Day 7: From the mundane to the profound

Started off the day bright and early at about 6:30 central time. I wanted to get an early jump because I knew the drive from Minnesota to the Mount Rushmore area was about 9 hours. So I got breakfast quick at the hotel and then I was off.

After making my way back to the highway I looked at the GPS and realized that I was on I-90 for 298 miles. So I settled in and listened to the Temptations movie I put on. As the miles passed I saw a sign. World’s Only Corn Palace 25 miles. Well this trip is about exploring. So, in 25 miles I pulled off into Mitchell, South Dakota and I checked out the royal quarters. Unfortunately it was not an actually palace made out of corn. I was slightly disappointed. The outside of a brick building was adorned with artwork that was made out of corn. Pictures of Willie Nelson and Elvis hung for passersby to see. I snapped a few pictures and hopped back in the car to continue the trek to Mount Rushmore.

After another 150 or so miles went by, I glanced down at my phone and realized I had crossed from Central to Mountain time. Realizing I had gained an hour, when I passed by signs for Badlands National Park I made up my mind to check it out.

By far the best spur of the moment decision I have made so far. This is the time where I wish I could upload the pictures for you guys because any words will not do the Badlands justice.

As I pulled through the gate it was raining and about 43 degrees. I pulled into the first viewing area and there was a walkway that wound around the corner out of view. I threw on my hoodie and waterproof jacket and grabbed my camera. I followed the path around the corner  and was awestruck. They stretched for miles with peaks and valleys and different colors of clay and rock all contrasting with the green grass. Some of the buttes had red streaks throughout them. Some of them peaked like tepees while still others had a more gradual incline. I took pictures and climbed around tired to take in as much of the sheer beauty that I could. I walked back up the walkaway and got back in the car. I continued the loop. Stopping at viewing area after viewing area. Taking pictures of the roads and visitor center that lay far below where I was currently standing. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I pulled into the park. Many people had recommended I visit and I am certainly glad I did.

After stopping in the gift shop I was back on the road to my final destination. I had seen signs for Wall Drug for approximately 150 miles, but after 2 detours I decided to pass by that tourist trap and bust out the last hour or so. When I finally got to Mount Rushmore it was about 4:30 Mountain time so about 6:30 Eastern. As I drove up the winding road something immediately jumped out at me. It was snow. There was fresh snow on the ground. Not a tremendous amount, but enough. I looked at the dashboard thermometer and it read 36 degrees. Oh splendid. 85 back home in Mass and I’m in 36 degree weather bundled up like it”s January. I parked the car and grabbed by camera. I walked up to the viewing ledge and once again was in awe. I was amazed, first of all by the fact that I was actually seeing this in person. The fact that I am on this trip is still a little surreal to me so seeing something like Mount Rushmore still sort of knocks that home for me. Secondly though I was in awe of the brilliant detail. One of my first initial thoughts was that it wasn’t nearly as big as I thought it would have been. This by now means meant I was disappointed though. After seeing it in movies and close ups the expectation was simply that it would be a lot bigger. After getting over that thought though I was able to really appreciate how fantastic it is. I took pictures from every angle. I took selfies, I took shots of each individual president, I even played with some snapchat filters with George Washington. I took a few peoples pictures as they posed in front of it. I watched as families and couples approached it all with the same look of amazement in their eyes. This truly was one of the greatest sights in the entire United States and I was standing in front of it.

I got a few more pictures, made a quick stop in the gift shop and headed back down to the downtown area where my hotel was. Before settling in for the night I grabbed some dinner at Ruby House Restaurant. I continued my trend of trying local dishes with the buffalo burger. I veered away from my typical American cheese and french fries and instead chose pepper jack cheese and a baked potato. By no means radical, but something new nonetheless. The burger was delicious. It was lean and flavorful and the cheese was creamy and a perfect compliment. The finale to this deliciously local meal was the kuchen. Kuchen is the official dessert of South Dakota. And that’s not just something restaurants put on the menu. Kuchen is legitimately the official dessert of South Dakota. Kuchen is a German dessert made with sweet dough and a custard filling. Mine was strawberry-rhubarb and was accompanied by a huge scoop of french vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect way to finish off the meal.

So there you have it. In one day South Dakota went from mundane tourist traps luring people in with promises of corn palaces to remarkably awe inspiring landscapes to a tremendously magnificent landmark. It’s amazing how much can change in a 600 mile journey.

a quick note, I will probably be MIA for the next few days. I am heading into Yellowstone tomorrow and will be camping for two nights. I’ll be heading to Spokane after so that’s where I should be able to catch up with you guys. Provided I don’t get eaten by bears that is.

Wish me luck!