Before heading to bed (yesterday), we went to the lobby and asked for a good place to eat and what to expect at Rushmore. We learned a valuable lesson. I guess they have a huge fireworks show at Mt. Rushmore on July 3rd. If you want to get in at all, we had to leave early (as they shut down the freeway). This advice paid off huge.
We got there before most of the crowds (around 10 AM). Even with that, there were probably hundreds of people there scoping out their areas for the fireworks. I couldn't imagine staying there all day just to see a light show, but then again...maybe I am just boring.
It was funny how the kids reacted when they got into the park. It was like they saw a big rock with some pictures carved out and they were ready to move on...or could it be that fatigue is wearing in? There was something about seeing Rushmore up close and personal - rather than experiencing it via National Treasure.
There were dozens of national park rangers present for the fireworks celebration. They were getting bombarded by kids who were asking, "What do park ranger do?" (Kids were given a handout with activities and one of them was to search out a ranger and ask this question). Poor rangers...couldn't move 10' without getting asked. I was particularly fond of one encounter...a park ranger was taping up a sign (closing off a path) when a kid asked, "What do park rangers do?" She replied, "We tape up signs." I said, "Is that in your job description?" She replied, "Yes it is."
I was also taken back by all the commercialism in and around Rushmore. Billboards everywhere and all sorts of "activities" that you can do, but I couldn't help but wonder if some of them were a rip-off. After Rushmore, we went to Rushmore Caves. We decided to see what it was all about. When we got to the counter, we realized it was a guided tour, the only rock you get to touch is one in the lobby, we would have to wait 20 minutes and the tour lasted an hour (we were close to lunch), and it would run about $45. We decided to take a poll (thumbs up/thumbs down). 5-1 to reject the cave (poor Michael...he said something to the effect, "I got out-voted".) We did manage to catch a cool photographic moment at the entrance to the cave (see photo). I told the kids, pick a flag or a letter to stand by. All accept Michael picked a letter....Michael chose the last flag to the right. I like it when my kids are willing to choose one direction even if all the others are choosing another option - way to go Micheal!
After lunch, we checked out a place called Cosmos. After some research, it was rejected 6-0! Off to Bear Country. Turned out to be the right call (God-thing), as it started to rain and this was an in-car activity. We drive through an animal park where the animals can walk right up to the car. Turned out the be worth ever penny we spent ($55). We saw all sorts of animals up close....especially the bears. There is something unnerving about having a bear right next to your window. I kept thinking, I hope he doesn't hop in the back of the truck! We were also able to see bear cubs...including one who was taking a nap at the top of a tree (see photo).
We headed back to camp for swimming, basketball, and blogging. We miss you all!
We got there before most of the crowds (around 10 AM). Even with that, there were probably hundreds of people there scoping out their areas for the fireworks. I couldn't imagine staying there all day just to see a light show, but then again...maybe I am just boring.
It was funny how the kids reacted when they got into the park. It was like they saw a big rock with some pictures carved out and they were ready to move on...or could it be that fatigue is wearing in? There was something about seeing Rushmore up close and personal - rather than experiencing it via National Treasure.
There were dozens of national park rangers present for the fireworks celebration. They were getting bombarded by kids who were asking, "What do park ranger do?" (Kids were given a handout with activities and one of them was to search out a ranger and ask this question). Poor rangers...couldn't move 10' without getting asked. I was particularly fond of one encounter...a park ranger was taping up a sign (closing off a path) when a kid asked, "What do park rangers do?" She replied, "We tape up signs." I said, "Is that in your job description?" She replied, "Yes it is."
I was also taken back by all the commercialism in and around Rushmore. Billboards everywhere and all sorts of "activities" that you can do, but I couldn't help but wonder if some of them were a rip-off. After Rushmore, we went to Rushmore Caves. We decided to see what it was all about. When we got to the counter, we realized it was a guided tour, the only rock you get to touch is one in the lobby, we would have to wait 20 minutes and the tour lasted an hour (we were close to lunch), and it would run about $45. We decided to take a poll (thumbs up/thumbs down). 5-1 to reject the cave (poor Michael...he said something to the effect, "I got out-voted".) We did manage to catch a cool photographic moment at the entrance to the cave (see photo). I told the kids, pick a flag or a letter to stand by. All accept Michael picked a letter....Michael chose the last flag to the right. I like it when my kids are willing to choose one direction even if all the others are choosing another option - way to go Micheal!
After lunch, we checked out a place called Cosmos. After some research, it was rejected 6-0! Off to Bear Country. Turned out to be the right call (God-thing), as it started to rain and this was an in-car activity. We drive through an animal park where the animals can walk right up to the car. Turned out the be worth ever penny we spent ($55). We saw all sorts of animals up close....especially the bears. There is something unnerving about having a bear right next to your window. I kept thinking, I hope he doesn't hop in the back of the truck! We were also able to see bear cubs...including one who was taking a nap at the top of a tree (see photo).
We headed back to camp for swimming, basketball, and blogging. We miss you all!
1 comment:
Yep been there 2 or 3 times! Oh wait about 40 plus times. I used to drive up to the see the "faces" at 3am just to "unwind" from the hectic police work in the Air Force. No bill boards at that time and it was more natural. Used to always see mountain goats all over the place! I miss the Black Hills!!
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