Start Location: Rapid City, SD
Ending Location: Buffalo, WY
Miles Today: 233
Trip Miles: 2068
States Visited: 6
National Parks Visited: 2
National Monuments Visited: 1
Low Temp: 65.9° F
High Temp: 89.3° F
Min Elevation: 3259'
Max Elevation: 6123'
Route Map:
2019 Trip - Day 09
Today was a great day for riding. The skies were clear, the roads were
not very busy and Until late afternoon) temperatures were very
moderate. After a short ride we entered Mt Rushmore national Monument.
Although we have been here numerous times and enjoyed our visits, we
were a little disappointed this time. The amphitheater, museum and
video presentation were all closed due to construction. We first
visited Mt. Rushmore 40 years ago in 1979 while we were traveling cross
country with 3 kids in a van because of a transfer from Sandusky, OH to
Everett, WA. The difference is amazing. When we were here in 1979 there
was just a small visitor's center and a ranger who played a VCR tape.
Today there is a 6 level parking facility, cafeteria, gift shop, and
the aforementioned facilities that were closed.
After
Mt. Rushmore we road a short distance to the Crazy Horse Memorial. We
have visited this site numerous times and are always amazed at how much
the total compound continues to grow and expand over the years.
Although you can clearly see Crazy Horse's face, there is a long way to
go. I'm not sure our kids or even grandkids will ever see the memorial
completed.
After leaving the memorial we road to Buffalo, WY where we spent the night.
Tomorrow the Beartooth Highway and Beartooth Pass.
