The Tent That Refuses to Quit!

Thursday, 9/21/2023

We woke up around 6 AM after a so-so night. It was 50° and started to sprinkle just after we woke up. We waited a few minutes, but the rain picked up more, so Woody bravely got out his rain jacket and rushed to fetch all we needed to make oatmeal and coffee in our gazebo. Unfortunately, the worst of the rain was when he was outside! We had a lovely view of the lake from our tent gazebo.

Because of the thunderstorms in the forecast, we decided to forfeit our second night at Horsethief Lake National Forest campgrounds.

We had a funny experience packing up our tent for the last time on this trip. The last stake would not come up. It was totally stuck. We both pulled, wiggled, poured boiling water, pounded, bashed, and used leverage with a hammer and firewood. We even tried to break it, since the tent would not come free unless the stake came out. Finally, I got out a screwdriver and dug mud and stones out from all sides of it, and Woody gave one final pull before it finally came free! It took us 40 minutes, and by that time the sun was out. The stake was bent with the effort. I think the tent just didn’t want to quit our trip!

I was sad to leave our campsite, but with no privacy and neighbors who constantly wanted to chat, I felt like I was on a cruise ship - a one time in experience in life which I did NOT enjoy! So, we drove to Hill City and got a motel and were able to check in early. What a blessing!

We hiked around Sylvan Lake, and part of Sunday Gulch. The last time we were here in 2021 the Gulch was full of ice. This time we really loved it! Gorgeous!

We went to the Sylvan Lake Park store and bought a couple of souvenirs and postcards and had a wonderful pulled pork sandwich with smoked Mac 'n Cheese and baked beans. Delicious!

We drove the Needles Highway and took the wildlife Loop of Custer State Park. We saw a few antelope and many bison.

We added one more national park to our list by going to Wind Cave, although the cave was closed due to elevator maintenance. We saw prairie dogs and were fascinated by watching a badger hunting them. One of the prairie dogs stood there, squealing a warning to his fellow prairie dogs.

It was interesting how the landscape changed between the two parks. Wind Cave has more rolling prairie and reddish grass.

We drove back to the motel and had poor service at an expensive restaurant- taking back a cold, greasy, carry-out pizza to our room. Still, it was a wonderful day.