Rushmore after all

I didn't anticipate getting to see one of the nation's great (and truly out of the way) monuments while here in Rapid City, nor did I have any idea when I'd get back up this way again. Because the work agenda had us working until five or later each day, and with the margin between then and sunset, considering it's 30 miles south of here, I just didn't think it would happen.

Well, today, we finished up a little earlier than expected, and while on they way back to my hotel, I saw the sign pointing the way to Rushmore. In a moment of (rare) spontaneity, I turned off the highway, toward a seriously unknown path. I had done no research, I had no maps, both my work and personal laptops were back at the hotel, and I generally had no idea what to expect of the journey. All I knew for sure was that I was in the right state, and that I had plenty of gas.

I must admit that I figured you could maybe see it far away while on a highway or something. You know, off in the distance. But I was very much not correct. You really have to get up into the mountain roads to get anywhere near where you can get a glimpse. It's out of the way and not exactly a quick endeavor. And while I only spent a whole ten minutes there (the touristy stuff was closed), I'm glad I made the effort.

I was worried about making it before sunset because the lack of light would ruin any potential photo ops, but I was fortunate to have barely made it. As you can see from the couple decent pics I took, the sun is clearly behind the mountain and on its way down. Here's a couple more that are less common to see.

So I'm not saying to drive all this way just to see Rushmore, but if you're anywhere in the area, do make the effort. I wish I had the time/sunlight to have made the additional 11 mile journey to see Crazy Horse. Maybe "next time" if there is one.