It was just about 4 hours, as I remember from Aunt Bev's to Keystone, South Dakota. Don had given me a column that he actually asked me to read aloud -- Dave Barry: "A journey into my colon -- and yours." Read it here, if you wish, but not aloud and definitely not in front of your in-laws. We all laughed until we cried, I think. Then we stopped at a Pizza Hut where a WHOLE pitcher of ice cold water was accidently poured on one end of the table. Not much laughing at all. Except from those of us who didn't get wet and I was one of those. It was after dark when we stopped in Oelrichs, SD, to see a church where Grandpa and Grandma Balty pastored when Don was still at home.
I had found our hotel online and was a bit apprehensive about the accomodations. I was not disappointed, the rooms were more than comfortable and the side view of Mt Rushmore from our rooms was beautiful. Breakfast in the mornings was served in the lodge and everything from bagels and toast to fresh waffles laden with fruit was available.
So with full tummies, we headed to the BIG EVENT, as least in the minds of my youngest boys, who are train crazy: The 1880's train ride from Keystone to Hill City.
Donning their little engineer hats, they could barely contain their excitement when the engine pulled into view expelling large plumes of black smoke.
The conductor could shout "aaaaaall aaabboard" for at least 20 seconds. The popcorn and soda served on the train was just "frosting on the cake," for my little fellas.
Samuel couldn't sit still and Seth sat quietly soaking in the whole adventure. And the rest of us? It is one of our best memories too.
It began to rain by noon and although we were disappointed because we had hoped to take in a Chuckwagon dinner, we had been blessed with such beautiful weather, we didn't complain.
We went up to Mt. Rushmore, hoping that the rain would slack off a bit but it didn't. In fact, it was miserable. So we had dinner and took Don and Glenda, who were very tired, back to the lodge. The rain quit by late evening and so we were able to go to the lighting of the monument,an event that should not be missed if you are in the area! When the flag was retired for the night and any members of the armed forces were asked to come forward and give their name and rank, it wasn't just the chilly air that gave the goosebumps.
The next morning dawned bright and blue. After another yummy breakfast we left KBarS Lodge and went back up to Mt. Rushmore for a better view in the beautiful sunlight.
We'd like to go back again sometime, there are miles of hiking trails in the park, but we wouldn't trade our time with the Balty's for anything.
If you are still reading, then you must be family, or a very close friend...and there will be more to come...
I had found our hotel online and was a bit apprehensive about the accomodations. I was not disappointed, the rooms were more than comfortable and the side view of Mt Rushmore from our rooms was beautiful. Breakfast in the mornings was served in the lodge and everything from bagels and toast to fresh waffles laden with fruit was available.
So with full tummies, we headed to the BIG EVENT, as least in the minds of my youngest boys, who are train crazy: The 1880's train ride from Keystone to Hill City.
Donning their little engineer hats, they could barely contain their excitement when the engine pulled into view expelling large plumes of black smoke.
The conductor could shout "aaaaaall aaabboard" for at least 20 seconds. The popcorn and soda served on the train was just "frosting on the cake," for my little fellas.
Samuel couldn't sit still and Seth sat quietly soaking in the whole adventure. And the rest of us? It is one of our best memories too.
It began to rain by noon and although we were disappointed because we had hoped to take in a Chuckwagon dinner, we had been blessed with such beautiful weather, we didn't complain.
We went up to Mt. Rushmore, hoping that the rain would slack off a bit but it didn't. In fact, it was miserable. So we had dinner and took Don and Glenda, who were very tired, back to the lodge. The rain quit by late evening and so we were able to go to the lighting of the monument,an event that should not be missed if you are in the area! When the flag was retired for the night and any members of the armed forces were asked to come forward and give their name and rank, it wasn't just the chilly air that gave the goosebumps.
The next morning dawned bright and blue. After another yummy breakfast we left KBarS Lodge and went back up to Mt. Rushmore for a better view in the beautiful sunlight.
We'd like to go back again sometime, there are miles of hiking trails in the park, but we wouldn't trade our time with the Balty's for anything.
If you are still reading, then you must be family, or a very close friend...and there will be more to come...
Comments
I'm definitely not family but am thoroughly enjoying reading all about your trip! I have said it 3 or 4 times already - but it is so reminiscent of our family trips and brings back so many great memories (including Mt Rushmore!). We too try to do special trips with Ty and hope that they will be jsut as special to him! Can't wait to hear the rest!
Hopefully on one your vacations, you'll make it down our way. Until then, blessings and hugs!