The Thrill is Gone, but the Chill Remains

We woke up this morning and there was frost on the ground, (and the picnic table); the thermometer read 29 degrees. I went to the outdoor spigot and … nothing. Third night in a row of near or below freezing temperatures, and yesterday it never got above 45 degrees. Perhaps “blue” hills is more apt to describe this part of South Dakota. Undeterred, we drove into Rapid City to replace one of the car remotes, which had died, then back to the Black (blue) Hills to gather up our hiking gear and tackle the tallest mountain east of the Rockies – Mt. Harnley, (also the tallest peak in South Dakota).

Under mostly cloudy skies and a brisk wind, with the thermometer reading a balmy 45 degrees, we set off from the Sylvan Lake trailhead. Rising fairly evenly over the three and a half miles, the trail opened up from time to time to incredible views of the Black Hills and surrounding plains. We were sprinkled with “dippin dots” snow on several occasions, not enough to deter us, but enchanting in an annoying sort of way.

The summit had been used as a fire-watch tower, and imagine our surprise when we turned the last bend in the trail to find steps, then walls, then railings, then an aluminum stairway, a nice little entry garden, and finally a stone watch-tower with a wonderful south-facing veranda. The Black Hills sort of spring up out of the Dakota plains, not unlike the flatirons, so the views encompassed the south half of the Black Hills and beyond to the surrounding plains.

More snow on the return, and a quick trip to the general store for “driving donuts” and ice, then showers in the unheated common bathroom, and laundry. Tonight’s dinner is fresh buffalo burgers on the grill (not that fresh), and free ice cream at the lodge!