HOT SPRINGS MAMMOTH SITE

This is one of the strangest things we've been to. When they were about to build houses on this land, they found some bones-that was 35 years ago. They were able to identify them as mammoth bones and they've been digging ever since. They think there was a sink hole here and it filled with water. Mammoths came along and went for a swim, but then couldn't get out of the hole. Eventually the water drained out and the bones were left, but covered up. they built a building over the area and do the digging inside.

Here's most of a body-the ribs are easy to see.

Here's a skull and tusks.

More bones.

There's also a museum area which is interesting.

We were too late to take a peek in the lab, but I'll bet it was interesting.

MORE ABOUT CRAZY HORSE

There's a large museum at Crazy Horse. Here's a picture of them working on it in winter.

There are many collections and exhibits.

This is the bead collection.

They even had a family that danced.

You also got to see the sculptors studio.

One of the things that tickled me was Crazy Horses' family history. I tease Don about his one family with Luppo,Tybo, Harpo, etc. Some of these names are worse!

They also have a laser show at 9:30 every night. It was nice,but difficult to get pictures. It's also free if you ask for a ticket when you're there.

CRAZY HORSE MONUMENT

They started carving Crazy Horse in 1948 and they have many, many years to go. The grandchildren of the sculptor are now being trained in using explosives. Hopefully our grandchildren will be able to see it completed. This is a plaster replica to show the finished product.

They're working on the horses head now-it will be 12 stories tall.





I guess I could mention who they are. The sculptor died several years ago and since then his wife has been in charge. Seven of their 10 children are involved in some way in finishing the project, along with many grandchildren. They blast every June and September on their parents birthdays. They almost have the rocks from the June blast cleaned up already.

This is a picture of his face head on.

MOUNT RUSHMORE AT NIGHT

At 9 o'clock every night, they have a short, patriotic ceremony at Mount Rushmore, which is free if you've been there already. They end it by lighting it, which is impressive.

Closer.

Really neat!

MOUNT RUSHMORE MUSEUM

Part of the experience at Mount Rushmore is learning how the sculptor accomplished such a creation. It's amazing! Here are the plaster casts of a couple of their faces.

Here it shows them working on it.

Even though the sculptor died, his son finished the project.

I sneaked a peek at a child drawing her version of the creation.

When you leave and drive down the highway, you can see Washington's profile.

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.