Badlands National Park via Mount Rushmore

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Again we got up at 6AM to get ready and pack up our stuff. I took a few photos of the campsite before we hopped into the van and we were on our way. We stopped off at a petrol station where I finally found a half decent fitting pair of sunglasses and bought them. We drove for a couple of hours before stopping off at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial sign where we all took photos then headed for the famous Mount Rushmore. When we arrived Jon told us we have 45 minutes to have a look around before we had to set off again. We headed towards the amazing Mount Rushmore which was an extremely impressive sight. Another sight we had all seen on the television, it was hard to believe we were actually here.

We walked down the corridor of state flags to the viewing terrace and took photos while trying to remember whose heads were there. Tina, Marcia and I got some group photos with the mountain in the background then went to have a look around. You could actually walk all the way down to the base of the mountain but since we didn’t have much time we decided against it (turns out Dave went and said it was great). We had a look in the souvenir shop and bumped into the other trek group who had just arrived. By this time we were ready to head back to the van and waited for the others to arrive. We had a short drive till our next stop, Crazy Horse Monument. Crazy Horse Monument is being built in quiet protest by the native Indians against the American government carving their heads into the native Indian’s land. They have been carving Crazy Horse Monument for around 80 years because they only use the money from donations and entry into the monument. It was much bigger than Mount Rushmore and when it’s finished will be even more impressive.

When we arrived we were all amazed at this massive, yet to be completed sculpture. First we had a look around the museum there which housed different native Indian exhibits. This lead into the souvenir shop where Tina was advised by Jon to buy a book, which unfortunately she did, it would later haunt us. We exited the shop and took lots of photos of the amazing sculpture and also the finished replica. Grabbed a small bite to eat while we waited for the others to arrive then headed back to the van. After a couple of hours drive we arrived at this strange western themed town called Wall Drug. Jon gave us some time to have a look around while he tried to organise an old time photo with the group. We headed down this arcade like place full of western shops. We had a look around and eventually a few of us bought cowboy hats. Most of the group did, as well as most of the other trek group too. We walked through the arcade and ended up finding a shooting range game where we all got photos with our new cowboy hats. Outside there was an area with different photo opportunities so I got a few of me either riding a horse, pretending to be an Indian and even riding a little western kiddy ride. As we left we bumped into Jon who said the old time photo was shut so instead a few of us went to the pub, had a few drinks and a game of pool then headed back to the van to be on our way.

We drove again for about an hour and stopped to take photos of the Badlands National Park sign and shortly after an amazing lookout point. We continued on a little further and stopped for a short hike through the badlands where we had to climb up a steep ladder and over rocks to another amazing lookout point. We took some group photos then headed back to the van. As far as we knew we were camping tonight but again Jon was hiding secrets from us. The other trek group knew all along but wouldn’t tell us. We eventually arrived at a large double storey ranch. The other trek group were already there and took the upstairs bedrooms so we were forced to take downstairs. But it was huge, a massive kitchen as well where both groups separately made dinner. Tonight there was a huge party planned, with both groups, we again got smashed. Played lots of drinking games that night, we were playing them for hours. I have no idea what time I went to sleep or even where I slept.

Day 22:
Devil's Tower - Badlands National Park
200 MILES TRAVELLED // 3765 TOTAL
Badlands Ranch

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Photos

Mt Rushmore
Amazing Mt Rushmore on a beautiful day

Mt Rushmore
View by the roadside on our way to Crazy Horse Monument

Crazy Horse Monument
The finished replica with the unfinished Crazy Horse Monument in the background

Crazy Horse Monument
View of the monument from the viewing area

Badlands National Park
View from the start of the trail

Badlands National Park
View from the end of the trail looking back the way we came

Badlands National Park
Amazing views of Badlands National Park from the top of the trail