Monuments

 Tuesday Morning Rushmore, Crazy Horse

After passing over the Missouri River and viewing the lovely statue of 'Dignity',  we let the sunset lead us to a place to stay for the night. In the morning before the first light, we headed into South Dakota. We have never been there and I did not particularly want to go look at some carved rocks. Bob really wanted to go so we went. I had seen pictures everywhere and heard about this area and thought we will just breeze through. We were well into the Black Hills when the first rays of light broke through. It came out just as we hit the summit of the mountain containing the busts of the Presidents on Mount Rushmore.
The Admiral stood up for the flag there at the top before we could go visit the monument. There was no one else on the mountain we could see. We had the views to ourselves. It was too far to go to the mountain for me. Bob took my camera and got these shots. I could see the mountain from the rig but not get close. We were on a schedule to get to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving so we could not spend too much time since we wanted to get in Crazy Horse monument also.

Rushmore

First shot pale light

Pinks and yellows of sunrise on side of the mountain

We got into the monument for free since we were the first ones there and it is open for free before 7 AM. The gate was open and we went in. The stores and other parts of the Monument were not open yet, but it was the mountain that we wanted to see.

It is a beautiful area and the monument is well maintained and staffed. Loved winter with NO crowds. Even though some things are closed many are open or you can explore by yourselves.

Crazy Horse

 

Years ago my Mom and Earl (my Uncle Dad...long story) went to Crazy Horse and saw the first parts of the plan for the biggest stone monument of any. It is an amazing story and they were so impressed with the small museum and plans for the monument. She also loved the movie about Crazy Horse they played there. My great grandmother on one side was first nation and suffered prejudice.

The template for the carving of the mountain

 

On the mountain, you can see the heavy equipment that is used daily to work on the sculpture. This has been a lifelong project of one man and the Indian nations. It has been continued by that man's family or 10 children. The mountain is worked on in weather up to 20 degrees below zero. Work must be halted during storms since the mountain is often hit by lightning. 

You can see from this more personal view the face that is finished. The whole of  Mt Rushmore will fit on the side of the face where the hair is. This is a huge endeavor. With the increases in technology and construction equipment, things are changing. The parts that took weeks and months can be accomplished in an hour with new equipment that is newly developed. This statue is to be a symbol of dignity and respect for the first nations people. 

There are many more things that are happening because of Crazy Horse. There is an amazing museum there with art, exhibits, and artifacts relating to the First Nation Indian culture. The place is expansive. If you visit to allow time to really look and learn about these people groups. Their look, their lifestyle, their culture, and way of thinking are quite interesting. There are movies and details there that may just change your mind about these beautiful people and what happened to them in their own country. There was also a University established that is specifically for furthering the education and job opportunities for these people so that they can be viable and successful without compromising their culture and heritage. 

    

There are van rides, restaurants and so many cool places here to explore. There are many trails and opportunities for inspiration and an increase in understanding the value of these great early Americans. It was also convicting me about what we do in trying to make all men like us rather than understanding and loving their beauty. Then I had to deal with their hostility towards our invasion of their nations. I think that there are some great opportunities for my own learning and viewing my own ideas about what happened with the Native Americans then and now. As they build this mountain may I consider my life and take time to visit my own ideas and prejudices and offenses. 

Build On!

Custer State Park

We went to Custer State Park on the recommendation of Willie, Bob's brother in law, who is an avid outdoorsman. He said it was the best area to find wildlife, deer, elk, and buffalo. We decided to take the time and search for the big game. We never did find the buffalo that there were signs all over about..."Caution, Buffaloe are dangerous" We did, however, find these beauties. We also got lost and were sent by the GPS on a 4 wheel drive road in the RV to find the highway on the other side of the park.

Mule Deer

Long ears and darker

White tail buck

White Tail Does

 Prairie Dog village was so fun. They were hopping around and warning the group that people were around.

 
A dozen wild turkeys hiding in the woods two days before Thanksgiving. Safe from the table/

This is the best part of the Beavercreek road that the GPS took us on. It went through miles of remote farms was only one lane the whole way and was mostly through the woods and plains. We did not see any buffalo or elk....But we had an adventure and found out the Admiral was built to endure!