The Long Way Home - Independence Rock and Mt. Rushmore

Today we headed back to South Carolina. Our van is packed to the brim!

We added two more states to our list, plus we stopped to commemorate crossing the Continental Divide.

We stopped at Independence Rock in Wyoming. As the descendant of Mormon pioneers, I take great strength from the courage and faith of these people. I love to walk in their footsteps and imagine what was like for them. It's humbling to think that a journey that took them 4-6 months only takes us a few hours.

Independence Rock was one of the most famous landmarks on the trail. Pioneer knew if they reached it by July 4, they would not get stuck during winter.

We climbed up the rock and all the way around it searching for names. Some were carved more recently - unfortunately, but we still found several that were carved by the pioneers. You have to look very closely.

I took this trail to the top, which considering my fear of heights was pretty brave of me.

The views from the top haven't changed much since pioneer times.

David and kids at the top.

We stumbled across a pronghorn with her two babies. 

We even got to see them nurse.

I think this one looks like "K Bayles."

Gravesite of three little children.

Can you see the bunny?

We were able to see Mt. Rushmore lit up at night. There was hardly anyone there. It was very cool to see.

After 12 hours on the road, we arrived exhausted at our hotel. The front office closed at 10 p.m. so they left an envelope with my name taped to the front door. Our room is tiny, but cute. Tomorrow we will head to Nebraska and more pioneer sites. We are enjoying this trip, but we are all ready to get home.