South Dakota encountered a freak early autumn blizzard 2 weekends ago and received up to 4 ft. of snow in certain parts of the state. I took this solo road trip pretty seriously and did a little research on what to do in case a blizzard decided to roll in. I was informed a safety kit was needed, so I stocked up on a candle, lighters, matches, a warm reflective heat blanket, hand warmers, and cereal bars. If you ever watched that C+ Renee Zellweger movie "New in Town", you know the candle is used for warmth in case you get caught in a blizzard and run out of gas. My scent choice was carrot cake: exactly what I would want to smell as I wait for the frostbite to take over.
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Most of the snow melted, but there were patches of dead cattle along the way that literally drowned in the snow since it fell so quickly. Cattle ranching is big business in South Dakota and the ranchers were hit hard. |
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Look who I ran into! 4 1/2 hours later, I found these 4 Faces of Democracy hanging out in the Black Hills. |
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Who is my NEW favorite President? Move over Teddy - I learned that not only was Thomas Jefferson the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, but he also wrote the first ice cream recipe in America. A foodie, a scholar, and a President - triple threat! |
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Took about 30 too many pictures of Mt. Rushmore, but I couldn't stop snapping. It is truly something to see! The Monument was designed and built by sculptor Gutzon Borglum starting in 1925. He was born to Danish immigrants and raised on the Western Frontier. How did they construct the Shrine of Democracy? By using dynamite, basic tools, and lots of sketchy looking wires and ropes to manipulate the granite. We've come a long way America. |
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Pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks + National Monument = Modern day USA For the history buffs:  Profile shot of G. W. |
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Andiamo - Into the woods... |
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 There are a few towns to check out in the Black Hills. I blinked and almost missed Custer on the way to Hot Springs. |
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Only out West |
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Guess which beer I did NOT taste... |
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A + for creative marketing though. Cave Wind National Park borders the Black Hills on the southeast end. The landscape changes dramatically from forest to prairie lands. Wildlife alert: Elk and buffalo sightings |
My accommodations at The Historic FlatIron Inn in Hot Springs were adorable. I rented a homey suite with modern touches - complete with a full kitchen, WIFI, digital cable, and spa toiletries.
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Airbnb does not disappoint! www.airbnb.com |
Hot Springs is known for it's Woolly Mammoth fossil site. Over 26,000 years ago the big beasts were trapped in a nearby pond. Personally, I think it should be known for the BBQ. Smokin' BBQ serves up cheap $6 meals right outside on River St. If you come for the Mammoth, don't forget about the street meat.
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Brisket, mac 'n cheese, potato salad - $6. Movie price in Hot Springs - $5. |
Sunday, the weather turned wacky: from rain to snow to rain to sunny skies. Due to the snow, I was unable to see Needles Highway or Spearfish Canyon.
But here are 4 landscape shots from my return trip:
Forest
But here are 4 landscape shots from my return trip:
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| Prairie |
Forest
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Country |
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Badlands South Dakota: I reckon I'll give it 2 thumbs up. A beautiful surprise. |
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