South Dakota Trip - Day 10

I'll take it from here, kids! Huge thunderstorms all night long (close!)... Woke up at 0730L and started packing. When I finally had a chance to take a shower, the bathrooms were all flooded from the rain and septic tank backup - glad we were leaving... Drove over on US-16 and SD-36 to SD-79 (saw a few signs of wildlife, but never did get to see the big bison herd - too bad). As we arrived at I-90, tried to find a roadside memorial to William Coogan (not a relative) - a man killed by Indians during the Black Hills Gold Rush (1876). I had learned of it before the trip and wanted to get a good photo. Luckily, a Boy Scout had put a sign on the site as his Eagle Scout project. Unluckily, Rapid City decided to re-design the exit on/off ramp system and we were cut off from the monument. It took a little while to figure out how to get close after Nicky first spotted it... Well worth the effort, though. Drove east on I-90 and stopped at Wall Drug. Hadn't been there since 1984, but remembered it as a fun stop. After eating a buffalo meat buffet, we explored the stores and photo spots ("Backyard"). Kids enjoyed the huge "Jackelope" and scary big T-Rex that looked like it was trying to eat people as it made a big racket. Next stop was Badlands National Park (used SD-240). It was very windy but warm and clear for the visit. After looking at some of the rock formations, took a dirt road to see the local bison herd and had some better luck - one came right up next to the car and rolled around in the mud (cool!). Also saw a HUGE prairie dog town. Made it to the visitor's center in time for Mollie to do one more Junior Ranger book. We learned a lot about the wildlife and rocks - very interesting. On the way back to I-90, spotted the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (too bad, closed). Still, learned a lot from the outdoor displays... On the interstate again, continued towards our hotel in South Dakota. Lost an hour as we drove (Central Time). Crossed the Missouri River around 1900L. Dinner at Arby's a short time later, just before we stopped for the night. We then checked into our hotel (Mitchell Holiday Inn Express & Suites) - it was super-big and it had a Water Park (!) inside.  Too bad it closed right after we got there... Found out we wouldn't be able to get together with Trish, Terry and the girls tomorrow after all (too bad). Managed to get everyone to bed around 2200L - whew!