Goodbye to the Badlands

 April 25 – May 3, 2021

Left the Badlands today, already can't wait to come back. So much more to explore there in the ever changing beauty. 

As a farewell, the buffalo and prairie dogs were out in great number and closer to the road so we could get a good look at them. What an amazing send off.

Of course, if you are in that area it is a given to stop at Wall, SD, home of Wall Drugs, which is a true tourist area of an old style look. Shops, Restaurant, and a gazillion Billboards along the road advertising their 5 cent coffee. Was to busy for us to go into any of the businesses but we did walk around a bit before heading onward.

Darling Library at Wall, SD

Headed to Box Elder, SD to take care of some personal business there. We are now considered residents of this great state. According to our government, everyone needs to have an address of domicile, SD makes this super easy for Fulltime RVers, hence so many SD license plates in campgrounds around the country. Technically, we don't even have to come back for five years, but I have a feeling it will be sooner than that as I fell in love with the south west part of this state.

Stayed at Americas Mailbox RV Park as that is where our mail service is and it is with their help that we became residents. The campground is nondescript, not the kind you spend a lot of time at. Go do your business and head to the next place. The staff wonderfully helpful. Spent two days there, stopped in Rapid City to rent a car. 

Then moved on to Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA just outside of Hot Springs, SD. Settled in for a week of playing tourist and relaxation.

Great Campground, well laid out but careful of some of the sites, there are several that are very uneven. Fortunately, ours was good and didn't take much to get her level. They had just reopened for the season so the place was quiet, got to chat with several of the staff there. It is owner operated by a great couple and the rest of the staff have been coming back to work there for several years. The facilities kept very clean, laundry, and had a great store, having most needs covered. In the warmer weather, there is a pool and community area where special events are held. Very typical KOA. One of the things I like about KOA is the consistency of service and what you can expect. There are exceptions of course, and some rather pricey, but most are a good value. We had a great time at the campground and exploring the area.

Custer State Park is nearby so spent a lot of time there as the scenic way to several sites are through the park. Knowing ahead of time there were many places we wanted to go is why we rented a car for the week. On two of the roads there are these very narrow, very low tunnels (one is just under nine feet high and nine feet wide) to go through as well as twisty turny curves, many switchbacks, with several what are called pigtails. Pigtails are sections that spiral around and down (or up) just like a spiral staircase or Pig's Tail. Not RV friendly LOL. Hairy enough in a car! Tried to get some photos but once again they do not do it justice.

Will write about some of our adventures in next post.

Til then enjoy Custer State Park Scenic Drives

TA