South Dakota Trip - Day 4

Woke at 0630L and had breakfast (let kids and Nicky sleep). From my research last night, found nearly all repair shops in town wouldn't open until 0800L. Drove around and ended up finding one that opened at 0730L. He put our car right on the lift and fixed the studs (and, supposedly, the flat). Luckily, had our VISA Gift Card... Picked up family at hotel around 1000L and then drove over the Fort Cody - a nearby super-souvenir store. Found some good stuff. Then drove to Ogallala to visit the historic downtown. The place had special significance because it used to be the end of the cattle drive trail from Texas. We explored a cool Petrified Rock museum and pretended the twins were having a shoot-out on the old main street. Unfortunately, one of them shot out our tire again (had to change another!!!). This is when our luck changed for the better - there was a Firestone dealer not even 200 meters away! Turns out we got a better price for four tires at that place than any of the quotes Nicky had gotten before we left on the trip. They were quick, too! Kids had enough time for lunch at A&W (next door) while I chatted with the tire guys. Felt much better after they were done - nice new tires! On the road again around 1300L - had time to stop by "Boot Hill", where the lawless and destitute were buried during the cattle drive hey-days. Later drove up US-26 and around the north side of Lake McConaughy ("Big Mac") on NE-92 - looked like a great place for swimming (on sand, beaches, no less!). Back on US-26 for awhile - saw lots of coal trains. Also saw several towns with lights/signs and gates that said to turn back (I guess for the big snow and thunder storms). Crossed North Platte River at Bridgeport and drove over to Chimney Rock. It was a cool sight - landmark on the Oregon and Mormon trails. We even saw a real wagon train on the road - heading from Iowa to Utah. What a sight! Spent a little time at the national park and then decided to head west to Scotts Bluff on NE-92. Found a National Monument there, an even more impressive trail landmark. Mollie worked on a new Junior Ranger badge and we learned a lot about the hopes/dreams and trials of the pioneers. We are so lucky to be able to drive up to the Dakotas in three days - I can't imagine how our family could make it if it took six weeks to make it from Omaha to Scotts Bluff... Getting very late - decided to hightail it north. Took NE-71 all the way. Fortunately, had food in the car and didn't have to stop. Drove through Oglala National Grassland and saw tons of cows in huge fields. Mountains coming into view, but rain started... Entered South Dakota near Ardmore and then entered Black Hills National Forest. Raining pretty hard by the time we hit Hot Springs - almost there! Switched to US-385 and drove through Wind Cave National Park. Along the way, saw several elk and deer in the middle of the road (watch out!). Arrived at Custer KOA around 2000L. Fortunately, we were able to switch from our reserved campsite to a two room cabin - the 10 C overnight temperatures (unseasonable and unexpected for the area) would make camping COOOLD... Went to bed soon after arriving - lucky we had a space heater! That's it for now: the kids will be taking over the blog while we are in the Black Hills.