August 19-22, 2017
RU Lost RV Park Nemaha, Nebraska with a visit to Barada, Nebraska

RU Lost RV Park only had 7 spaces but open and so pretty. Owners Colleen & Jim were so friendly, taking us for a walk around their property and showing off their beautiful garden.

While we were there we went down to the river in Brownville and had dinner on the paddle boat “Spirit of Brownville”. Nice ride on the river having dinner and drinking a little, what else, beer.

We also took a trip to Barada, Nebraska where my great great Grandfather, Antoine Barada, lifted that famous boulder and established a town. He and his wife are buried there. We found their grave sites and “The Rock” had a nice commemorative plaque on it. We stopped in Falls City on the way and found a street name “Barada” …. Go figure!

The main reason for the visit to Nemaha was to see the total eclipse. We had cloud cover for the first half so not really a good photographic opportunity, but we did get to see the total eclipse and the eerie total darkness.

Custer Park .... Mount Rushmore ..... Crazy Horse

Next stop was Heatland RV Park in Hermosa...our base for Custer Park, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse. First we drove through Custer State Park. We took the wild life loop and we were so excited to see a herd of 6 bison. We stopped and watched them and took lots of pictures so happy we got to see them, then we went a couple miles up the road, turned the corner and WOW there was a herd of bison over 100 strong. Took our breath away.

Along the wildlife loop we also saw some very friendly burros/donkeys, prairie dogs, and antelope:

We then took The Needle Hwy with beautiful views of the mountains around Mount Rushmore. There were two tunnels carved through the rocks and one was 8 feet 6 inches, huge, compared to the last one we went through which was only 8 feet 4 inches...THE TRUCK IS 8 FEET WIDE!!!!!! We took it slow and made it through only to find someone taking a Go Pro video of us. Beautiful drive, however, as is the whole park.

Made it to Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore....both were amazing. Mount Rushmore was awe inspiring and I'm so glad we finally made it there. We went during the day and then drove back to see it at night with the lighting ceremony. They do a special tribute to all those who have served and invite past, present, and family of those lost on stage to salute them and thank them for their service.
Crazy Horse:

Mount Rushmore:

While we were there we were having problems with the toilet so low and behold there was a Camping World just north of Rapid City. Drove up got the toilet went on to see Sturgis and then on to Deadwood for lunch. Toilet was in that night so we were back in business.
Sturgis and Deadwood:

Went to Hill City and the Alpine Inn for dinner....a must while you are in the area. They only have 2 entries but one is a bacon wrapped filet mignon and homemade desserts to dive for.

Loved the country around Custer and Mount Rushmore......we will definitely go back when we can stay longer.