TOUR AMERICA 2022, MOUNTAIN VIEW RV PARK & CAMPGROUND, SUNDANCE, WY

Friday, June 3, 2022

Temperature 65 Degrees, Sun and Clouds

Devils Tower

So the original plan was to leave Custer, SD and stop here on our way to Medora, ND. Their website indicated that there was RV parking in the visitor center lot. A check of Google Earth confirmed that there were several RV sites along the curb. However, my gut was telling me that this was a bad idea. Boy oh boy am I glad I listened to my gut. When we arrived today by car I discovered that just getting through the visitor center parking lot to the RV parking would have been extremely tight. And the RV parking? A total of six spots, none big enough for a rig like ours with a toad in tow. Moreover, if you didn’t get there first thing in the morning you would never get a spot.

So off we went this morning by car. It was about a forty minute ride until we came to

The number of cars in front of us was minimal so we were through in a matter of minutes.

Our first stop as is our usual practice was to stop at the visitor center.

It was a small center but filled with numerous interesting exhibits that explained how Devils Tower came to be and so much more. I, for one, found it absolutely fascinating.

So, the first question I had was How did this tower come to be?

Now that we know how it was formed, the next question I had was How did it get its name?

So what is its name? Devils Tower? Bear Lodge? It all depends on who you are talking to.

Some interesting facts.

And did you know?

I had no idea until my trip here.

Time to get a closer look so hiking I did go. Well, more like a walk on a paved path along which I learned still more about this fascinating place.

But first, what a view from the base.

At the visitor center I learned that many people climb the tower.

On the trail I also learned that

Did you catch that? The youngest up the Tower were a 7-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy. I wonder who their parents were and what were they thinking! Then on the opposite end the oldest recorded climber was more than 90 years old!

Then I discovered these two.

One would go up to a certain ledge then rappel back down. Then the one on the bottom would go up and then rappel back down. They did this over and over again as I watched them from the base. Proof positive that people do indeed climb the Tower.

Along the way I also learned

about prayer bundles and later along the trail

I discovered prayer bundles hanging in various trees.

So that is how we spent our morning. Sightseeing and learning new and interesting facts about our countries first national monument. It was a trip well worth making. If you have never been I encourage you to make it a bucket list item.

We made one more stop before coming home and I’ll have that attraction in a future blog.

OK, once back home it was time to do what I haven’t been able to do for months. Elvira finally got a bath! Not the best, she still needs to be detailed. But at least the many layers of dirt from RV parks in the past have been washed away. I feel much better now that she is all spiffy again.

We’re moving right along on The Road of Retirement. We’re enjoying life and our time together. Moreover, we are seeing wonders and attractions that once we could only dream about getting to see. Life is good. And we as we’ve said all along we are two of the most blessed people on the face of the earth.

Thanks again for spending some time with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.

Our continuing mission remains the same: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before