HILL CITY, SD.  We have arrived at Rafter J Ranch RV Park two days before the start of the Yankee RV Tour of the Northwest.  For us and the several other members of the tour who also have arrived early, there was a fireside smores and snacks session tonight.  (It will be a struggle to keep our weight down on this tour).  Everyone on this tour is from Florida, likely due to the tour company being located in Florida (despite its name).  There are 16 motorhomes on this tour including the wagonmaster and asst. wagonmaster.  The wagon train lingo is intentional since we shall be touring locations along the Oregon trail which 300,000 pioneers traveled in covered wagons during the 19th century.  Our "covered wagon" is far nicer, safer, and more convenient.  And conflict with native tribes is long past.

There were more motorhomes on last year's tour, but the comaraderie of this group is greater.  Many of the couples at the fireside session tonight had been on several tours by this company, which is surprising since one couple owns and runs the company, and are present on every tour.  Last year's tour company was huge, with many employees running very many tours, and is headquartered in Las Vegas.  This tour should be an improvement over last year's experience.

Tomorrow is open for exploring the magnificent local beauty.  Many more photos will follow.

Rafter J Ranch RV Park