Crocodiles and Snakes, Oh My!

(This is part 6 of the Black Hills vacation series. If you would like to start at the beginning, click here.)

Despite the great dinner out last night, by now I was getting a little annoyed with our accommodations. It wasn't just the horse demanding our apples, it was all the mountains of horse shit around the property, and the flies, and the smell. And the bathroom situation was really not much better than camping. I mean I do greatly appreciate the luxury of hot water (which we did have), but a pedestal sink in a closet size bathroom, for a family of 6? Frustration. And can anyone really overlook towels that smell like mildew? Gross. I was using our beach towels as bath towels, which worked out fine since it wasn't warm enough to need them for swimming anyway. The pool actually looked pretty nice. Figures.

Did I mention that I was using (kind of) sunscreen as hair conditioner because I'd forgotten to pack real conditioner? If that sounds crazy (considering that I could have bought conditioner at the market in town), you must be forgetting my story about packing. Recall my bragging to my husband that I don't forget things, because I'm such an expert packer? So could I really cave in and buy cheap conditioner at the market? Hell no, I didn't need it. Just tie that static nest into a ponytail and move on. And if you think I'm exaggerating with the nest bit, just try going 4 days with hard water and no conditioner.

Today on the agenda? Reptile Gardens and the SD School of Mines and Technology. Both of these destinations are in Rapid City, which is only about a half hour from Hill City. Reptile Gardens was much more pleasant than I imagined, mostly due to the fabulous landscaping. The snake show, alligator show and bird show were really great, and the $50+ admission was well worth it. We got a big kick out of this place!

We visited the SD School of Mines mainly because my maternal grandfather went to college there, and I was curious. We enjoyed the Museum of Geology, and found a few cute souvenirs for the kids. (The biggest kid is 10 now, and too cool for stuffed animals. Boo hiss.)

I admit I was running out of steam by now. Day 5 of vacation with 5 males. Need I say more?

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