Mt. Rushmore at Night

Last night the temperature was warm and the sky clear so I drove back to Mt. Rushmore to get a shot of the memorial illuminated. There was a short talk by a park ranger, and then a short film about why the four presidents were chosen, and then they turned on the spotlights. A nice ceremony. Getting a good shot took me 7 tries, however. Taking a time exposure shot with no tripod is a bit of a challenge.

Showdown on Main St., Deadwood

I really should drive more carefully! No, this wasn't my fault...just another gunfight in rollicking Deadwood!

Deadwood - Gold, Gambling & Gunpowder

Deadwood was a gold rush town that was saved thanks to gambling dollars after the gold ran out. It's also the same Deadwood as in the HBO series. The collage contains scenes from the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane in Mt. Moriah Cemetary and sights around town. If you're wondering, yes I did some gambling...played the penny slots and netted 20 bucks...high roller!!

The Museum of Woodcarving, Custer SD

Most of the 38 exhibits in this museum were carved over a 30 year period by Dr. Harley Niblack. Almost as fascinating as the intricately carved scenes, such as this one of an old-time barbershop, is the animation. Niblack designed and built elaborate mechanisms to bring his 3D scenes to life. in 1954-55 Niblack designed the animation at Disneyland. 

The 1880 Train, Hill City

The 1880 Train is a must for train buffs to see. Shown here as it stops in Hill City, SD to take on passengers for a 2 hour scenic trip to Keystone. 

Mount Rushmore

Arrived in Rapid City, SD on June 5 and did some sightseeing on Saturday, June 12. No visit here is complete without a trip to Mount Rushmore. It's at least the second time and maybe the third time I've seen it, but it's just as impressive each time.