MOUNT RUSHMORE!

I suppose of all of the history that weaves through my life, Mount Rushmore has always been right up there with things like The Lincoln Memorial, Gettysburg and the Washington Monument. Seeing it in person is a thrill and an education.

Since out hotel is only about 15 miles away from the monument, we decided on a early visit followed by some recommended local rides. Aside from an unpleasant encounter with a very rude and terribly unprofessional Forest Ranger (another story for another time), it was the best day yet on this trip.

The ride to the Monument was spectacular as is every ride through this beautiful country. I am nor sure that I can adequately describe just how beautiful it is or how much fun the riding is on these great twisty mountain roads. Sure is great.

The monument of course is the carvings of the busts of 4 US Presidents into the granite face of Mount Rushmore. Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln are depicted in this beautiful work of art. The project, began in 1927 and surprisingly, 90% of the "carving" was done with explosives. I didn't know that originally the plan was to depict the Presidents from head to waist but only the heads were completed due to lack of funding. It was interesting to see the models that were used in planning the sculpture and to learn all of the engineering feats that were accomplished with the project. I never knew that there was originally meant to be a carving to the west of Washington but was abandoned due to lack of granite there. I also was not aware that you can see a part of Lincoln's hand.

After spending a few hours at the monument, it was time for some riding in the Black Hills. Our first destination was Iron Mountain Highway which is 17 miles long, has 314 curves, 14 switchbacks and 3 tunnels, It was a BALL! After Iron Mountain, we headed directly to Needles Highway, Needles is a similar ride with more great scenery. It winds and climbs among the "needles" rock formations that are so prevalent here. It was beautiful, fun and hot as the temperature here had risen to over 100 degrees. After Needles, we returned to Hill City for some lunch, a bit of shopping (Harley Store!), a visit to a railroad museum and some rest.

Last night we returned to Rushmore to view the lighting ceremony. Each night there is a presentation of a narrative on the Presidents, a film telling the history of the project and a lighting ceremony where the monument is bathed in light. It was impressive.

Today is a travel day as we head north towards Glacier National Park. Our trek there will be two days ride.

The Park is impressive in it's simplicity

Pretty impressive in person

One of the displays gives you a good idea of just how big the faces are

Nightfall