MOUNT RUSHMORE

Even though we were at Mount Rushmore in 1974, it's still a thrill to see it again. It's a lot easier to park now that they have a ramp-it just seemed easier to approach it.

They have an area with all the state's flags which is impressive.

Then it's in full view with an amphitheater at the base.

Here's a closeup of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln. Our grandson Joe, had been there when he was just learning to talk and he told everyone that he saw Abe-a-ham. It was nice to see that it was loaded with families.

Put it on your bucket list!

VIEWS IN THE PARK

Mother Nature must have worked overtime because there are some beautiful views in the park.

Isn't it amazing how rocks and trees land in such pretty formations?

Another peek at those guys across the way.

SOME THINGS IN THE PARK

The park has many rock tunnels that are one lane so you're supposed to honk as you go through.

Here's another one, it's kind of special when you see the next picture.

Can you see across the mountain range?

This park is also known for its pigtail bridges-they're kind of neat!

One thing that isn't neat is the pine beetle which kills the trees and is the cause of a lot of destruction. You can't kill it, but you can protect the forest by thinning out the trees and getting rid of the dead ones. In the summer they make the piles and in winter, they come along and burn them.

MORE PARK

We asked at the visitor's center, if the buffalo were anywhere where we could see them, and she said they had been spotted on the Iron Mountain Highway within the park. It just happened to be where we were going. We were in luck-there were several hundred in the herd ahead.

The young ones are very active.

Here's a big dude!

You know, this is another one of those subjects where we disagree. Don thinks they're awesome and considers them his favorite animal. I think they're really, really ugly. I will admit it was fun to see the herd and Don was thrilled-so that's nice!

CUSTER STATE PARK

The next day we started our sightseeing at Custer State Park, which is beautiful. We stopped at the visitor's center.

There were several exhibits. This one is an example of the many animals to see in the park.

We drove by several lakes-this is one of them.

DEADWOOD, SOUTH DAKOTA

Our friends then took us to Deadwood, an old mining town where Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok are buried, and now is a casino haven. It sits down in a valley.

They have re-enactments of gunfights in the streets several times a day.

Kevin Costner has a casino called Midnight Star. We went in, but it was small, had old machines and paid out in coins. You'd think he could afford better.

Thanks to Al and Sue for a fun day! Just for Al-I added some more to my stash and we had some good burgers for half price!

LEAD, SOUTH DAKOTA

Our friends, the Hansons, had the next day off, so we spent the day together. We drove up to Lead (rhymes with seed), an interesting little town.

Its claim to fame is the Homestake Gold Mine which was active until a few years ago, when it was closed because so many men had fallen to their death in it. It's so deep, you can't see the bottom. Truly amazing

Here's a little about it.

You can pan a little gold if you wish.

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This is the building where they processed the gold. Now it's owned by Sanford Underground Lab.