DAY 3  Deadwood-Mt. Rushmore-Crazy Horse-Sturgis

We did the big loop today.  Left here around 9:30 or so and headed out in the rain to Mt. Rushmore.  It was only about 40 degrees out when we got in the car.  It took us a little over an hour to get there but the drive was beautiful.  Through forests and up and down mountains.  The only wildlife we saw was a possum. 

We had to pay $5.00 to park because we're Seniors.  Yay, Senior Discount.  It was still drizzling rain and as we walked up we saw that the mountain was covered by clouds.  There was no way to see the Presidents then.  We walked around a little and shopped in the gift shop and by the time we were paying the clerk said she thought it had cleared enough to see them.  We went out and we could definitely see the mountain briefly.  Not even long enough to take a picture though which was disappointing but everybody knows what it looks like. 

We left there and drove a little further south to the Crazy Horse Monument.  That was pretty amazing.  Don said when he was there as a kid that there were not as many buildings and displays.  It was almost too much to see and digest so we didn't even try.  We saw the movie about the man who built it and, I'm sorry but I can't remember his name much less pronounce it.  He and his wife had 10 children and 8 of them still work there.  There were men working up on the mountain today and a woman told us they work every day and almost all year round.  We had lunch at their restaurant and it was good homemade food.  Don has his first piece of strawberry/rhubarb pie which he thought was cherry.  He said it was good. 

Then it was on to Sturgis but I guess unless the Rally is going on wasn't very interesting.  We walked around a little and bought some t-shirts and left.  We were tired by then so called it a day,

Nicki and Brian still haven't left for the trip.  He has to wait until some bloodwork is back from the "lab" before they will release him.  It was supposed to be back today but wasn't.  She is not a happy camper.  Poor kids.  I know they want to get started on their trip.

Mt. Rushmore all covered over with clouds. 

The model

View from the restauran