We started the day slowly, did a load of laundry, took a walk around the RV park, then started to get to know our fellow travelers. One couple from Louisiana spent their morning making up a batch of jambalaya to share with the group; it was a tasty lunch.

The orientation meeting happened mid-afternoon. It’s interesting to hear folks introduce themselves and to hear where they are from. There are a few of us from west of the Mississippi, but the majority are from the east.

We then hopped onto a bus and went into Keystone for dinner. The restaurant was made up to look like an old time saloon. We sat with a couple from upstate Wisconsin, it was fun to swap stories. Once dinner was over it was time to head to Mt Rushmore.

Thunderstorms had been in the forecast for our time there, and they arrived right on schedule. Fortunately for us they were close enough to enjoy, but far enough away that the evening lighting ceremony wasn’t cancelled. We got a little damp, but we are Washingtonians at heart.

The ceremony was moving. A ranger gave a speech about the history of the American flag and a movie was shown telling the history of the monument and of the presidents depicted. We sang the national anthem and the big lights were turned on the sculpture. At the end the ranger asked any veterans in the crowd to join her on the stage to help in lowering and folding the flag.

We go to Crazy Horse and to Custer State Park tomorrow. More then…