Day Three began with a crazy, circuitous road trip to Mount Rushmore on Iron Mountain Road. The road had a disclaimer that RV's and campers should only travel at their own risk. There were countless times that you would be travelling up or even down the mountain and see a sign that advertised a virtual U-turn with the upcoming stretch of road. There were at least two one-lane tunnels as well as a few similar bridges. In exchange for this harrowing drive, we were rewarded with amazing views of Mount Rushmore. This is a view from one stretch of the road.
Upon arrival at Mount Rushmore, we participated in all the "touristy" events we could. Andrew and Brendan completed a Jr. Ranger program to receive little badges. We walked up to get a closer view. We walked to the Sculptor's Den where there was a replica of the monument. We did not linger excessively, however, because we had plans to come back and watch the evening lighting.
After Rushmore I wanted to see the building of the Crazy Horse Memorial. However, we had looked up the price and it would have been $25 just to see the progress made so far. As we drove by on the road, I snapped this picture and figured out that I didn't really need to get close. The statue will be amazing if it ever gets finished; it is massive!
The boys insisted on touring one of the gazillion caves that were in the area, so Chris and I chose the National Park of the Wind Cave to tour. I was pleasantly surprised by the cave tour. We walked through a portion of the cave with just a lighted path for about an hour. The boys kept the nearby tourists laughing as they danced and said silly quips throughout. Chris and I were trying the shush them! They did tire a little toward the end. Then, Andrew asked the ranger a question about wind pressure that she couldn't answer. He just earnestly wanted to know!
After the Wind Cave, Chris and I insisted on a detour that we quickly regretted. We drove to Deadwood, which is north of the area we were in. It was about an hour and a half drive to get there. What we were hoping for was an old-Western city that afforded the family a chance to do Western activities. What we encountered was an old-Western city with a modern emphasis on casinos. We sadly walked around and ultimately paid too much to eat at a restaurant that housed the chair Wild Bill Hickock was shot in. Bummer!
Our evening capped off wonderfully, however. We drove back to Mount Rushmore to watch the lighting of the monument. All three boys fell asleep on the way, so as we arrived we had to wake them all up. As we began watching the patriotic evening show, Brendan and Evan were just too tired, so Chris walked those two boys to the car. Andrew and I stayed for the show. That 30 minutes was one of my favorite times of the trip. Andrew and I watched a clip on the presidents whose faces adorn the mountain. We sang "America the beautiful" and the National Anthem. We watched as lights slowly illuminated the faces of the presidents. It was moving and incredible.
As we left Rushmore and began our overnight drive to Yellowstone, Andrew sadly stated, "I don't want to leave." He loved being there. I understood. He loved what I loved: the feeling of safety, security, and patriotism that we shared as we sat there. It was an unforgettable night and day.
LOL Moment of the Day: As we began our tour of the Wind Cave, the ranger showed us the cave's natural entrance, which was a hole about the size of a cowboy hat. Both Andrew and Brendan looked at me with quiet trepidation. Finally, Brendan said, "I don't think I am going to fit in that hole!" I giggled and assured him we would not need to enter there. It was cute!
Tomorrow: Yellowstone! I will cover all three days there in one entry.
2 comments:
Man I am becoming very jealous of your trip. It sounds like it was a bunch of fun!
So you're also making me rethink Mount Rushmore. 'Cause the last time we were there it just looked so fake (interesting, but fake). What a nice moment for your & Drew... that's one for the memory books!
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