Harney Peak

Harney Peak is the highest point east of the Rockies and west of the Pyrenees in Europe.  Steve was going to do this hike alone, or with the big girls, but I convinced him that we should do it together.  Originally, he was going to hike on Sunday after the Ramseys left, but everyone was tired after much frolicking with friends, so we decided to go on Monday as a family.  Although there seems to be some conflict about exactly how long this hike is (some signs say 6 miles while some say 7), I'm leaning more towards 7 miles.  Steve carried Genna, and I carried Jake, and we're both sore!  The girls did awesome!  We finished the hike in four and a half hours, and that includes a long stop at the top to enjoy the view, eat a snack, feed the boy, change his diaper, and explore.  So glad we did this hike as a family, even though it kicked my butt!

Beautiful Sylvan Lake at the trailhead

You can see the lookout from the beginning of the hike.

It was a gorgeous day for a hike.

The end as we approach the lookout.

Genna had it easy on the way up though you'd never know from the look on her face...waking up is hard to do!

The castle-like lookout at the top

The Black Hills are so beautiful!

The Needles as framed in the window of the lookout

It was a wonderful day for a hike!  And yes, the boy is sans clothes.  He peed out of his diaper, of course!

On the drive back, we stopped at the Prairie Berry Winery in Hill City, per Lana's recommendation.  You can taste 5 wines for free, including their famous Red Ass Rhubarb wine, sooo good!  Most wine messes with my head and stomach with just a couple sips, but this stuff doesn't bother me at all!  If you're in the area, it's worth a trip!

The delicious wine with the slightly crass name

We saw Crazy Horse from the road quite a few times.