The Black Hills of South Dakota

Here we are in Sturgis, South Dakota, a month before the motorcycle madness. We’ll be here a week, over the 4th of July. What shall we do with our time?

First of all, July 4 will be spent cozy in our campsite, far from the madding crowds on the Interstate and every scenic route within 75 miles.

Rush-No-More RV park is a neat place, and the weekly rate makes it very worthwhile to stay. Our site is right on the edge of the park, and across from us there is a stable with horse corrals. There is a white colt with its mama out front; the colt is having a time trying to decide if it wants grass for a meal or liquid refreshment, and it seems to be taking turns.
Off to the right we see the “mountains” with pine trees. To our left is an as-yet vacant site, which will probably be filled by tomorrow.
Wednesday evening, the park is sponsoring, but we are paying for, a steak dinner with all the trimmings. Besides paying for the dinner, we will bring a side dish to share. But this will help us get acquainted with the folks we’ll be living near for a week.

But what shall we do with the rest of the time? Two years ago we “did” Rapid City, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, a “cowboy dinner,” Bear Country, and Custer State Park. Ahead of us is still a pile of things to see and do.

We definitely want to visit Devils Tower, our first National Monument. Kevin Costner’s “Tatanka, Story of the Bison” looks inviting. Then there’s Deadwood with it’s Boot Hill, the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane; Spearfish Canyon (twelve times older than the Grand Canyon); Lead (pronounced “Leed”), Belle Fourche, Sundance, Fort Meade. Ohmigosh, don’t forget the Black Hills Passion Play! This is the 69th year, they’re almost as old as I am!

Oh, my! At about 7:30 Tuesday evening, Suzy looked out and saw the white colt begin a dance that must have been entitled joie de vivre!

The colt was running, jumping, leaping, bouncing, out of the joy of living and being able to move! By the time I got out with the camera, it was over, the moment was past. But it had been a glory to observe, a joy to share with a few other campers who also left their RVs and participated in the event.

What will we do next? Wait and see, just as we will wait and take what comes to us during this memorable week of … Our Life on Wheels.