Here we are, finally at one of the spots where we WANTED to go!
From Custer, South Dakota we were driving up to Mount Rushmore and on the way over, we passed CRAZY HORSE Memorial, 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, South Dakota
Crazy Horse Memorial ←click link
Paying the entrance fee for our car and having access to the Museum and view of the Mountain Carving from the Wall of Windows and the Outdoor Viewing Veranda.
This picture I took at 9:57 and we just had set our Strava apps, for walking up to the Crazy Horse Memorial.
We were NOT allowed on the trail but we went to the outdoor viewing veranda instead.
YEP, I got called back rather rudely by a giant male...
Sure, they wanted to sell tickets for their Rustic Bus Ride for $4 per person or Guided Van Ride for $125 per person (as a charitable, non–refundable gift).
The reason I got rudely called back, was that it was not SAFE to proceed...!
Aha, but it was safe to go up by Rustic Bus or Van?!
Both of us so much would have loved a short morning walk in nature, after three days having lived inside our car but it did not happen.
Zoomed in to Crazy Horse's carving, from the viewing veranda.
Pieter turned his cap backwards and used another viewing device...
Pieter was also in love with the blooming petunias in South Dakota and he captured me on the viewing veranda but forgot the Crazy Horse to the right...
Our caps were perfect against the bright sunshine!
As you can see, the weather was just PERFECT again.
Leather and beads were used on those Gauntlets or Gloves.
BUT, these are the European, Czech glass beads, which they traded with the Europeans!
So their original handmade, course beads are not being preserved, it seems like.
Just like the beautiful Czech glass beads I used here: {New Quilted Graduating Ombre Silk Velvet Bottom} ←click on link.
Beaded Horse Regalia also made from the much later Czech glass beads that got traded with the Europeans.
Nevertheless, very artfully done!
Also in the museum, this Indian motorcycle.
AMERICA'S FIRST MOTORCYCLE COMPANY
Around 11:13 we started our walk at Mount Rushmore National Memorial near Keystone, South Dakota.
Quite an impressive sight these carvings of America's most prominent U.S. Presidents: George Washington; Thomas Jefferson; Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt—represent 150 years of American history.
Gutzon Borglum was the artist of this large scale mountain sculpture, born of Danish immigrants.
It is the same artist, that carved the Stone Mountain Memorial near Atlanta, Georgia.
Walking the Avenue of Flags and I aimed over the heads of many tourists... Those carvings are 5,725 feet above sea level or 1,745 meter amidst the stunning Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota.
To the right is the Georgia Flag but through the wind not visible...
Pieter is taking it all in and this was before his nap time, so after three long days on the road he finally gets to REST!
A pleasure to be there on such a perfect day!
The Grand View Terrace
Sure they did perform laser shows at night but that was a bit too late for our age and health condition!
A pleasant walk for both of us and we took it all in.
Ave Of Flags you can read top left...
South Dakota Highway 244
On our way over to Rapid City, we did pass another very unique bridge, just finished renovation in May this year, for Memorial Day.
Not over a river this time, but over two highways, an interchange of US 16 and US 16A, featuring unique Glue–Laminated Timber Bridges, the ONLY one in the country like this!
On this video around 7:55 minutes you get to see this very bridge → Mount Rushmore – Keystone South Dakota
~
We also did gas up; ready for our next day's journey.
Stay tuned for our next adventure...
Enjoy this short 1 minute Relive video:
Perfect weather indeed. That blue sky is incredible. Nice that you made it to a place you've always wanted to go.
ReplyDeleteDearest Tammy,
DeleteOh, we could not have asked for any better weather for a good view.
It was an incredible feeling for finally BEING there! Quite a distance covered but so worth it.
Hugs,
Mariette
Wow, I can only imagine how spectacular it would have been to be there in person! Definitely a once in a lifetime trip. 🙂
ReplyDeleteDearest Kim,
DeleteIt felt absolutely spectacular and it made us very happy for being there together!
That sure was a once in a lifetime moment; worth the trip.
Hugs,
Mariette
Prachtig zeg wat een uitzicht
ReplyDeleteLieve Ellie,
DeleteJa, het was een geweldig uitzicht in de Black Hills en Badlands van South Dakota en met name om dat meesterwerk te kunnen zien.
Liefs,
Mariette
Great holiday and amazing sculptures. I like the motorbike. Have you ridden a motor bike. I did just once and fell off. So fortunate to have great weather on your holiday.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Mariette.
Dearest Victor,
DeleteThat was a perfect day and we both are blessed for having been there in person!
Loved that motorbike too but have not ridden one... Next life probably and Pieter did ride motorbikes.
Hugs,
Mariette
Awesome place.
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteOh, we both fell in love with South Dakota's beauty and nature!
Hugs,
Mariette
I'm so enjoying taking this tour with you, Mariette, especially since I've never been out west.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
DeleteThank you and glad you enjoy traveling along!
This was indeed a spectacular trip, scenery wise and also the places we went to visit.
There is a lot more to come...
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh Mariette, it would be so awesome to be there in person!
ReplyDeleteI am so green with envy!
Hugs and blessings, dearest friend.
Dearest Veronica,
DeleteOh, there is no substitute for viewing it in real time with your own eyes.
So fortunate with the weather; our entire trip!
Hugs,
Mariette
Es muy interesante el lugar, no me extraña que lo quisieran visitar.
ReplyDeleteMe han encantado las fotos.
Besos.
Querida Antónia,
DeleteDe hecho, ¡finalmente lo logramos y lo vimos en persona! Un sueño así.
Abrazos,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, those beaded cuffs on leather gloves, the time it must have taken to do that. Beautiful work. Thankful for Polish Gutzon Borglum for the majestic carvings. My husband saw your post with me, and we both agree we need to visit Mt. Rushmore and surrounding areas. Happy Sunday, Betsy
ReplyDeleteDearest Betsy,
DeleteOh, one can only admire the tedious work on those gloves and horse regalia!
Sorry for having Polish before Gutzon Borglum's name and ending the sentence with born of Danish immigrants. Removed that word; thanks for your reaction and making me notice my oversight!
Oh, a visit to that region is so worthwhile! We worked in North Dakota in January with -40°F (= also -40°C) and vowed to never ever go back there in winter time. The summer season is short but so beautiful; we both were amazed at all the beauty!
Hugs,
Mariette
Maravilhoso!!!
ReplyDeleteAdorei o museu com a motocicleta indiana, linda! e as esculturas dos
presidentes americanos, que obras!!
Fiquei a imaginar esculpir na rocha com aquela perfeição.
Só posso aplaudir vocês, continuarei viajando!!! rsss
Abraços!
Querida Taís,
DeleteObrigado por viajar junto e, de fato, que obra de arte essas contas.
As esculturas nessa escala são irreais, há pessoas tão talentosas neste mundo.
Abraços,
Mariette
Un bellissimo tour spettacolare.Ciao
ReplyDeleteCara Olga,
DeleteEra veramente bellissimo!
Siamo felice.
Abbracci,
Mariette
An image that we always see in the movies and you are there. Very good
ReplyDeletexoxo
Coisas de Feltro
Dearest Christina,
DeleteYes, that was oh so impressive and look at the perfect weather we had.
It could not have been any better!
Hugs,
Mariette