backwards" to catch up with us! I hope it won't be too confusing!

The weather here is perfect! Sunny, gently breezy, and just mildly warm. Hope you're enjoying your summer wherever you are!

Family Camp

For part of our vacation we wanted to attend an old-fashioned campmeeting like Lyle and I remember going to when we were kids. There aren't many around any more, but we had heard about Mode Camp in Illinois where some of our college friends attend, so we had made arrangements to spend a few days there.
The campground is somewhat primitive but it is nestled on a shady hillside in the middle of farm country... and the grounds were meticulously clean and well-maintained. It was a relaxing setting and we were made to feel very welcome!
The services were uplifting and inspiring. We were challenged and encouraged.

Missouri

Another on-the-road day. We traveled from Kansas to Illinois, so spent most of the day in Missouri. It was familiar territory to Lyle and me, but the girls were impressed with the "big" rivers. They've seen the Missouri River in Montana, but it's not this wide up there.
Remember how much fun it is to spell "M-I-crooked letter-crooked letter-I-crooked letter-crooked letter-I-humpback-humpback-I"?
I think it's a tradition to spell it as we cross the Mississippi!

Kansas Sunset

We have enjoyed a few days in Kansas visiting with Lyle's family... good meals, good fellowship, shopping for bargains, cuddling babies, playing with cousins, chasing barn cats, fun in the sun...