Rapid City ...

Our drive west to Rapid City was "white knuckle" time for Lars, as there was a lot of wind and semi traffic. It was a slow go keeping speed at 65-70. We passed up the opportunity to cruise through Wall and Wall Drug ... we never intended to stop - to many tourists ... still! (even though it was listed in his Roadside book, but had visited previously) While the east end of the state was cool when we left, by the time we hit Rapid City it had warmed up to the high 80's-low 90's. We were both a tad over dressed in our jeans and long sleeves!

Gary and Judi gave us a tour of their property in the hills. While it felt as though we had walked the entire perimeter I don't think we did one-third of it! Did spook several white tail deer as we plodded along. Joplin (Pati's dog) went in hot pursuit ... don't know what she was going to do if she caught one. They have a cozy little setting ... camper pad, fire ring and necessary firewood for a pleasant camp out.

There is also a very large clearing up top suitable for a large Morton style building "one day".

Gary celebrated his birthday the next day which required lunch out at "Sugar Shack" near Deadwood. The restaurant is reminiscent of your typical "out of the way" highway diner with a small inside dining room and an outside covered deck with picnic tables. The atmosphere is friendly and the hamburgers are huge and oh so delicious...

the "world's largest rocking chair" (AND not listed in roadside book!) is also located near the Sugar Shack ...

 The birthday celebration continued through the evening meal at Sanford's with the Schmidt/Gonzalez family ...

... where Ms. Avalen "worked" the camera!

What a cutie.