Rapid to Custer

 Another amazing vacation day in the books.

Actually slept really good despite all my sampling last night. But still up around 6:00. I just can't seem to sleep in! Got ready and went to The Mud Hole for breakfast. Very, very good little dive. I had the Mud Bog - eggs, potatoes, sausage, and cheese biscuit smothered in sausage gravy. Yum, Yum!!!

Back to the hotel to pack up and start the day. Went to Landstrom's Black Hills Gold Factory Outlet for their free tour. I figured it would be like the time shares where they draw you in with something free then sic their high pressure sales people on you. It was actually an awesome tour and everyone was very nice and gracious. I have a whole new appreciation for Black Hills gold. I couldn't believe all the steps and people involved in making one piece of jewelry. Each piece is truly hand made. It was also very interesting that they had special sinks with filters to collect any loose gold from washing tools or your hands. They vacuum up all the loose shavings of gold multiple times every day. It all gets sent back to the refinery to get melted back down into usable gold. No waste! No pushy sales but still had spend a little money... I would HIGHLY recommend if you are ever in Rapid!

They are a Riddles company and as Kurt got my wedding ring there I could have my ring inspected and cleaned while we went on the tour. They actually found a couple loose diamonds and fixed them while we waited.

From the factory we headed for Custer. Decided to stop in at Bear Country. I don't believe I have been before unless we went as kids. Did the drive first (so much fun with no air considering you were supposed to have your windows up) but was actually a nice little loop. We broke the rules and left our windows down except when we got close to some animals. Of course, saw lots of animals. There was even a buffalo calf that had to have been born in the last couple hours.

Walked around the little zoo area. Many of the animals were actually quite active. The wolves and baby bears were playing around in the water. I was a little jealous standing out in the sun watching them. 

I was very impressed with Bear Country, I always figured it would be a gimmicky tourist trap. The animals were quite active and all looked healthy. The enclosures were all clean and well kept up. We walked through the gift shop and although we didn't buy anything (except my penny) I was surprised that the prices were actually quite reasonable. Was a fun little stop.

Next was Sick N Twisted Brewery in Hill City. We had been here the last time we were in the Hills and they had really good pretzels and Kurt had sat outside and smoked a cigar. So we stopped again. Had a beer and Kurt had a flight and we shared some pretzel bites. Still very good! Then we sat outside and Kurt had a beer and cigar. Was a beautiful afternoon, much cooler than in Rapid.

 

Back on the road for Custer. Got into town about an hour before we could check in so drove and found the place then back to Pizza Hut for lupper. It wasn't quite as awesome as I remember but still enjoyed. Back to our VRBO home for the next three nights. Cute little place right on Main Street about a block or two from the main downtown area. Unloaded the bags, got settled, and relaxed for just a bit.

Went out to find a little hike to an overlook I wanted to check out. Just a mile long so figured a good option for this afternoon. Was a great little trail but it was a half mile of stairs or uphill. Got the heart rate going! But it was worth it. Amazing views looking back down at town.

The blue building in the middle is our VRBO!

You can just see the top of the CU of Custer in the sign below. We were just under this sign.

On our hike back down we saw a mama deer and her fawn. Didn't get the camera out fast enough to get a picture... Decided we deserved a treat and I gave Kurt the option of ice cream or a beer. He chose ice cream. Went to Horatios Ice Cream. Made the hike even more rewarding!

Back to the room for an early evening. Update my blog, watch some weird movie Kurt picked, and plan our day tomorrow.