Sep 15 - We have now moved out of Wyoming, leaving behind broad expanses of range land, oil patches and coal fields. On the way through, we saw great long trains of empty coal cars, heading west to fill up at a large coal mining area which we drove by, a surface mine with a visible seam that was being attacked with rigor by heavy equipment. Sad to see such massive use being made of this polluting fuel. But when you see the level of the industry, you realize that many jobs and much money is involved in this industry. No doubt there is a large lobby to keep it going.

Anyway, so be it. We passed over the border into South Dakota, and were in the Black Hills. Soon we were at the entrance of the Jewel Cave National Monument. We hadn't done a cave for some time, so decided to give it a go, and were glad we did. This cave is the third most extensive in North America, and despite 30 or 40 years of exploration and mapping, mainly by amateurs, it is still largely unmapped. We did an hour and a half tour, reaching a depth of some 350 feet below the entrance, passing through chambers large and small, narrow channels, all on safe walkways and miriad stairways. We had a good young guide, so learned a lot, and once Gail got over her nervousness, we enjoyed it. Splunkers paradise.

Shortly after leaving we ran into a group of about 20 big horns, so watched them for awhile, especially enjoying their climb up a rock face. Then to Custer, where  we found a nice r.v. park. It's in town, so we strolled along the main street, taking in the fascinating mix of motels and restaurants. This is clearly naught but a tourist town. Had a beer in a neat place called Bitter Esters Brew House, and wandered back. Tough life, you must agree! More later, as we go on to Crazy Horse's monumental mountain carving, and Mount Rushmore, with a goal of camping in Deadwood tomorrow night. Hope we don't get into a gun fight. More later. Stay tuned.