A one night stop in Lyman, South Dakota which halfway between East and West Nowhere on I-90 in 100 degree heat was expected to be a quick in and out on our way to Custer South Dakota. When we arrived, our surge protector generated an error when we plugged in, not good when you want to run your air conditioners at full speed. The camp staff was somewhat accommodating after two tries and we leveled and settled into our site.
There were strong storms threatening the whole I-90 corridor that day and Mike drove in 20 mph winds most of the day. We were hot and exhausted and hoped to eat dinner at Hutch's Cafe and Lounge for a down home cooked meal, Mike had researched this place. Upon inquiring about places to eat in the area, we were informed that Hutch's was already closed for the day but Jet Lanes bar was open and it was "wing" night. Who could resist "wing" night? We ventured to downtown Lyman, about 5 buildings total. Jet Lanes had a hoppin' bar and restaurant with 5 darkened bowling alley lanes.
We had wings and a killer burger and quite enjoyed the atmosphere of this small town bar/bowling alley/casino in the middle of nowhere. There were some violent thunderstorms most of the night, so we did not get much rest in Lyman.
Lack of sleep be damned, we departed early and I drove the Jeep separately for about 2 1/2 hours as we planned to stop at the famous Wall Drug on our way into Custer. The story of Wall Drug is folklore and the billboards along I-90 suck you right in to their little tourist trap in the middle of nowhere.
We found the RV parking with some help from some locals and spent about an hour wandering around and sampling Wall Drug donuts. We were told by folks in Sioux City that the donuts weren't to be missed, they were right.
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| Mandatory silly pic with a Jackelope. |
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| The donuts were definitely worth the stop. |
After another fuel stop, we began to really see and feel the rolling hills as we entered Rapid City, SD on our way to Custer. After one particularly sweeping set of curves, our freezer drawer on the bottom of our refrigerator decided to come open. As Mike was driving, I tried to go back and shut it, something had caused it to stick open. We would have to wait to get to the campsite to fix it in about 20 minutes, not ideal.
Arriving at Fort Welikit, Mike nestled Ruth among the Black Pines and we set up for a nice long stay in Custer. The campground is rustic, but close to town and on the road to Custer State Park. Right away we had to address the freezer drawer. Mike was able to fix it rather quickly and we were able to start enjoying our time in Custer.
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| Fort Welikit in the Black Hills of South Dakota |
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| Triple towing the 5th wheel and side-by-side. |
There was so much to see and do and we got right to it. We explored Custer National Park, the Needles Highway, downtown Custer, Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore monuments and ended each day marveling at the sights we'd seen by the campfire.
With the right permits Custer allows side-by-sides to be driven just about everywhere. The weather was cooperative enough for us to take the side-by-side around the 18 mile wildlife loop within Custer Park. We were treated to several sightings of prairie dogs, buffalo, the begging burros and even a big horn sheep.
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| Following the trails using an app, technology is great |
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| Lynn out directing Mike over the cattle bridge |
There is so much beauty in this area that no matter what activity you choose, you will be rewarded with beautiful, unspoiled scenery. My amateur photography cannot do it justice. A hike to Cathedral Spires and around Sylvan Lake provided some much needed exercise without wheels.
We sampled the fare at a few local restaurants, and we shared good food, fun and laughs cooking at the campground too.
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| Steak night at campground |
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| Patty melt at Sugar Shack, Deadwood, SD |
It was a terrific week and great to catch up with family during our trip. We will be on our own in Custer until 6/28.
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