Badlands, Mount Rushmore & Little Bighorn

 

The Badlands mark an abrupt change from the geology and scenery on all the roads leading there.

 

Every turn in the road provided another amazing vista.

Prairie dog colony – sort of like a modern office…

South Dakota seemed to be the place to go for the places we wanted to see. Top of the list was Mt Rushmore. It’s amusing that locals initially thought the idea was crazy. But after it was completed, the grandeur was evident and the naysayers changed their minds.

All the state flags lined up along the path makes a dramatic walkway

 

The ‘in-process’ sculpture of Crazy Horse. Several years of effort to go. Amazing how long term some people are able to think.

Our initial view of the snow capped Tetons off in the distance. Beautiful!  But had to be discouraging for the first settlers who traveled this route on foot. Roads seem to go forever. Neighbors are a long way off.

The Little Bighorn cemetery – now a US Cemetery for veterans killed in various wars.

Where Custer’s remains were found and originally buried.

Sites where Indian warriors fell during the battle were also marked.

A somber place to walk around. But well worth the time and effort to get there.

But if not…