Alpaca Finds Waterfalls in Middle America!

After a disappointing stop in Deadwood, Alpaca felt an urge to redeem himself with a scenic drive (backtracking part of the way) to two falls commonly referred to jointly as “Spearfish Falls,” Roughlock Falls (http://blackhillsphoto.com/roughlock-falls/) and Bridal Veil Falls. Lovely! Alpaca was duly impressed, having seen American waterfalls only in Hawaii and Niagara Falls.

Alpaca Takes a Gamble on Deadwood.

On the way back to the highway from Crazy Horse, Alpaca opted to stop for lunch in former Wild West town, now gambling stop, Deadwood (http://www.deadwood.org/). After failing in his attempt to find a piece of jewelry from the famous Black Hills to take back home with him, Alpaca stopped in an old fashioned saloon (which he later learned was a former house of ill repute). Lunch was mediocre at best, and Deadwood was somewhat forgettable.

Crazy Horse? Crazy Lame.

Seriously. Get it done already. After nearly 60 years, it’s still just a head and a part of a horse (http://www.crazyhorse.org/).

Alpaca Finds Mount Rushmore Monumentally Impressive!

Alpaca had yet to visit a single national park, so Mount Rushmore (http://www.nps.gov/moru/), the most famous of all, seemed to be an appropriate first. Driving to Rushmore was most of the thrill, as we would see the famous heads poking out from the mountainside through the winding roads of Highway 16. It did not disappoint.

Alpaca Is At Home in Bear Country USA!

After a long drive from Atkinson, Alpaca excitedly drove Highway 16 from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore. En route to Rushmore, we stumbled upon Bear Country USA (http://www.bearcountryusa.com/). Not one to pass up an opportunity to visit bears, Alpaca excitedly hurried in. Alpaca was first forced to suffer through other animals, some of which were shedding (including the deer that stood in the middle of the street, preventing cars from crossing, with a huge chunk of fur missing). But the bears were worth the wait – some were playing in the water, others were lounging in the shade. One bear was sleeping on his back, legs propped up against a tree. Another was sleeping on his tummy, with the bottoms of his little feet facing up (bear foot pads are hilarious, http://www.alaskasbest.com/4images/data/media/7/PolarBearB012Paw.jpg). We saw another bear rolling in the grass and scratching his back on a nearby tree (just like Yogi, http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/cartoon/images/Hanna/yogi-takesvacation.JPG). At the end, we even saw a bunch of bear cubs – cute as heck. Bear Country USA was definitely worth the stop!

Alpaca the City Slicker, Part II

The Dickau Ranch is beautiful – rolling hills, valleys, tall grass and roaming cows – and incredibly peaceful. Sunset was particularly spectacular. Uncle Edwin was nice enough to show us how hay is “baled” with these huge machines. Neat process!