My Windows Are Rolled Down: The Circle of Life- Rapid City

Thursday morning started off with a steady rain. Luckily, I had gotten most of the outdoor activities done the day before. Excitingly, my day of adventures started at Super Lube to get an oil change. As boring as that might sound, that means I have officially driven 3,000 miles from the beginning of my trip! So, actually, kind of cool.

Driving to the big rocks with big faces the day before, I noticed Bear Country, U.S.A. and because I was on a time schedule (in my own head), I drove by it. But not, today! Bear Country, U.S.A. is a drive-thru wildlife park. "Windows up and doors locked at all times, for your safety, as cute as the animals may be," they said at the front gate. And freaking cool and cute most of these animals were. Among the animals were wolves, coyote, lynx, bighorn sheep, elk, reindeer, foxes, Black and Grizzly bears, just to name a few.

The clouds and rain went away just as I got to Babyland. Baby Black bears.... I was really difficult not reaching into their enclosure and bringing one home.

As cute as all the animals were, it made me sad that they were locked up. The larger animals, not in Babyland, had a huge, natural range range where they were free to roam, but it still made me sad. Also, I was sad that I couldn't have a cub.

Moving on! Next up, Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns, home to the largest dog spar crystals, I believe in the world. After Chicago's Willis Tower "hike" up 1,353ft, down extremely steep, slick steps I went 280ft down to see the historical caverns. Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a fear of falling. Like, slipping and falling so going down steps that could not have been more than six inches wide was really big for me. Maybe not for other people, but I gave myself a high-five at the bottom. Also, above ground, the air temperature was probably 65 to 70 degrees. In the caverns, the temperature was roughly 35-40 degrees. Chilly!

By the way, these are dog spars.

My last stop of the day was a strange one. Every tourist site and the concierge at my hotel suggested I go to the Call of the Wild Exhibit. It sounded interesting. What was even more interesting was the fact that the exhibit was in a gas station. Like I said, a strange experience....