Last SD sites. Mt Rushmore and The Badlands

Yesterday busted out the last South Dakota points of interest. Only a drive by of Mt Rushmore as it was packed but took the scenic tour of The Badlands. Incredible. An ah ha moment at each turn. Hope the pictures can do it some justice. The rest of the trip was long and not very entertaining.  Stopped in Sioux Falls SD. Heading to Racine WI today to camp near Lake Michigan until Wed.

Hot Springs SD

Last day in Hot Springs SD. Had to get an oil change and tire rotation. Got to spend some time chatting with a cowboy named Matt Lanz. Interesting fellow who is actually an artist -does sculpture and paints teepees. He has a FB page called White Star studios. He also painted a teepee for the Mustang sanctuary we were at the other day. Also added  some pics of the area. It was a good visit all in all.  Oh yes.... The last pic is not for sure but it seemed at closer inspection to be someone's home.  I do believe there was some furniture and maybe a TV?  Very interesting.......

MAMMOTH SITE IN HOT SPRINGS SD

Maybe I didn't mention we are in Hot Springs South Dakota. The second interesting experience today was touring the Mammoth Site Museum. Discovered by accident about 40 years ago a rancher doing some drilling recognized the significance of the bones and deeded it to the conservatory that has paid and volunteer workers do the tedious and gentle process of uncovering over 60 Mammoth males who fell into a sink hole about 26,000 years ago. Due to earth shifting the deep and slippery pond grew tasty grasses at it's edge creating the perfect environment for hungry mammoths to feed, slip in and unsuccessfully get out. There are a few other species in there if smaller animals. Believe it's the largest site ever found on this Continent.