First stop Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood to view the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, who is buried next to Bill. There's a question as to how close they were. Apparently, she claimed they were lovers, but other accounts say they barely knew each other. At any rate, she died long after Bill and got to choose her burial spot. He had nothing to say about it.
After Deadwood we drove to Mt. Rushmore. I used to think I had chiseled features, but those guys take the cake. The really interesting thing about being at Mt. Rushmore is being able to see in person something we've been seeing for years in pictures. After Rushmore we went to see the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial. For years, a private individual has been carving the figure of Crazy Horse in a mountainside. I believe the idea is to picture Crazy Horse on a horse. So far, he's just got the Indian's head done. The sculptor makes a point of saying he hasn't accepted any state or federal funds for his project, but I doubt that any have been offered. Anyway, when we drove up to the entrance, we learned the admission was $10 per person! Even Kenneth The Profligate has to draw the line somewhere, so I politely declined to enter. Besides, you can see what's been done from the road. Impressive, I guess, but not worth $20.
After that, we entered Custer State Park to ride the Needles Scenic Road and to see the bison herds. The needles are towering rock spires that crowd the road so closely that in some cases only one car can get by at a time. Another one of those scenic wonders you have to see to appreciate. But the ride through them is kind of brief. We had time to oooh, but not aaah. We did see lots of bison walking along the road blocking traffic, but we're kind of jaded seeing bison meandering on the roads; we want to see them fight, or charge a car, or be attacked by bears. C'mon, we drove across the country for this!
For dinner tonight we had Mongolian barbecue (in Rapid City, SD?). Even Serry liked it. The idea is: you get a bowl, add vegetables, meats, noodles, sauces, etc., then give it to a guy who stir fries it for you. Serry and I are newbies at this, so our bowls were filled, but nothing special. The professionals at this are able to pile bowls a foot high! Again, something you have to see to appreciate.
One more thing: The folks here in the Black Hills are focused on the fact that it's been 1103 days without a temperature of at least 100. They want it to be hotter than it is. Maybe this weekend. Please pray for them.
Tomorrow: Badlands National Park.
Daddy-O,
ReplyDelete10 points for using the word profligate!
xo