Mt. Rushmore! 7sept2016

Today was too much. I did too much. But, everything was so close together. I began by going to Deadwood. It is quite a town full of old buildings and history. Every room led to another – I guess for quick getaways! Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are both buried there. I love Calamity Jane because she said, “Thought about being a lady but then they told me I couldn’t cuss” and “I figure if a girl wants to be a legend she should just go ahead and be one.”

I went into one old casino and was surprised to see TONS of Kevin Costner movie props and pictures. Not just westerns – there was an outfit Whitney Houston wore in The Bodyguard. You could enjoy a seating area with an old fashioned tv and vhs player set up for watching his movies. I told the only dealer I saw (slow day) that someone must love Kevin Costner. He told me that Kevin Costner owns the place. A shrine to himself! He seems like that kind of guy. 

After a drink and a little shopping, I headed to Mt Rushmore.
MT RUSHMORE!! It was on my bucket list. I loved it so much. It’s amazing how exact the faces were carved. I walked around and then sat down for a few minutes and just took it in. As I was leaving an overwhelming sense of gratitude flooded over me. I’m not sure why… But mostly it was because I was there. I was present and aware how lucky I was to have the opportunity to be present. 

Tears poured down my face as I left. It was the damnedest thing. But wonderful. 
The day was growing short but I decided to check out the Crazy Horse monument. All I can say about that is I hope I’m still alive when it’s done. I seriously doubt I will. When complete, it will be the largest monument in the world! 
The story behind the monument and the man who started it is extraordinary. His children still work on it today. If you ever go be sure to take the bus tour for $4 – totally worth it. The first picture below is a to-scale replica of what it will look like when done. 

BTW – Crazy Horse is a completely privately funded project. Only visitor fees and donations. 
I think I’ll stick around for one more day. I want to see a site where there is an active mammoth dig. I also need to go to Sturgis. AND get an Indian taco!
I’m camping in a Cabela’s parking lot. Gotta love free!