Mount Rushmore National Monument, South Dakota

Well, the monument was impressive. 40 years ago, it was just a quick stop on a long trip to Banff. They have a nice job or sprucing up the place and visitor experience. Still real crowded, still people everywhere snapping pictures  with little reguard for those around them, but the sculpture overwhelmes all the chaos. It is a master work. Enjoyed learning how Borglund adjusted and moved things to get to the final product. Adjusting shoulders, turning Jefferson slightly, cutting a shadow line to give the impression that Roosvelt is whereing his famous glasses, fashioning the eyes so that they all look more life like, like they look at you. Just magnificient! Dedicated to a bunch my favorite Presidents.

  

Hiking at Devil's Tower National Monument

Day 8 - Hiking around Devil's Tower National Monument in WY. We hiked around the base and did a lovely walk down the Joyner Trail which went out on a ridgeline with views of DT, and then across some bottom land and cirled back with a great walk through the praire. We are staying at Devils Tower KOA, which has a pool to relax at in the sunny afternoon.

 
 

DInner Out in Custer, South Dakota

The town of Custer,  SD features painted buffalo sidewalk sculptures. Right outside Custer State Park, it was our go to place for groceries, hardware (fixing broken grey and black tube hangers) and dinner out.

  

 

Wildlife Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota

We saw lots of wildlife at Custer State Park. They have a special loop road for viewing and we saw lots of buffalo, and more antelope than I have ever seen in any trip west in my life. There are wild burros in teh park, left over from a herd that was set loose many years ago. Somehow these were not "wildlife" to the tourists who allowed the burros to stick their heads into car windows, who fed them carrots, and generally saw them as tame ponies. Have not yet, and when will we learn that this torist behavior is so wrong and is bad for teh animals. I thought this kind of stuff was done with, but I guess not. Wnder what a missed bite of a burro would do to a finger or perhaps a swift heel kick would do to the side of an SUV...

 

Riding the George S. Mickelson Trail to Crazy Horse Viewpoint

We road the George S. Mickelson Trail from north from downtown Custer, SD. Had no clue about the trail until we meta buch of riders who said, "Yeah it is kind of up here, but once you get the the Crazy Horse Monument viewpoint it goes over and it is all downhill to the next town. Who knew we picked one of teh best parts of this hall of Fame Rail Trail.  We climbed about 100 feet over 5 miles (so not real steep, but workin' it) and there on te right was Crazy Horse. We road on a cloudy day with dak black skies behind the monument but a bunch of sun on the face of the monument. A stunning view of what is finished and easy to see how great it will be when finished.

Of, course the ride back down was a blast, narry a pedal stroke needed.

 

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Took the scenic byway off I-90 and cruised through the Badlands stopping at places we could walk around a bit. Glad it wasnot too hot and there was a breeze. You could almost feel the dryness sucking the moisture out of you as you walked around. Not sure what exactly would be the best way to explore this area more. Met some folks who were doing a "primitive" camping trip into the country who said the night skies were spectacular. 

Minuteman Missisle National Historic Site, Soth Dakota

We visted the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near the Badlands in SD. It recalled the roll teh missiles and the crews played in te Cold War. It had lots of displays about the era of life inte late 1950's and early 60's, including this mock living room and Lazy-Boy recliner and black and white TV. As I sat in the recliner, I asked Marsha if she would like to see how a 1950's TV remote control worked. Of, course she bit and I said, "Honey, go over there and turn the dial to channel 4..."