I think the fewest days to make the trip worthwhile is 4. In the past, because of work schedules, we've left in the evening after work, driven most of the way that night. Arrived before noon. Climbed that day and the next day. Climbed in the morning of the 3rd day and then driven home arriving in the Twin Cities around midnite. Now that's possible and it's tiring. So adding one more day makes it more relaxing. It's likely we'll get one day of cold or wet weather, so that's another good reason to add an extra day. It's about 10-11 hour drive from here to there. 2 or more drivers make it more pleasant.
All that said, when? Here's a monthly temperature for Custer, SD which is close to Rushmore. Sylvan Lake area and the Needles are about 800 feet higher than Custer, so a little colder. It appears as though the average temps are in the 60s - which is fine for climbing. It's better to go later than earlier. But let's pencil in some dates around the weekends of May 2nd or May 9th. If you have more weekday flexibility, then we can arrange some other date. I know May 11th is Mother's Day. If you're going and you're a Mother, what a great gift. If you need to spend that day with your Mother, we can't go that weekend.
For fun I looked at the 5 day forecast for Custer for this week. It's about the same as here. And they're 5000 feet high!
1 comment:
I'll drive the mini-van, that's what it's made for! Maybe we could leave on a Thursday at 1:30? Unless we have to wait for some to finshi work. How about May 1st-5th. Who can do it.
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