Mount Rushmore

I was unprepared for my reaction when we got there yesterday, and I can't now put it in words. Quite a feeling to be standing in front of this magnificent monument that is so representational of our country.  You are struck by its size, and by how smooth the surface is, carved into the mountainside.  And how real the likeness of these great men.  The story of its creation, first envisioned by a local man, and brought to reality by then famous sculptor Gutzon Borglum.  He and his workers blasted and drilled for 14 years, and it stands as it did at his death, unfinished.  I don't think I ever realized that, but it was supposed to show the men to their waists, but his death, and lack of funding, halted the process.

The process was amazing, working from a 1/12 scale model,  and provided for the likeness and the smoothness, which  attests to his talent.  From his studio alongside the mountain , he even decided to add a piece of flint to the eyes to bring life to them.  They are being carefully preserved with modern methods, which hopefully will prevent it from being destroyed by the elements.  

We stayed last night just outside of the park at an amazing KOA that was more a resort than a campsite!  Complete with all the amenities, plus horseback riding, two restaurants, a huge kids area with games and a giant bouncing surface, and several stores.  There were 600 camp sites, plus cabins and a large lodge.....amazing!  Kids everywhere having a super time.  A great place for a family vacation.

Have to mention the huge number of Motorhomes and trailers we have encountered in the last several states, and especially here!  And tons of rentals, too!  We were walking to see the sunset two nights ago, and a family pulled into the camp, and the man waved and smiled.  The next night I was in the office, having checked in to the next site, and he came in!  I smiled, but he did not recognize me.  Today, we pulled in for gas, and as we were walking back to the RV after checking out the store and paying, there he was!!  I smiled, and asked him if he was following us!  I reminded him where and how many times I had seen him , and he said they were headed for the same destination today as well!   Pretty funny!  They have rented, and are doing a big circle of the parks, then back home to Michigan.