Today was a well-earned rest day that started with a lot of activity. We had rented a car when we arrived in Rapid City yesterday due to the proximity of both Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Both are back in the Black Hills that we rode through yesterday.
We got up at our usual time, and drove up to the monuments with Erin, Steve, Kacy, Katie, and Jeanette. They serve breakfast at Mount Rushmore so we headed there first. I’ve seen the mountain before, and it was just as impressive the second time. The visitors center has been expanded. We also watched the movie about the building of the monument. It is a very impressive achievement.
A few miles away, a sculptor, at the request of the Sioux Chiefs started a sculpture of Chief Crazy Horse. The sculptor has now passed away, but his wife and children are carrying on his work. The head is done with the rest of the body and a horse to follow. They’ve created an interesting and growing village at the foot of the mountain. They envision an Indian University and many Native related developments. Another incredible achievement for one man and his family who started with almost nothing.
In the case of both monuments, they will never be finished. Mount Rushmore is completed in that they are not carving or blasting any more. However, nature continues to work its way on the rock. The Park Service is actively patching cracks and looking for new ways to preserve the carving while wind, rain, and temperature work their way as well.
At Crazy Horse, the carving continues and will for many decades to come. The sculptors are not even guessing at an end date.
Similarly, we are 20 days into the Big Ride. Will it be over on August 14 or will we keep on going? One hill at a time.