Rapid City

Monday, 8/23

Doris got us a rental car for the duration.  I took the coach to a Cummins shop as we're blowing black smoke on acceleration, not a good sign.  Diagnostics showed no codes (a good sign).  A new air filter was ordered as the old one is filled with very fine "stuff".  We have the replacement before we leave town.  We hope that works.

Everyone has to see Wall Drug in (ready for this?) Wall, SD.   Founded in the early '30s, business was slow in this one horse town 45 minutes east of Rapid City, the druggist/owner saw traffic zipping by and correctly decided that placing multiple signs for long distances before Wall was a good idea ... if the signs said "Free Ice Water".  No kidding.  It can be HOT here.  Business boomed beyond expectations.  in '64 (last century for you young'uns), I stopped there and found it a savior.  Car air conditioners were rare.  My '56 Ford's operated by opening windows to the outside hot air.

Today, Wall Drug, and a large portion of Wall, is an overblown tourist trap.  Black Hills Gold is sold at 50-75% discount in every conceivable retail shop ... and still way over priced, per Doris, the expert on such things.  Lunch at Wall Drug challenges the worst of the truck stops that have served me over the years.  Lunch at the competition won our vote, only to be necessarily re-digested several times before bedtime.

Sorry, no photos today.  We're trying to maintain a positive blog.