Wow!  Seven-plus weeks already.  In some ways it seems like we just started our journey and are still on vacation; in other ways it seems like we've been on the road much longer.  We've only been to four states since we left Washington, and already we've seen and experienced so much!

After leaving the national parks region in Wyoming, we discovered things about this state that we were unaware of - - like, if there is any doubt about the status of the Pronghorn Antelope, I can tell you that they are definitely NOT endangered!  They are everywhere; in herds as well as lots of single animals off by themselves (Jerry presumed those that were alone were either naughty or have bad Pronghorn karma).  Another first for us was to see, first hand, the miles and miles of coal mines in Wyoming, as well as the dozens of coal trains going to and from the mines, not only in Wyoming, but in South Dakota and Nebraska as well.  We've seen so many of those trains we actually lost count!

The 4th of July was spent in Gillette where we attended our first Escapee's RV Club gathering.  There were nearly 600 RV's parked/camped at the big event center there, and the city's fireworks display was held within yards of the campground.  Thought that might be pretty special to have a 'front row' seat,  where we could get some great photos, however, at the very minute the fireworks started, a thunderstorm hit right over us, and we had to run for cover.  The booms and crashes from the lightning, thunder, heavy rain and the fireworks, all at the same time, was a little scary.    Actually shook the trailer.  What was more unusual was the fact that the thunder, lightning and downpour ceased at the exact same time the fireworks ended.  I think Ma Nature was sending us a message!  No sure what the message was, but decided NOT to ask:).

We had some real 'firsts' in South Dakota (that's Dakooota if you're talking to a 'local').  In the Black Hills, we just 'had' to travel the Needles Highway - - not once but twice, to get just the right shots.  WHAT was I thinking????  The picture below shows the part of the road called the "Needle Eye", and yes, that is a truck pulling a travel trailer going through - - and yes, he did damage his trailer!  Once you are on the road, there is no way to turn back - - it goes right through those rocks.  I was two days trying to lose the pucker!  My co-pilot and navigator was VERY quiet; in fact, he has just started talking again!!

The Crazy Horse Monument also gave us pause.  Had no idea that when finished, the sculpture will be the largest in the world, and that a sculpture the size of Mt. Rushmore could fit in the head of the completed Crazy Horse carving.  The picture below shows a small scale model of what the finished Crazy Horse sculpture will look like, with the unfinished carving in the background.  You can see the horse's head outlined on the mountain where it will be when completed.  Amazing!  Also amazing was the SD Badlands.  What a treat to see!

We also experienced a real-life South Dakota thunderstorm, complete with golfball-sized hail.  What a treat that was!  Thought someone was target practicing INSIDE the trailer.  Luckily, the size of the hail diminished to pea-sized stones very quickly, and we did not have any damage (although the manager of the RV park had damage to her car!)

Anyone out there reading this know about 'cow clots'???  That is what we started calling it when we came upon a huge field with lots of cattle all huddled together, for no apparent reason.  Well, I am sure the cattle have a reason, but they're not sharing!  They do not seem to be eating or drinking - - just standing VERY close to each other with no space in between.  Maybe it's a South Dakooota cow thing - - just curious to the uninformed traveler.

Signs have been a source of laughter to us as well - - saw my first "Turtle Crossing" warning sign, and in Nebraska, the ever popular "DJEET YET?" sign on a little quick-stop cafe.  We also saw the craziest monument in Nebraska - - a private family built a full-sized replica of England's Stonehenge to honor their late father.  Except instead of stones, they built it out of old cars - - seriously!    Named it 'Carhenge'.  It's even listed on all the visitor brochures.  (Jerry decided that after visiting this, the next stop would have to be to see the world's largest ball of string:).   The locals told us that people come from all over the world to see this.  Really?

Speaking of Nebraska, I was surprised to find out it isn't flat - - but does have miles and miles and miles of corn fields.  In the picture, taken near Scottsbluff, the green in the valley below is all corn.  We also heard our first Locust song the day we arrived here.  Locals tell us that when you hear the Locust sing, the first frost is six weeks away.  (Probably the same 'locals' that told us that 'Carhenge' is world-reknowned:)  They also have lots of cactus and Yucca plants growing wild in Nebraska.  Who knew?
Lots of history here also - - the Oregon trail runs along the North Platt River valley where we're staying.

We're off to Cheyenne and Laramie WY tomorrow, then on to NW Colorado.  Looking forward to some more hot springs soaks in Glenwood Springs, visiting my brother and Jerry's cousin, and lots of exploring before heading into Utah.

Oh, by the way, we're still 'out west', which we traveled 'east' to find.  The way I know that is that my trusty navigator has 'hisself' all decked out in 'kaboy' attire now, and looks quite dashing.  Started wth the hat, and went south from there - - all the way down to the belt and boots. . . .

More later.

Lynne