Two young 50-something females. One big adventure exploring the Americas. Have liquidated everything they own and packed a Saturn Vue with bare necessities to set out on this journey. Planting seeds at each juncture symbolizing their new growth. With an open mind and heart, ready to get a true view of this world.
Showing posts with label mount rushmore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mount rushmore. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Wild Wild West Bound










The skies have cleared on this departure morning from Keystone. And, voila, our balcony view of Mount Rushmore is very clear. What a nice exit for us after this amazing little tour here!



A back trail is our path to Crazy Horse before leaving the area completely. It takes a tad longer than we expect, but the views make it a worthwhile trip. The still in production monument of the legendary Indian is as different than Rushmore as can be. Not being a National Park makes for an interesting contrast. It is quite busy this morning as it is the first sunny day in a week, we're told. We don't linger long but at least take in the magnificent work in progress.




































Northwest bound brings us into the notorious western town of Deadwood, immortalized as of late by the HBO series of its namesake. What we find is a charming old west town, full of casinos, a Main Street filled with infamous cowboy landmarks, and a cemetery overlooking the town with the remains of several key players of that time, including the most famous, Wild Bill Hickok.










We lunch at a converted old gas station, now called the Pump House, which delivers delicious sandwiches on homemade breads. A stroll down Main Street is quick but fun. And a little hike, and it's a workout, up at the cemetery gives us a nice little feel for this western tourist town. It isn't quite as busy as we'd forewarned ourselves, so it's actually a pleasant couple of hours tour.








Just one last stop in this deceptive little state of South Dakota.











We really do like this state quite a bit!!!!!

The Rush



Rain is fairly prevalent today as we travel from Sioux Falls to Keystone. Nothing serious just a steady stream to remind we are now getting into summer weather mode. It does not detour our appreciation of the sights this state continues to bring and we are especially impressed with the rest/traveler's information stops along the route. South Dakota wins hands down so far for the state with the most impressive.

A particular standout today is the Lewis and Clark visitor's center that captures our attention with a huge outside exhibit overlooking the river, warning signs of poisonous snakes included. An equally stocked array of information is found indoors. The mist clears just long enough for us to enjoy a quick picnic amidst this beauty. And, armed with sufficient tourist brochures, we continue on our journey west.













Keystone is an adorable little western town two miles from Mount Rushmore. Our home for the evening at the K Bar S Lodge boasts a view of the magnificent sculpture from our balcony. Alas, the fog does not allow a glimpse this evening but we still enjoy the vista. Poured wine and a moment to savor our surrounds is our only immediate agenda and we relish it completely. We equally enjoy the innovative choice of rain gear of one of our fellow residents. One learns to work with what they have!



The morning weather is no better but not daunting. The drive to Rushmore is easy and although our initial entrance has the faces covered in fog, within moments this clears and the full beauty of the monument exposed. It is all that has been promised. And, we are thrilled!


Our path from this famous landmark takes us through the beautiful Black Hills along Iron Mountain and we are often blessed with still more views of the presidential wonder encased in some absolutely gorgeous scenery. Rain subsides when needed and we are able to enjoy the most spectacular morning adventure through this breathtaking area!