Air & Space Museum - Rapid City, SD

Our first stop was Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City to go through their Air and Space Museum. John is my airplane guy and he isn't around at the moment so I have no idea what type of planes the pictures below show.

We took the tour of the base that was offered and got to see all of their main buildings, military housing (very nice), and the Minuteman II Missile Silo. The missile silo was used for training up to 1994 and was operational although it did not have a warhead or fuel. Here is a shot looking at the nosecone.

A shot looking down into the silo.

Actually, it was a nice tour and air museum. Even us girls found things of interest to make the trip enjoyable.

On our way home, we were given an extra treat with a viewing of a Big Horn Sheep Ram and his harem of five grazing along the road. I think that brought a smile to everyone's face in the car.
Another fun day that ended with cards, laughter, and good company.

National Museum of Woodcarving

As I was going to work the evening shift for Faye tonight, we decided to stick close to Custer. We went to the National Museum of Woodcarving with Rick and Y. We had gone last year and were disappointed to see that some of their animated exhibits no longer work properly this year.

After we were done at the Museum, we stopped for lunch at the Baker's Cafe and enjoyed our meals. Then we drove around Stockade Lake and stopped at Bismark Lake (a good possible kayaking lake).

After my 4 to 8 p.m. shift, we went up to Rick and Y's for more card game fun.

Devils Tower National Monument

The four of us got an early start (9 a.m.) to head out to Devils Tower in Wyoming. The drive took about 2 1/2 hours. Here is an interesting shot taken just outside the park. It really is something to see standing up there all by itself in the middle of nowhere. If you would like more information on this national monument, here is the link to Devils Tower. I find the history and Indian lore fascinating. I can understand why the Indians consider Devils Tower a sacred place.

Rick made sure we had proof that we actually went inside the park.

We hiked around the base - 1.2 miles. We spent a lot of time watching climbers going up or down the face. Unfortunately, John didn't have the long lens on the camera so we can't show you any of the crazy/adventurous people climbing or hanging off the rock.

Rick couldn't resist doing a little rock climbing himself. John had flip flops on and declined in joining him.

Here is a shot of the beautiful valley that surrounds Devils Tower.

We stopped in the town of Hulett for lunch. John noticed that the town believes in keeping their buildings named simply. Here is the motel and site for bingo.

Quite simply, the Bank.

On our way home, we stopped at a wood carving location. John really liked this bald eagle. Good thing he was so big and heavy.

Another fun day that ended with us playing cards and Pegs and Jokers late in to the night.