About ten days ago we set out for Mt. Rushmore. We'd heard that the south road through Custer State Park was great so we said, "Why not?" Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions that we made all weekend!
This is the first wildlife sighting. Pretty cool, huh?
Many animals will cut an aging bull out of the herd. Our guess is that that is what had happened to this old guy. He was wandering by the road all by himself. Literally, he was no more than about 20 feet from our car! We also got to see a large herd of buffalo, including babies, on a small side road.
This is some of the gorgeous scenery. This particular spot had a creek running through it. I loved the red rock cliffs.
Custer State Park also has it's very own herd of mules. These guys were funny! But also sad because they were being fed by the tourists. Not hard to do when they stick their entire heads in your car, but I really don't think that bananas and donuts are in their regular diet. The stripes down their back and sides were really unique!
The next part of our journey was on the "Iron Highway." It is an old and winding road that had tunnels that were built to frame Mt. Rushmore when coming from the south. It was really cool to see it each of the three times, each time getting closer and closer. Each tunnel was only wide enough for one car so it was slow going, but really worth it when you got to see it! (I know that it is hard to see here, but I wanted you to have the perspective of another car.)
At the end of the Iron Highway, you get to the real prize-Mt. Rushmore. It is really awe-inspiring! I would recommend this trip to anyone that finds themselves in the area. Being that it is only a 6 1/2 hour drive from Denver, we're sure to go again, and next time take Headless Dad along!
From the left, Headless Boy#1, Niece #1, Sam the Butcher, Headless Grandma, Alice, Headless Boy#2, Headless Grandpa, and my Aunt G.
The round trip was about 5 hours total and really worth it. Even the kids enjoyed it...Headless Boy#2 was caught saying that he really needed a nap (around hour 3!) but was afraid to go to sleep because "I might miss something really cool!"
Now that is the sign of a good day, don't you think?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Road To Rushmore
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4 comments:
So glad you enjoyed the trip! It truly is a beautiful part of our great country.
Have a great time on your trip to BlogHer; I can't wait to hear all of the details. A
We have been there too. I love that park and I bet the herds are really large now. We were there like 20 years ago. Glad you stopped there. Thank you for the pictures. I was just thinking about you and was going to call your cell to see if you are on your way. I wish I was with you.
what an awesome day! I love the pictures. Id really like to see it myself
Love the picture of Mt. Rushmore. The scenery looked amazing.
Thanks again for letting me crash with you in Chicago. I had a blast.
Have a great week.
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