It’s Thursday morning and we are making our way from Rapid City to Custer. We started the morning off with some KOA pancakes (which were surprisingly great), and driving 10 min to the airport to pick up a rental car. A “quick” 45 min drive to Stockade Lake North Campground and we are set up on a nice tree covered hill, in a very secluded park. Another beautiful park, another park with zero wifi.
We got right to it and went to Sylvan Lake, where we hiked, swam and just enjoyed the views; what a magical place. Every turn is a new amazing view. And let me tell you something, I know all parents brag on their kids, but our 3 year old, Akira, could be a certified climber already. Fearless with the balance of a mountain goat.
We finished the day with a drive on the needles highway, went to Mt. Rushmore and ate burgers in Hill City.
Friday was one of my favorites. We started the day on the “wildlife loop.” Missed the Bison, but met some amazing burros. The boys and I fished; we caught a bunch of bullhead catfish and a perch. Maro and Akira went to the store in Custer. It was a day of relaxing. Vangeli and I went to get firewood and we fished again. It was my first day of fly fishing. We didn’t catch anything, but the evening was beautiful!
Day 3 at Custer started with a visit to the kids Norbeck Center. This little center seemed perfect for a rainy day. Fortunately for us it was beautiful out, so we decided to take a hike around Legion Lake. This hike was fun, but I would probably choose a different (more difficult) one if we had to do it over. We finished the hike and went fishing again at Bismark Lake. Maro made us lunch and we caught more catfish. While we were sitting there eating, this older fella walked by. He looked just like Willie Nelson, with two long braids, one draping each shoulder. He made a comment about catching 6 or 7 trout, watching the huge Osprey flying overhead, and listening to the small waterfall that ran into the lake. He smiled and made his way, utterly content.
I think about this guy and his mindset, and think about how often I miss enjoying the "now" moments. Not worrying about work, or tomorrow, or what I am missing out doing. Just taking in the whole moment of what we are doing right then. I hope this memory sticks, and I remember to fully enjoy the small moments during this trip and after. The ones that may not seem like much at the time, but are the ones that make up our life's picture book of memories.
We rested back at the campsite for awhile and had plans to grab some more amazing burgers in Custer, and head to the local rodeo. We got to the burger joint...It was closed. We grabbed some pizza instead and headed toward the rodeo. After driving for 40 minutes we were solidly lost, thanks to google, changed plans and went to see the Crazy Horse memorial.
It is always cool to visit places late in the afternoon or early evening. There is something about the lighting of the "orange hour," that makes everything look and feel more amazing. (To put an asterisk on our opinion of Crazy Horse, we are currently reading BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE.) We started with a short film about the site and then walked around the small collection of items. This is a private memorial that has turned down public funds. That feeling is evident, and there seems to be portions of the museum that are just random stuff. However, the overall feeling I had at this memorial is one with lasting opinion. The Americans killed, directly or indirectly by sickness, close to 85% of all Native Americans. I carried a feeling a of guilt, as I walked through the memorial.
We met several people that shared there displeasure with this memorial. There were comments about the distance from the actual memorial, the lack of things to do, and even comments about the in-completion of the memorial. I disagree with that notion. I felt that the plan and dream of the project is one that is great. Yes, the items on display may be a bit quarky and not completely cohesive. Yet, the story of Crazy Horse is worth sharing, and we as Americans need to know and understand what was done to the Native Americans. We live in an amazing a country, but we ARE here at great expense and sacrifice.. A placard on the wall of the museum stated the words of Red Cloud....."They made us many promises, more than I can remember-they never kept but one. They promised to take our land and they took it."
We did end the night at a local place in Custer to eat some homemade pie and ice cream.
The Education Center (Eli in the "messy play area") and Wild Burros (Donkeys)!
And Buffalo!
And who can resist pie?!
