West Quest Part Deux - Day 22
Mount Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial and Hill City
Wednesday, 31 August 2022
We took it slow this morning, eating a late breakfast then heading out for Mount Rushmore National Monument shortly before noon.
We then drove twenty or so miles to the Crazy Horse Memorial. I have to confess that we didn’t even bother to see it when we were last in the Black Hills back in 2000. For whatever reason we didn’t have an interest. Now that I understand what it’s all about, and that there is an ongoing 100+ year project to carve the largest granite sculpture in the world, it would have been nice to have memories and photos of the status of the work 22 years ago.
If you find yourself in the Black Hills of South Dakota, do not miss a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial. I wish I was going to live long enough to see it completed.
We then went to the cute but touristy town of Hill City where we experienced yet another one of those amazing encounters we’ve been having with just incredible people.
As Frieda and I were walking past the local elementary school, we ended up having a brief conversation with this man who looked to be about 25. Simon was waiting to pick up his five children. We then asked how he could have five children and he said he was 38 and that he fought in the first Gulf War. Simon joined the Army at 18 right out of high school in 2002 because of 9/11. Three years later as an E4, he found himself medically retired with 100% disability after being blown up by an IED. His injuries included losing his left eye, which he demonstrated by aggressively rubbing his prosthetic left “eyeball.” It was an odd thing to see but he had such a great attitude about it. We thanked him for sacrificing so much for our nation and he thanked me for serving over 27 years — something he very much wanted to do. Again, another remarkable person the Lord keeps putting in our lives on this trip. My only regret is that I didn’t get a picture of us with Simon. God Bless you Brother.
After a nice late afternoon bison burger and a beer at a local bar and grill, we headed back to the campground.
On the way, we passed under this bridge built out of laminated wood back in the 1960’s.
At the campsite, the KOA staff was running the kids around the park in their “train” until the adults decided it would be fun too LOL.
Finally, we gave the dogs their new chew toy which promptly became Skipper’s favorite.
Overall, another terrific day in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Tomorrow we add Wyoming and Montana to Oliver’s Travels.
Both are on our bucket List. Haven’t checked in in over a week, but love stopping in when I can. 😃
Hey Frieda and Scott! RV question. When you head into town, do you leave your dogs in the RV? Does the A/C run just like at home. I know you're hooked up at the parks...just curious. Glad to see y'all living the dream and am enjoying the posts. :)