Great day in South Dakota

[exav8tr]

Absolutely super day today, We went to Keystone, Drove through Custer State Park, stopped at Custer, 1st town in SD, went to Mt Rushmore, fantastic. Then went to Crazy Horse Monument, which is a work in progress, when completed, it will be the largest sculpture in the world. Being constructed completely through donations with no government funding. Quite remarkable. Did not buy gas today, and we ate lunch, that Cathy had made, in the truck. A completely stress free day, No Doom, No Gloom!!!

[Icehouse]

Sounds like you had a great 4th! And you didn't buy gas! What a way to celebrate!
Tammy

[sailer]

I am glad he didn't buy gas , i think he has a diesel sailer

[Icehouse]

Well, that would be a problem wouldn't it? Talk about putting a damper on your day!!! LOL
Tammy

[exav8tr]

I didn't buy diesel either!!!

[Tiffensdad]

Left that area 35 years ago and am looking forward to getting back for a visit. I am sure alot has changed. Sounds like you got to see all the great areas. Are the donkeys still begging along the road in Custer Park?

[exav8tr]

Didn't see the donkeys...

[richfaa]

That is a beautiful trip..just spectacular.. We did the same trip last year. Helen stocked up on Buffalo meat in a store in Custer, SD as she loves it.

[DarMar]

We also did that area 20 years ago and still recall it as being one of the best areas we have explored. We always have talked about when we might be able to return there and the first thing we want to revisit is Crazy Horse, with our old pictures in hand, to view the progress!

[exav8tr]

They completed Crazy Horse's head in 1998 and are currently working on sculpting the horse, although it doesn't seem like much progress, but since the money is all donations it may take awhile......I don't think it will be finished in my lifetime at this rate.....

[DonandJudy_12]

If you have time, take a day to drive up Spearfish Canyon to Spearfish- The movie " Dances With Wolves " was partially shot in a side canyon where I camped on vacations years ago- It is very beautiful- Also in Spearfish is the fish hatchery with a very old residence for the original superintendent- very authentic and modern by standards of old- Hope you have time and enjoy it as much as we have- Don

[exav8tr]

DonandJudy, Unfortunately, we didn't get to Spearfish. We left there on 6 Jul and are in Sioux Falls until Monday. Any advice on what to see here would be appreciated. From anyone, for that matter. But, thanks for taking the time to respond.

Phil

[genecurp]

A great day in SD...very happy for you. I often forget to appreciate my day. Glad is was a great one for ya!

Happy travels
Gene

[exav8tr]

Thanks Gene! Today was the Corn Palace in Mitchell and a special treat for me was Cabelas in Mitchell. This is a unique store in that they have a beautiful aquarium with various fish, when I passed by the trout section, my stomach starting rumbling so loud I think I scared them rainbows. They also have a beautiful display of wild animals that were not killed. An artist has made them and they look real. Many different species. For 14 years I have gotten their catalog while in Alaska and ordered many things from them over the years. This was my first visit to one of their stores and a great one it was...Another great day, to say the least......

[eeoski]

Last time I was in that neck of the woods was 42 years ago and they were working on the head of the horse back then...interestingly enough we were talking about our camping adventures just a couple of nights ago with my parents and we actually talked about the Crazy Horse Monument. I look forward to getting out there again (also with our old photos) to see, first hand, what progress has been made. (My mother mentioned that she thought it was the son of the original artist who has taken over the project.)

Robin

[exav8tr]

Robin, I think that is true. It seems to be a family affair and I think they have made it a lucrative business. This, of course, is just my opinion.....