One of the perks of volunteering here in South Dakota is that we each receive a VIP pass for local attractions. In many cases this pass gets us free admission. Committed to taking advantage of this unique treat, we spend our days off visiting as many local sights as we can. Rapid City and nearby Ellsworth AFB seem like a good place to start.
Going down the tube
On our last visit to this area Storm and I made a valiant attempt to see a Minuteman missile in a silo. I posted about our failed attempt in 2016 here. We learned from our failure that we need to go to The South Dakota Air and Space Museum early enough to catch the Ellsworth AFB tour bus. Once cleared through security, the bus takes us on a rolling tour through the base ending at an actual missile (albeit a training missile) in a silo.
We successfully secure our seats on the base tour bus. As we descend into the silo our guide warns us not to drop anything down into the silo as there is no way to retrieve items that fall into the abyss. At the moment that he issues that warning, I feel in my heart that I am going to drop something. I am terrified that it will be my phone.
I try to be careful, really I do. But sure enough as I aim my camera toward the missile through a door in the silo wall, my lens hood falls off. Not the first time I lose one of those, but certainly the most embarrassing time. At least we get to hear how very deep the silo is as we listen to my lens hood bounce off the missile and silo sidewalls on its interminable fall to the bottom.
Downtown Rapid City
Since we are near downtown Rapid City while at Ellsworth, we drive a short ways and park in the city. We have been told that there is a statue of each American president on the corners downtown.
Identifying some of the less popular presidents is a challenge but we enjoy guessing who is who. Matt reads the brochure ahead of time and before he admits his prep, we are agog at his presidential knowledge. With temps in the upper 90s, the water park we stumble upon is a very tempting respite. Wish I had worn my bathing suit today.
Somewhere at the bottom is my lens hood 
Missile Transporter 
My Inner Child at play 
Cool map made of state plates 
John Q. Adams, I believe
Speaking of water parks, I want to send a special greeting to the “Pool People” at Rex Wellness in Garner. Today for the first time since we hit the road, I attend a local deep water aerobics class. The people in the class are as warm and welcoming as all my dear friends in the pool at home. Thinking of you each day and I miss every one of you!
The only time things were clamed at the bottom of the silo was when the missile was removed for one reason or another. If they were ever launched what ever was there would be TOAST for sure in a short period of time. Brings back memories, been down that silo many times during the first 4 years of being in the air force. Being in the command center is really neat too. Thanks for the memories, wish we had thought enough to go downtown to see the statues. Keep em comin and have a great time. GOD BLESS
JD
Jim
Yep, I think my lens hood is there for all time as that missile did not look like it has moved in a long time. I did get both of your messages. Maybe next time you head out to SD you can check out the Presidents too!
Deb
We miss you too!!! Thanks so much for sharing your adventures!
Mary
Thank you for staying in touch!