Day 5

Today was all about adventure! After a BIG pancake breakfast, we headed back to Custer State Park for a horseback riding journey through the Black Hills. We knew that we were going to have another special day when we spotted a Big Horn Sheep on our way to the park! Unfortunately, it happened to quickly to get a picture.

At the stable we were all given our mounts. My mare was named Wild Bill, Emma hopped on Shortcake, Hamster rode Frank, Amy saddled up Mario and Dawson put the spurs to Star Dust. Everyone did an outstanding job… Emma proved to be a natural and I am afraid she might develop a taste for riding. Dawson handled a spirited Star Dust like a rodeo champion!

Once back at the KOA, we went on a Polaris Ranger Ride through the 150 miles of trails behind the park. We were told that there was a Gold Mine somewhere along the trails – I am thinking that it was more myth that fact, kind of like the American Snipe Hunt, and we fell for it - hook, line and sinker. We did find sand pit however, and Dawson and Emma explored and we (I) managed to scare my lovely wife to death with some real off-road driving! Also, we are now able to add the Coyote to the list of animals spotted…it was the size of a wolf!

Exhausted when we arrived back at the campsite we went for a swim and took showers to get some of the dirt off from the days adventures. Then we settled down to a campfire and dinner. Smores and roasted marshmallows proved to be the perfect ending to another amazing day.
PS – I keep meaning to tell you all that we did get the hot water figured out. As many of you have pointed out…there is a BIG GREEN switch that says “WATER HEATER.” A neighboring RV’ist pointed it out to us the following morning…not without a good laugh first!

PPS – I apologize for the lack of pictures…it takes about 15 minutes to download each photo. We will keep trying!!