The day featured a good drive through the Badlands, and getting to Mt Rushmore just as the mist was starting to come in. After Mt. Rushmore we took a very windy (as in many curves) road on down to Custer, where we stopped for 8oz. buffalo burgers. As we drove on there were 2 wild turkey sightings with a total of 6 turkeys, and 5 deer sightings with a total of about 16 deer. Also saw one prairie dog up on his haunches.

Here in Edgemont the cold water runs hot - which is interesting. Staying at the Rainbow Motel - the old fashioned one story style where you drive right in front of your own entrance. Tomorrow we head for the Grand Tetons. Ruth and Dad

Rochester to Mitchell

Paul Klavano (Dad) and Ruth Klavano got away from Rochester before noon and decided to hang up their keys at Mitchell, South Dakota. It was the earliest stop of the journey. Enjoyed dinner at Perkins and a chance to view the Corn Palace. This building is redecorated every year at a cost of over $100,000. The decoration is with natural colored corn and grains grown locally.

It was the first day with no new license plates, as well as the first time for using our jackets.Interesting to observe the drainage ditches that had been dug over the last 100 years. According to the sign about 20% of Minnesota's farmland has been reclaimed from land which was too wet.

Tomorrow we head to Mt Rushmore. People at out motel reported that they couldn't even see the faces as there had been 2 inches of snow and the clouds had settled in. Hope tomorrow is better! No pictures today because the wireless in our rooms isn't working, and no downloads allowed in the lobby.

Lake Pepin is a naturally occurring lake within the Mississippi River. Steep bluffs afford beautiful panoramas of the area. A wonderful picnic spot. There are also many large and beautifully maintained older homes. Makes me think that the well-to-do must have gathered there at one time.