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Hot Springs Public Library (Sandstone Architecture)
Hot Springs was not named for its climate (it reaches -30◦ in winter), but rather for the thermal waters that pour from nearby springs. You couldn’t prove that by us, however. We arrived late Wednesday in the low 90s; yesterday it hit 99◦and it is now 104◦. We’re not complaining because we know it is devilish hot in many parts of North America and, at least, the humidity is bearable here. Nonetheless, it is has limited our active exploits.
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IRAM's Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is 11,000 acres strong and supports over 600 horses. The “tour” is a two hour bus (old school bus) ride through the property and there were packs of horses here and there. They don’t appear too wild, probably because they are fed oats and/or hay daily, but the idea is a good one and the price of admission buys a bale or two. I would recommend this to horse people; the rest of us can take a pass or make a donation.
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| Wild Horse Sanctuary Petroglyph |
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Sun Dance Tree Still Used
by Lakota Sioux |
At the opposite end of our experiences was Wind Cave. It’s a National Park and is the 5th longest cave in the world (136 miles). Apparently it has geological anomalies that have the scientists stumped. It’s mostly a dry cave, which means that the stalactites and stalagmites are missing. In their place are boxworks, geologic frost, and popcorn formations.
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| Wind Cave Boxwork |
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| Wind Cave Frost |
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| Wind Cave Popcorn |
Our tour took us in near the natural entrance (an 18 inch opening and the only one large enough for a person to negotiate!) Over the course of the tour we descended 180 feet, mostly on CCC-built concrete steps from the 1930’s. A high speed elevator takes small groups back to the top. The cameras clicked and clicked but in this environment only the eye can record this beauty without special equipment. Ninety minutes at 53 degrees on a 100 degree day only added to the pleasure!
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| Wind Cave Natural Entrance |
At 180 feet underground we spotted a tall slender 16 year old male with a McDonogh Lacrosse sweatshirt on. Yes, he and his buddy both play for McD (the school currently attended by our grandchildren and from which both their parents graduated)!! The boys’ Moms teach in McD’s middle school. Small world.
The grass-fed filet mignon from Brattis was excellent; you could cut it with a fork. Tonight we are having cold grilled chicken and a new variation on Pat’s French potato salad. Because there are no green beans to be found, peapods will take their place. And the addition of fresh thyme to the French vinaigrette, along with basil, (both from our mobile herb garden) provide an excellent new twist. Try it.
Tomorrow we have a short move up to Custer where we will remain for the next week. The campground here has been great: shade from ponderosa pines and no mosquitoes means that dining al fresco has been possible each evening.
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