Today, we visited Mount Rushmore. We came away impressed with how they were able to carve them out of the mountain side. 450,000 ton of rock was removed. Dynamite was used to help sculpt. Precision drilling was performed to ensure a life like impression. It truly is remarkable and a national treasure.

Zachary has been working his way through various Junior Ranger Programs. Today, it was Pop Pop and Mom Mom who came in with the assist.

Cam, Zachary, Pop Pop and I did the .6 mile trail walk which gave different vantage points. Can you name the four presidents sculpted ???

We also got to see the second sculpture center. The first one did not survive, but this building remains. We also did the visitor center which offered background into the project. All important learning opportunities for all of us.

Does anyone know why this region is called Black Hills..well lucky for us Mike is inquisitive. He read that it’s because of the dark Ponderosa Trees all around us. I guess green hills just didn’t cut it.

After a quick lunch, we headed to see the needles. This was amazing and fun. Cam, Zachary and I took the opportunity to climb the rocks.

Up there, we saw 2 mountain goats and a baby eating

We also got this really cool group picture.

But also two really cool/funny things happened. Yes folks, it’s Sturgis week in SD. And we’ve seen a ton of bikers. So when in Rome, you ask a group for their picture and they gladly obliged.

Secondly, we watched a massive tour bus inch it’s way through a tiny tunnel. Talk about tight quarters.
They made it by the hair of their chin, lol. Not bad for a student driver.

This was a fun day. Ice cream in Hill City rounded out our day.