We defaced a National Monument...

We arrived at the ranch late on Thursday, the 3rd so have not had internet access since.

Ian woke up on the 3rd saying he had a tummy ache but seemed to be OK. So we went ahead with our plans and checked out of the campground. We drove south of Rapid to Hot Springs and went to Wind Cave (rated very well by that book you bought Ian). Ian continued to say he wasn't feeling well but said he felt good enough to go on the cave tour. We barely got into a tour and sat through the orientation. "Please go to the bathroom now and eat/drink because this tour is 90 minutes and there are no facilities in the cave. Plus, do not touch, spit, or leave ANY kind of human touch in the cave as it will permanently alter the cave" -- that was the speech.

So we headed down into the cave...we were in the cave about 15 minutes when Ian, in my arms says, "dad..." then URP! and he threw up all over the cave wall. Then again and again. So much for leaving no human waste in the cave. He and I headed back to the entrance but about go lost with all the twists and turns (120 miles of cave), plus he started crying, "I want to see the cave dad! I'll feel better!" So we found our way back to the back of the tour group.

I carried him all 90 minutes, 452 stairs, and 5+ miles. He laid his head on my shoulder with his eyes open and would whisper in my ear, "that's awesome looking dad."

I kept thinking about the fact that we defaced a National Treasure with puke...

We skipped the Woolly Mammoth dig after that, with a promise to try and do it on the way home, and headed for the ranch...