First stop today was Mt Rushmore National Monument. Thought I might be disappointed with it but I was really impressed. We did the walking tour with a Guide, who was a history teacher in another life, so he was very knowledgeable about the Presidents and their impact on the USA. Most impressed when the crowd recited part of the constitution.
We then drove to Keystone and followed a backroad to Hill City. It was a narrow road but it wound through the Black Hills and crossed back and forth over the Black Hills Railway. Caught up with the train (1880 model) in Hill City before we started out on the Needles Highway that led to and through Custer State Park. It was a two lane road but very narrow and I lost count of the number of 180 degree switchbacks that we made both climbing and descending the mountain. The Needles were different from what we had seen before and at Needles Eye, we had to drive through a very narrow tunnel cut through the cliff – only wide enough for one car. We eventually passed through four of these but the one at the eye was the most spectacular. Lake Sylvan was a very scenic lake nestled in the hills with massive rocks extending into its depths.
We then drove to Bear Country USA, a drive through zoo, though they did have the grizzly bears in a secure enclosure. Loved the cubs. They are so playful. My other favourite was a badger who was lying on his back sharpening his claws.
Back then to Custer City to the Buglin’ Bull Restaurant for dinner and we all ordered ½ serve of bar-b-q ribs. Well!! You should have seen the size of the meal! Not one of us finished it.
Everywhere we have been so far in our trip, we have found the American people to be so friendly and helpful. We are all most impressed with their attitude to visitors to their country.
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