Hill City, South Dakota: We didn't have far to drive today. We left our campsite outside Deadwood and took a side trip just outside of town to Chubby Chipmunk Chocolates. We first learned of this shop while at lunch the other day in Spearfish, as they served/sold an ice cream loaded with Chubby Chipmunk Chocolates. You don't have to ask me twice.
Not sure if this place is housed in old gas station, garage, or what, but inside they have delicious chocolates, friendly staff and fabulous gifts. Worth a stop! (Is that Alvin, Simon & Theodore?) We bought a nice selection of treats to keep our chocolate cravings curbed for a while.
Next we drove to Sturgis - the home of the Bike Rally. Sturgis makes Deadwood seem like a county fair. Sturgis is the epicenter of the rally. All the city streets are closed to car parking and reserved for bikes only.
We saw many amazing things in Sturgis today. Yes, nearly everyone was wearing leather, had tats and was a biker. T-shirts read I IDENTIFY AS AN A$$HOLE (but not spelled with dollar signs) and a sign reading TITS OUT FOR THE BOYS.
A few times I noticed "NO COLORS" signs. At first I was offended, confused, until I learned this meant no gang colors. Motorcycle gangs are not welcome at the rally.
This drive-by was most eye-opening. We saw booths that sold souvenir t-shirts, patches, decals, stickers, tattoo and piercing shops, speakers for motorcycles, tires, rims, attorneys specializing in motorcycle accidents, food trucks, leather clothing and even an adult sex toy shop. Tons and tons of bars. (Do not bring children to Sturgis anytime around Bike Week.) Besides all the loud music blasting from speakers on bikes, the noise from the engines is so dang loud.
We retreated through Rapid City (to avoid construction on 385) and drove directly to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. There is no admission to the Memorial, but parking is $10 ($5 for seniors), and RV parking is exactly at the front entrance. Rock Star Parking today for these two old people!
Entering the Memorial, there is a long pavilion lined with flags of every state and territory of the United States. Then the view opens to the carvings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
The memorial was carved by Gutzon Borglum (and 400 workers) in a 14-year period beginning in 1927. In the Visitor Center, the construction of the carvings is detailed. Models were made and constructed using dynamite and pneumatic hammers.
While I was in the Visitor Center, DT walked under the faces (to look up their noses?) and snapped a few photos for your enjoyment.
Our daughter is an alumna of The George Washington University - founded by George Washington (in Washington, DC).
After our visit to Mt. Rushmore, we headed to our campsite-o-the-day - the KOA Mt. Rushmore Resort at Palmer Gulch. Holy Moly. This place must have its own zip code. We are in the 500-numbered-sites. There are several pools, horse stables, ATV rentals, car rentals, a lodge, cabins, several restaurants and bars, a coffee shop, wine bar, and a pancake breakfast. Ridiculous. So many activities and so many families here enjoying their vacation. Everyone is so friendly and they have hired many J-1 visa holders their staff are from everywhere in the world.
We had a soup from the slow cooker and stayed outdoors before it became - wait for it - too chilly to remain outdoors.
Until my next update, I remain, your Mt. Rushmore correspondent.
Campground Information: KOA Mt. Rushmore Resort at Palmer Gulch