Day 51 & 52: Black Hills

It's a long drive from Colorado to South Dakota, but we made it.

We first went to Mt Rushmore.  At first it was unimpressive.  The viewing platform is pretty far from the faces.  It's crowded.  The 4th-Grade pass didn't get us in for free.  But then we went to the Sculpture Studio and learned how they created it.  They dynamited to with 2-4 inches of the final shape, then chiseled, and finally buffed the cheeks smooth.  They also had to change plans of the final shape because there was soft granite on Washington, and a layer of mica that did not cooperate.

Next we decided to go to Wind Cave.  Yes, another cave.  But wait!  The web site says it is closed because the elevator broke.  On the phone, the ranger was hopeful it would be fixed that afternoon.  So we flipped a coin: risk the Wind Cave without a tour or look for the 3rd best attraction in the Black Hills.  We took a risk and went to the Wind Cave.  We figured the visitor center would be good enough.  As we arrived, they announced that the elevator was fixed.  And the tour took our 4th-Grade pass to get us all in for free.

Let me explain the 4th-grade pass.  This is a program where a 4th Grader can apply to get a pass that allows you and your family into National Parks.  This has saved us lots.  Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, Grand Tetons, all run between $20 and $30 just to drive in.  So, bring a 4th-Grader on your next family vacation.

1:12 scale model

The natural entrance to Wind Cave.  We took the side door.

Box-work

Going down.

prairie dogs