Our first adventure took us to Mount Rushmore. The story of the mountain made it much more than four presidents heads on a rock. The monument transformed into a dedication to four men who steered the country through major changes. The grand scale of the project and the skill needed to complete it was brought to life. And then we ate lunch. The cafeteria at Mount Rushmore was very good and well staffed by friendly people. Nothing like Presidential soda and buffalo chili to bring one back to earth. View photos…
Next, we drove south for a drive-by photo shoot of Crazy Horse. Again, we’re cheap. We followed the road to Custer State Park for some motoring on the Needles Highway. The highway system around Custer State Park area was designed to show off the best features of the Black Hills. The roads cut through the mountains in twists, curves, tunnels and precipices. All the best features to show off Bessie’s handling. View photos…
Mount Rushmore + Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse. We were too cheap to go in and see another unfinished mountain sculpture.
Crazy Horse. We were too cheap to go in and see another unfinished mountain sculpture.
On the road to Crazy Horse...
On the road to Crazy Horse...
They also have Vice President Ice Cream at Mount Rushmore. Just kidding!
They also have Vice President Ice Cream at Mount Rushmore. Just kidding!
Jenny enjoyed a tall bottle of Richard Nixon. Root beer, that is. Taste all your favorite Presidents! Only in South Dakota.
Jenny enjoyed a tall bottle of Richard Nixon. Root beer, that is. Taste all your favorite Presidents! Only in South Dakota.
Excellent Buffalo chili served at the Rushmore cafe.
Excellent Buffalo chili served at the Rushmore cafe.
A model of the original concept
A model of the original concept
View of the ampitheatre
View of the ampitheatre
The Jens in a Teepee
The Jens in a Teepee
Bessie arrives!
Bessie arrives!
The view of Rushmore from outside the park.
The view of Rushmore from outside the park.
On the road to Rushmore...
On the road to Rushmore...
And this is only 800 or so miles into the journey.
And this is only 800 or so miles into the journey.
It takes three people working diligently to shine up Bessie's most important exterior bits.
It takes three people working diligently to shine up Bessie's most important exterior bits.
Our first order of business for the day - cleaning off 150 miles worth of bugs.
Our first order of business for the day - cleaning off 150 miles worth of bugs.
The Needles Highway
Our first buffalo encounter. Thank goodness we're not staying at that campground!
Our first buffalo encounter. Thank goodness we're not staying at that campground!
The roads curve, drop off, get narrow and turn into one way tunnels. But don't let that put you off. It's a terrific drive.
The roads curve, drop off, get narrow and turn into one way tunnels. But don't let that put you off. It's a terrific drive.
The Friendly Chipmunks know just where to get their meals.
The Friendly Chipmunks know just where to get their meals.
Bessie and the gorgeous scenery.
Bessie and the gorgeous scenery.
Even classic cars take a spin on these winding roads.
Even classic cars take a spin on these winding roads.
A shot of Caren to appease her friends who accuse her of never being in photos. Now you know why!
A shot of Caren to appease her friends who accuse her of never being in photos. Now you know why!
Emily and Jenni climb the rock face to the top. Jenny and Caren found a less treacherous path.
Emily and Jenni climb the rock face to the top. Jenny and Caren found a less treacherous path.
Only room for one-way traffic in the caves on this road. Be careful and honk for safety.
Only room for one-way traffic in the caves on this road. Be careful and honk for safety.
Bessie stopped at one of the many overlook places.
Bessie stopped at one of the many overlook places.
We follow the trails to the Needles Highway, named for the rock formations that look like Needles.
We follow the trails to the Needles Highway, named for the rock formations that look like Needles.
