Day 3
6/2/2025
Hill City to Mystic and back
Stats: 30 mi. AIS: 3:13 Elev. 1528 Avg. Speed: 9.2 mph
for days 1-3
Short drive into Hill City this morning to the trailhead. We were the first to arrive at 8am but people rolled in shortly after. We had our earliest departure at about 8:30 but Jim did a short backtrack to make sure he parked the van. He does this when he leaves home too… did I close the garage door? Does anyone else do this?? We laugh about this often.
We were quickly out of Hill City. On the outskirts there were lots of cabins from new modern to more modest to really old.
Stopped at trail historical marker to read about the geology of the Black Hills. Looking back gave us a great view of Harney Peak. 7242’. It’s the tallest mountain in the hills.
Harney Peak 7242 feet.
Beautiful granite mountains
The tunnels along the trail were 4 in all. 2 yesterday and 2 today. On our way back today Jim was in the tunnel and met 2 others coming in the opposite direction. I had warned them he might be in the tunnel as they headed in. They did meet inside!
Old mine tailings at Mystic were below the trail
This was a big wall along the trail
on the return ride
Today’s ride was about 8 miles uphill, then a 7 mile fast down to Mystic. And repeat going back…7 up and 8 down. Broken up into ups and down made today’s ride a lot easier. And it was shorter. We had a little rain shower on the way back but we were prepared for some rain.
Finished the ride just in time as the storm system rolled in and the temperatures dropped. Looking for puffy jackets, pants and socks!
Having taken care of tasks and being early afternoon we took the short drive (8 miles) to “The Faces”! The monument itself hasn’t changed but the monument development certainly has! Massive parking garage and queues for types of vehicles, big flag display, brand new gift shop and food/restaurant. Now there are trails around the monument and the old housing is now some other park building. I was told the employees are now shuttled back and forth to housing some 3 miles away. It wasn’t very busy so it was a pleasant visit. The cold temps caught most people off guard. It was 48 degrees compared to 85 yesterday!
Did I tell you the portable shower is garbage? It doesn’t work as intended anymore. Yesterday was bucket showers more or less. So today we bought a new one to give a try. It’s gravity powered rather than pumping air pressure. We shall see…. It’s made by Coughlan and I swear by their clothesline so I have high hopes.
Got their priorities straight. Had a beer patio in the back of the store.
Bought the portable shower in this store in Custer.
Returned to Custer with the intention of taking a real shower. We stopped at the local YMCA for a day pass. We both had the locker room to ourselves. Great hot shower… felt so good. The building was a very old log building.
This made me chuckle
Tonight we are back to Oreville Campground. Very, very quiet here tonight. Just a few campers. Not sure if it’s cold weather scary people away but the beginning of the busy tourist season is probably 2-3 weeks away. I can tell you that this area is ready and can accommodate so many visitors!
cinnicrew 
Still riding the Trek 520?
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Albanos! Hopefully here’s a little inspiration before your next climb!
Going Down Hill on a Bicycleby Henry Charles Beeching
A Boy’s Song
With lifted feet, hands still,I am poised, and down the hillDart, with heedful mind;The air goes by in a wind.
Swifter and yet more swift,Till the heart with a mighty liftMakes the lungs laugh, the throat cry:—”O bird, see; see, bird, I fly.
“Is this, is this your joy?O bird, then I, though a boy,For a golden moment shareYour feathery life in air!”
Say, heart, is there aught like thisIn a world that is full of bliss?’Tis more than skating, boundSteel-shod to the level ground.
Speed slackens now, I floatAwhile in my airy boat;Till, when the wheels scarce crawl,My feet to the treadles fall.
Alas, that the longest hillMust end in a vale; but still,Who climbs with toil, wheresoe’er,Shall find wings waiting there.
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Albanos! Hopefully here’s a little inspiration before your next climb!
Going Down Hill on a Bicycleby Henry Charles Beeching
A Boy’s Song
With lifted feet, hands still,I am poised, and down the hillDart, with heedful mind;The air goes by in a wind.
Swifter and yet more swift,Till the heart with a mighty liftMakes the lungs laugh, the throat cry:—”O bird, see; see, bird, I fly.
“Is this, is this your joy?O bird, then I, though a boy,For a golden moment shareYour feathery life in air!”
Say, heart, is there aught like thisIn a world that is full of bliss?’Tis more than skating, boundSteel-shod to the level ground.
Speed slackens now, I floatAwhile in my airy boat;Till, when the wheels scarce crawl,My feet to the treadles fall.
Alas, that the longest hillMust end in a vale; but still,Who climbs with toil, wheresoe’er,Shall find wings waiting there.
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Love all the photos Suzy. I thought MT Rushmore was very well organized. The trails to view it were terrific. It was also very clean for so many people viewing it.
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