Left a little early today, about 9:30. Only a few more hours to Rapid City and Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands. Cool today, about 65 and high thin clouds. Some signs for attractions: 1880 Town, Texas Longhorns, etc, not real stuff, just tourist traps.
Typical scene on the highway. This picture, however, shows a billboard that encourages people to wear fur to keep their wildlife in check.
Got sleepy and took a nap, right through a rain storm and most of the badlands. Fred said we’ll go tomorrow and take the scenic road through there. Here's the rain storm coming in.
The prairie, a hay bale and an occasional tree, typical scenery.
White cows along the way.
The 1880’s town, tourist attraction.
First view of the badlands.
Finally some trees.
Mt. Rushmore!
The Black Hills, named by the Indians, are named for the black appearance of the 100’ tall Ponderosa Pines that grow on the hills. Reminds me of the Schwartzwald, the Black Forest, in Germany. The scenery is stunning, with tall pines and huge rock formations.
Along the highways you can see where the environmentalists are taking care of the Black Hills. They are thinning the forests to lessen the severity of fire and to help eradicate devasting insects. The cut timber is placed in small bundles and left to dry out. During the winter, the bundles will be burned when the danger of fire is much less due to snow fall.
The valley below Mt. Rushmore is very scenic. It’s a very beautiful part of our lovely country.
Next went to the Chief Crazy Horse Memorial. It was started by one man in 1948. He has passed away and his wife and kids are carrying it on. It’s run entirely on donations. It certainly won’t be done in our lifetime. In 60 years, all we have is a face. Below is the carving original carving that is the pattern for the mountain. You can see the mountain in the background of the first picture.
Why do they call it the badlands?
ReplyDeleteBecause you couldn't live there, it was too severe, too dry, nothing would grow. This year the prairie part is green due to a lot of rain here compared to other summers. It was a hard area for the homesteaders to cross also.
ReplyDeleteI like the view of the town in the valley - reminds me of Germany.
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