Devil's Tower National Monument

July 16th

We woke early so we could get to Devil’s Tower National Monument by early afternoon. Belle Fourche campground, is first-come-first-serve and today is a Friday. When we arrived at the park entrance, we were horrified to see a quarter mile back up of cars and campers trying to get in. Our hearts sank. We thought that there were not going to be any sights left. When we finally arrived at the gate, we were told that there were still sights available. Phew!! Mia’s National Parks Pass also saved us the entrance fee. The campground is very nice and we have an incredible view of the Tower. Once we had settled in, we took a short hike to see Prairie Dog Town, a large field filled with, what else, prairie dogs.

July 17th

Today was going to be hot. We got up early to hike around Devil’s Tower before it was unbearable. From the campground it was 1.3 miles, almost straight up, to the visitor’s center. The views are stunning. At the visitor’s center there is a 1.3 mile hike that goes around the base of the tower. While we were doing this portion, Mia twisted her ankle. Kathy and I took turns carrying her back to the visitor’s center. Once we got there, we had to get Mia back down to the campground. The parking lot was extremely crowded. I saw a family get turned away from the trail because they had a dog with them. Dogs are not allowed on the trails. We had left Oreo in our trailer. I hatched an idea, and Kathy executed it. Kathy asked the family, if they would give her and Mia a ride back down to the campground, in exchange we would watch their dog while they enjoyed the Tower Trial hike. After talking for a few minutes, they agreed. We watched their dog, Marshall, a miniature Aussie. 30 minutes later when they were done with their hike, they gave Kathy and Mia a ride back down to the campground. I hiked back down the back side of the tower to the campground. I walked all the way around the tower twice, and never found the field where the aliens landed! The rest of the day was pretty hot, so we spent most of it relaxing in the shade. By dinner time the selling in Mia’s ankle had subsided. Tomorrow we are going to find a store to buy Mia some hiking boots with ankle support.