Sept 9 – 10, 2011  Mount Rushmore Elevation 5,241

Sad to leave The Badlands, but we left with fabulous views along HWY 240. Mount Rushmore was more overwhelming in it’s historical,   spiritual and controversial meaning than just the visual.  The artistic value held true to the foundation of the meaning “we the people”.  Although the creator was an artist, the actual builders were everyday people.  There is just so much more depth to the sculpture than just a formation on a mountain. I LOVED it!   We stayed at a great campground Rafter J Bar Ranch, adjacent to the 109 mile George S. Mickelson bike trail.  Very nice hot tub.

Sept 10, 2011  We biked 9 miles of the 109 mile bike trail, leaving the other 100 for the next time, or younger adventurers.

We’re leaving the Black Hills of South Dakota and headed for Wyoming and Yellowstone. The way the scenery changes from mountains to grasslands to plains is amazing. We are thoroughly enjoying the scenery. The hours on the road really are flying by.