Independence Day Every Day!
by Jacquie Rogers
My husband and I just returned from a trip to South Dakota. We rarely get that far east (we live in Seattle) but it was a fun opportunity to meet and greet readers at the Ann Charles event in Deadwood. While there, we took a little look-see around the place.
I'd heard about Mt. Rushmore all my life, as have most of you, although maybe with a slightly different viewpoint, since Gutzon Borglum was from Idaho, although he didn't live there in his adult life.
The scale of the monument is astounding.
 |
| Mt. Rushmore |
George Washington is mostly finished, but the other three are only faces. Nevertheless, it's really something to see. Pictures simply don't do it justice.
From there we drove up the road to Crazy Horse. I didn't know much about this monument but truth is, I found it a lot more fascinating than Mt. Rushmore. For one thing, it's much, much larger. Huge! Two Lincolns would fit inside the horse's head (when it's finished) alone. I was unaware that the Crazy Horse Monument is fully privately funded, and also supports a scholarship fund, hoping to eventually establish a university.
 |
| Crazy Horse Monument |
And what it will look like when finished.
Korczak Ziolkowski was a whole lot less controversial that Borglum, but no less colorful. He and his wife, Ruth, had ten children, seven of whom (along with Ruth) still are hard at work on the mountain.
Seeing these monuments was a fine opening for the Fourth of July festivities. And the reason for the season, I leave you with Charlie Daniels.
Seeing these monuments was a fine opening for the Fourth of July festivities. And the reason for the season, I leave you with Charlie Daniels.
Finally, this is a great time to read. I'm reading Caroline Clemmons' latest, Winter Bride (Stone Mountain, Texas). What are you reading this month?
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos of the monuments. Both are on my must-see list.
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July !!
We had a lot of fun, and also crossed off a few bucket list items. We want to go back to Crazy Horse and take the bus tour, though, so actually added an item. :)
DeleteYou are right, photos don't do them justice. Still they are awe-inspiring. Thank you for taking us along on your trip.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually doing more writing than reading, but I'm trying to catch up on all the great books that have come out in the last few months. Doris
I know! That's the one thing about writing--you simply can't read as much as you'd like. And reading is what lured most of us into this gig in the first place. Still, it's important to make time. When I don't read, my writing slows down. I think it's a words-in/words-out thing.
DeleteJacquie, I would love to see the Crazy Horse monument, especially when it's complete. I think the warrior's pointing finger will be a very delicate carving. Hope you had a great trip and glad you're home.
ReplyDeleteWe want to take the bus tour if we ever get back there again. Crazy Horse Monument is definitely an ambitious project. I'm thinking they'll have to have quite a few more kids to get this project completed--grandkids and great-grandkids. Lots of 'em.
DeleteI enjoyed hearing about your trip. I hope to start reading for fun when I finish my current edit. I was planning to set a month aside, like I did last year, just for reading other people's books. I buy them whenever I see an interesting one but the time to sit and read anything but novellas has been sparse. I think it's good though to take a break like you did with your vacation and as I hope to do with my reading right here on the place.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Rapid City for a year. Loved Mt. Rushmore. Crazy Horse Mountain was just the outstretched arm back then. I'd love a time machine so I could go forward in time and see the completion of it. *g* Belated Happy 4th!
ReplyDelete