Jewel Cave National Monument

This is our third time to the Black Hills area. This time we went to visit Jewel Cave National Monument. Jewel Cave is the third longest cave in the world. Wind Cave, just down the road, is the sixth longest. I wonder if continued exploration will show a connection some day. Mammoth is the longest in case you're wondering. Of course, just about every cave tour on which we've been, the tour guide says that the cave is not fully explored. 

Unlike Wind Cave, Jewel Cave is a mix of dry and wet. It's the wet portion that provides the stalactites and stalagmites with which most people associate with caves. I think it also adds more color as minerals are deposited. 

We signed up for the scenic tour. The Wild Caving Tour requires one to fit through an 8.5" x 24" crawl space. That's not us. No refunds if you sign up and then don't fit through the test block either. Regardless of the tour, you must wear enclosed shoes. Those athletic sandals will not pass muster. Ask us how we know.

The tour has a lot of steps, 734 according to the national park service. There were a lot of ups and downs to see the different areas. We did enjoy the tour and the 49° temperature in the cave. 

There are so many things to see in the Black Hills area. It's nice to have a month to do things at a leisurely pace.  We were glad to add yet another new experience.

Lots of color

Crystals

Soda Straw

Bacon

Up...again

Where Are We Going Next?

Foosh on the Fourth

I had been eyeing the Black Hills Roundup as something to do over the Independence Day holiday. I don't particularly like late nights, and Belle Fourche (pronounced foosh) is a little over an hour away. The rodeo on the last day of the roundup is held in the afternoon. I wasn't sure I cared for being out in the heat, but we decided to go anyway.

We went early enough to watch the parade through town. Governor Noem and Lt. Governor Rhoden were near the front as well as Miss South Dakota. We both found it interesting that Belle Fourche High School had several floats of alumni classes in the parade. It's a big weekend for reunions. Horses, not tractors, took center stage in this area. We saw a couple of horse-driven stagecoaches as well as a hearse. Here's a hint for those participating in parades on a hot day. Forget the candy, go for a watergun! 

After a lunch at a local burger joint where we chatted with BFHS 1982 alumni, we headed to the fairgrounds. We had purchased front row seats for the rodeo. Oh yeah! We could hear the snorts from the horses and the thundering of the hooves. What a way to celebrate America. I can't imagine the long hours, the determination, the dedication, the falls, and the injuries it takes for these cowboys and cowgirls to do what they do. We were impressed. Chances are good that we'll be back another year. Great faces, great places - just like the South Dakota tourism advertises.

Not too many of these around unless you're in Amish country

Gotta smile!

It's a ...

Not sure who had more fun

Yep, those are real

From the parade to the arena

Team roping

Got the head, now for the two hind feet

My legs and back would not like that at all

Calf scramble...first two to return the ribbon on the tail win cash

Charro style...Tomas on Hollywood

Barrel racing

Roping

Bull riding

Where Are We Going Next?