TOURIST FOR THE DAY

The sun came out, still windy but nice enough to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Jewel Cave National Monument.

Mount Rushmore was very impressive with its Presidential Trail, Sculptor's Studio, outdoor Amphitheater, the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Theater.  We did it all and plan on returning for the evening lighting ceremony.  Here's some facts you may or may not know about the memorial.

• Carving dates - 1927-1941
• Number of workers - 400
• Total cost - $989,992.32
• The namesake - Charles Rushmore
• The sculptor - Gutzon Borglum
• The main tool - Dynamite
• The drill - Jackhammer
• The rock - Harney Peak Granite
• Paha Sapa - the Lakota word for "Black Hills"
• Each face is - 60 feet tall
• Each eye is - 11 feet wide
• Washington's nose is - 21 feet long
• Washington's mouth is - 18 feet wide

It's a lot larger than I imagined

The mountain goat was not found in SD until 1924 when it was introduced to the Black Hills

And Baby ... I was very excited we got this shot (first time we've seen Mountain Goats in their natural habitat)

Drove about 35 miles from Rushmore to Jewel Cave and made it just in time for the last hour and one-half tour. I found it fascinating how they built all those metal stairs and cement walkways without disturbing the life in the cave.  Here's some interesting facts about the cave.

• More than 160 miles of explored and mapped passageways
• Ranks as the second-longest cave in the world
• Named after the glittering calcite crystals on its walls
• Formations of spar, dripstone, draperies, flowstone and popcorn
• 95% of the cave remains unexplored 

This is always my first stop at a visitor's center to stamp my passport

Why do I look terrified?  The caves made me feel disoriented 

They call this The Bacon Strip - 20 plus feet long and very colorful - my favorite

We worked up a good appetite with all that walking and climbing stairs and decided to stop in Custer for a bite to eat.  I ordered a buffalo burger and fries.  Spending $13 for a burger is not something we do regularly but we made an exception today and I ate every delicious bite.  Denis ordered, and I'm sure this doesn't surprise you, chicken and baked potato which cost less than my burger.

One of Borglum's pieces - notice how small my hand is next to his

Our choice for dinner 

It was a good choice - what is it with the half ear of corn?

Stopped to visit the old mining town of Keystone to walk off our dinner.  They have boardwalk passing along interesting gift shops, saloons and restaurants.  It was a nice way to end a long day.

I bought a raspberry truffle for $1.85 to have with a cup of green tea while I was working on this post.

Walking the boardwalk was fun

Thanks for stopping in.