Today we headed out somewhat early for a ride around the scenic
drive through Custer state park, and along the Needles highway.
We spent an unexpected ½ hour or so delay waiting for the bison
(buffalo) to cross the road. Brings to mind the age old question,
“Why did the bison cross the road?” Answer: To annoy the
tourists.
Your reward for coming upon a herd by the side of the road
is to learn patience. Patience while the bison start across, stop, stare are
you for a while, chew their cud, start back, change their mind, stop and stare,
repeat…. They are some magnificent
animals….
When we finally made it past the herd, we of course made the
mandatory stop at the begging burros. Seems they have become very accustomed to
being fed by the tourists. Some brought carrots but from most it was crackers,
bagels, bread or what have you. Could not have been the best diet for the
animals.
Needles Highway
The Needles highway drive takes one past some mountain
ridges containing granite spires that might remind one of needles. The drive
has a few one lane low, narrow tunnels. Not someplace to try to drive with a
trailer, but pretty awesome.
Mt Rushmore
The KOA campground
offers a bus ride up to the Mt Rushmore memorial for the evening lighting ceremony.
We arrived an hour and a half prior to sun set, thus were able to see the
mountain, the videos, and exhibits before the lighting ceremony.
It was a nice presentation with the ranger giving a talk prior
to a movie. The lighting itself was pretty awesome. The clouds were low, above
the mountain, but still low. This caused what looked to be a shadow to be cast
behind the four presidents, it reminded one of a painted portrait rather that a
mountain with an unlimited background behind it.
The ceremony ended with a tribute to all past and present
service members in attendance. All the
men and women who had served in the military were asked to come to the
stage. Several were selected to lower
the flag and formally fold it. Then each
person was asked to give their name and branch of service (about 50 or so people). This was after the film and the song “America
the Beautiful” as well as singing the national anthem. It was quite a moving experience.
It was also quite amazing to see how Rosalie reacted to
Mount Rushmore. It made quite an impact
on her. How many 4 year olds can name
the four Presidents on Mt Rushmore?
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