Catching Up!

June 27th: My family disappeared while I ran to hold our breakfast table...their 45 minute hike turned into a 3 hour odyssey. As I sat and stewed (and ate a pound of buffet bacon) I wondered how I would tell the rangers to go find them. Plus, upon return to my cabin I was locked out, increasing my annoyance. But after 30 minutes they returned with tales of fording creeks, balancing on logs, and great views. We were off to see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Although Mount Rushmore was truly breathtaking, I have to admit that I liked Crazy Horse more. The shear determination of one man is evident there. It's a story that compells. Plus it's just plain craziness...the kind that attracts. I loved it.

We continued to see all sorts of wildlife...buffalo, mountain goats, deer, pronghorn, burros and when we got home we let the kids play in the stream in front of the cabin and put them to bed early for a long drive.

What occurred to me as I watched the kids play in the water was how much my father was haunting me (in a good way) during this trip. EVERYTHING we have done has reminded me of him. He would have loved to see Mount Rushmore (again). He would have loved the story of Crazy Horse. The wildlife would have fascinated him. He would have been out there with the kids in the stream (with his fishing rod). Basically, this is my Dad's kind of journey.