Burn Baby Burn

It is Tues. Night and boy have we had an incredible 24 hours - incredible as in crazy. Our problems started when we couldn't find a hotel (we are not married to careful planners) so we rode all over Rapid City SD - we did find a room at the 9 story Radisson in downtown Rapid City. (Our room was on the 8th floor). We got settled in, ordered pizza and went to bed only to be stunned into consciousness at 3:40 AM by an alarm sounding telling us an emergency situation was occurring on our floor - please leave the building but do not use the elevators. So Tina & I made certain we had on foundation garments under our PJs and headed down the stairwell with our families and every person over 70 on this side of the Mississippi River. There were also 2 tour bus loads of Asians in the hotel so there we all went. Upon arriving at bottom of the stairs and walking out into the open Tina and I discovered that we were underdressed for the occassion. Seems MOST people sleep in the nude and get dressed or go to bed with their high heels and party dresses on. There were panicky Chinese and sleepy children all over the place along with the Lawrence Welk aged group and of course US. While Tina and I proudly stood in our PJs, we discovered that Jeff had worn his shirt wrong-side out or perhaps this is a "fire tradition" we are not aware of. One - yes One - brave firefighter went into the hotel only to return moments later and report to Thad. Thad then came to us with an official "fireman report" - Jeff asked what the fireman told him. Thad's reply was "Nothing". We then realized that in Jeff's haste to put his shirt on backwards, he forgot to get the room key. He quickly got it replaced but much to our dismay, we realized that there were hundreds of Elderly and Chinese trying to return via the elevator. Thinking quick on our feet, we took the stairs. 8 Flights - Jeff carried Emianna who informed him somewhere around the 6th floor "This is great exercise". We had to pause before proceeding to our rooms. Tina slept about 2 hours while I watched the dead but bright city below for about 2 hours before returning to bed. We now know that daylight begins its appearance in Rapid City at about 4 AM. But moving on, we got up today and got breakfast then went to see "The Heads" (Mt. Rushmore) - There maybe a mountain there, but I don't think it is fair to ask visitors to pay then expect them to take 9,245 steps to get to it. We were all less fortunate than Tina, who had her "grippers" on so the toll on our not so young bodies is being felt. Upon leaving Rapid City, Jeff was pulled over by officer friendly who told him he had a tail light out. Jeff began an epileptic seizure for fear he may have to remain in a South Dakota pen. Emianna was also somewhat concerned but began snacking and quickly released worrying about her dad. No ticket was issued just a warning and we left Rapid City as "Rapidly" as possible. Of course, we know our luck should get better (Ha!) Anyway we saw Devil's Tower, which , hold on, involved more steps and climbing. Tina and I have decided to immediately see our doctors upon returning home because we feel near death. Staying at a lovely hotel tonight in Wyoming (they have promised us no fire drill) with a bunch of coal workers. There is a lovely aroma in the elevators which Jeff says reminds him of a Lionel Train Set he had when he was small. Had fun, most importantly, stayed safe but sore and tired. Looking forward to seeing more of Wyoming. PS - I personally think it was the old Chinese guy who pulled the hotel fire alarm, but I'm just guessing!!