We had a beautiful drive through the Black Hill National Forest and did a double take when we drove through Hill City. It is a tiny town of less than 1,000, but there was barely a parking space left on the Main Street. After we got a camping spot at Oreville we made the five mile drive back to hang out at the Mangy Moose and listen to the music while we watched the traffic go by. Some of the sculptures in this town intrigue me.
Oreville was a most suitable spot but Mt. Rushmore is high on Leon's list. An early morning drive to Crazy Horse allowed us to go down to the parking lot and take our pictures before the crowd arrived. Then we doubled back and headed straight to Mt. Rushmore and were pleased that they opened before 8. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously.
On our .6 miles walk over to the sculptor's cabin we were delighted to spot this mountain goat in our path.
We took countless pictures from every angle. The morning sun was perfect.
I liked learning more about the carving was done. This is one of the original casts. They would measure with a plumb bob hanging from the top of the head and then multiply by twelve.
We returned to level 6 on the parking deck where we were the only ones parked except for maybe 100 Trans Ams on a beer run from Nebraska to Coors in Colorado. They were getting ready to continue their bandit run (Smoky and the Bandit) and we got out just ahead of them.
A drive through the forest and tunnels and around the pigtail bridges led us to Custer State Park. Soon we spotted some bighorn sheep feeding alongside the road. Their horns weren't that big but they will grow.
We took the wildlife tour enjoying the beauty of the open pastureland and Ponderosa pines. It is a shame what devastation the pine beetle has caused to so many trees. Why there is a pronghorn.
Soon we arrived at the traffic jam.
We had bison overload before we left Yellowstone and here the entire herd was crossing the road at their own pace.
Eventually the traffic moved and we headed east. It is time to go to the house.
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