South Dakota Beauty

After seeing Spearfish Canyon we headed south into Rapid City and then up to Mount Rushmore outside of Keystone.  We have stood looking at this monument to four of our Presidents several times over the years.  It never gets old.  We then drove to see what work has been done on the monument to Crazy Horse.  We had not been there in 30 years and were quite disappointed.  There is a great entrance and museum there now, which we and others enjoyed, but the monument itself looks no different than it did the first time we saw it.  That night we stayed in Rapid City, heading out the next day to see Wall Drug and then the Badlands.  We drove the scenic drive on a cloudy cold day, but our amazement was the same as if the sun had been shining.  So much to see!

After leaving the Badlands we drove across the state stopping to see the new Sacagawea statue outside Chamberlin SD.  It really was impressive.  Fifty feet high and stunning!  

                                                        

Soon we were on our way north to my sister Jan and brother-in-law Lanny's home.  We spent 2 days and three nights with them visting before heading to Minnesota to see three treasures participate in their sports activities, spending a couple days visiting with mom and dad too.  On our way home we took the back roads and stopped at the graves of my grandmother (who lived in Spearfish Canyon), grandfather and my dad.  We arrived home late in the afternoon, ending our 27 day journey with 5,022 miles added to our speedometer.

Lanny, Jan, Renee, Joel

Our thoughts return often to this trip together. With gratitude we recall so many beautiful sights in so many states.  We look at our time at Bethel Church and see God working in and through us.  We are grateful.  So grateful.