Thursday 20 June 2013

Day 28 Custer State Park, Black Hills National Forest, Mt Rushmore, Rushmore Caves

June 16

Custer State Park, Black Hills National Forest, Mt Rushmore, Rushmore Caves

Happy Father’s Day!  Marg & I took the guys for breakfast to start our day at the Chuckwagon, KOA.  After a full tummy we headed to Custer State Park.  We did the Custer State Park and Mt Rushmore loop, 67 miles.  The exciting part of this road are the tunnels, there are 6 of them.  The smallest one being 8’4”w x 12’6”h which we crept through so the mirror of the truck didn’t touch and the widest tunnel 14’w x 12’9”.  One tunnel is blind.  Someone needs to get out of the vehicle to make sure no one is coming.  People stand and watch as you drive through the tunnel by what they call the “Needle’s Eye”.   


 

Mt. Rushmore next stop.  It is already buzzing with people.  We stopped in the museum and in the theater we watched a short video on the vision and creation of Mt. Rushmore by Mr. Borglum; mostly done with dynamite!!  It took over 400 workers 14 years to complete.  Amazingly enough, no one died!  Mt. Rushmore has so many visitors they keep improving and adding to the attractions. 

The Walk of Flags

 Caves are another Black Hills attraction.  We toured through Rushmore caves.  Our tour guide explained the rock formations and for the most part we were able to walk up right.  A few tight spots, skinny and low.  The tunnel we were taken through was about ½ mile long.


 

Next to continue with the Black Hills loop from Keystone, 3 of the 6 tunnels and hair pin turns, and cork screw bridges made of wood or otherwise called braided bridges.  Oh yes there is a sign, no RV’s, buses or vehicles over 21 feet.  At the Norbeck Overlook Mt. Rushmore is visible.
 
 
I must comment that everyone around here (South Dakota) is very polite and everyone says hello! 

Daily Stats: 
Today's distance: Bogaert’s turn to tour 
Weather:  Sunshine with clouds; High: 24 degrees; Lo: 10 degrees
Diesel Price: $3.679 in Custer City $3.24 gallon for gas
Wildlife:  Bison, prairie dogs, marmot, deer & pronghorn
Campsite:  Custer/Mt Rushmore KOA in Custer City
Walking:  6 km

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