Day Two – Part Two: In the end, it really is ALL ABOUT RUSHMORE

Yeah, so pretty much wherever you go, them 4 presidents smack you in the face — sometimes as cheesy as is shown above, outside a souvenir shop on the main drag.  Regardless, when you finally DO see the real deal, it is (in my humble opinion) rather impressive!

I specifically chose to go to the monument LAST … no special reason.  As we got off the 1880s Train, it began to rain, so it was back to the K Bar S Lodge for a nap.

A little bit later, thunderstorms cleared, and we ventured back out.  While I’m on this, when I researched the area & hotels, I found many, many motels & hotels … some ridiculously overpriced for what they were.  K Bar S, was about a half mile off the beaten path, but in a great & quiet location.  Highly recommend!

Here’s what I DIDN’T expect about Rushmore: You can SEE IT, up close & personal, big as Dallas from the road as you approach.  To come around a turn, and look up and see … 

…is pretty incredible!

We drove up to the entrance gate, and Gerry was thrilled to get the Senior discount on our entrance fee — ps~Parking costs $10 per car, and it’s good for … A YEAR.  LOL  With the discount (“Anyone in the car 62 or older?” Gerry raises his hand) it was only $5. (“Sometimes it pays to be old!” said Gerry).   As we parked the car, I was excited (.. no, REALLY! I was!) to finally see the thing up close, and I was not disappointed.

It was nice to have an additional person along on this year’s trip, not only for company, but also to help with the photography of Lulu. (LOL)  Gerry did a fine job of capturing Lulu & I, standing in front of the wall on the top level:

The first attempts at this money shot were somewhat less successful …

                                   

The first try got only half of Roosevelt & no Lincoln … the second try got only my shadow and his foot. (!!!!)  In his defense, there was a lot of sun glare … but it is making for some comical blooper shots along the way!! 🙂

We left the monument to have dinner, and do a little more touring around.  One stop in particular caught my eye …. it was a place that does chainsaw art, and they had several pieces on display.  Lulu had a ball posing with …

 

Mamma Bear  ………    the Eagle bench ………        Baby Bear …..

Rogue Teenager Dude Bear       ………     inside the mouth of Trout

                         

The Big Pig (or, was it “Alf”?)      …….                 and the Giant Chair

Can you spot her?  LOL  Later that day, we drove past this again, and I saw 7 adults piled on to this chair, but naturally Lulu got a solo pose!! 🙂

After dinner, it was back to the Monument for the evening flag lowering, and lighting ceremony.  Although no fireworks at Mt. Rushmore, the patriotic atmosphere was quite palpable.

When lit, it is quite stunning!  And after the flag is lowered for the day, all veterans and active military in the audience are called on to the stage to assist, and salute, while we all sang our National Anthem.

Quite a moving experience, and a great day!

Here is a small bit of the National anthem … couldn’t figure out how to make a larger file, but this will give some idea of what it was like to be there.

And this was only our first FULL DAY of vacation!!!  Tomorrow, it’s on to Utah!!!!!