|
RUN TO RUSHMORE2 - MEMORIAL CRUISE
Sept 2002
Festivities this year began on Sat Sept 7th, heading west the first stop was peaceful Lake Hanson for a quick snack, next was Als Oasis in Chamberlain for Buffalo Burgers and World Famous Lemon Cream Pie. We arrived in Keystone and were greeted by four representatives from the Rapid City Cruisers; all enjoyed a great dinner and wonderful conversation. By the time the sun had set, a light rain began, our small caravan, some with neon lighting engaged, headed up the Mountain to see the giant granite faces lit. As we followed the other cruisers our view was unforgettable - sparkling cruisers a glow, Mt. Rushmore lit by huge spotlights with lighting streaking and flashing all around. We pulled around the side for a profile view of George, having the whole place to ourselves watching the magnificent lighting show over the entire Hills area - WOW.
Up before Dawn, we headed back up the mountain for a Sunrise view and a little wildlife watching. A Mountain Goat and her baby were grazing along the roadside near the faces and a heard of Big Horn Sheep were spotted next as we cruised to Hill City for Breakfast, with numerous Deer/Fawn combos around every corner. When we pulled into the Continental Cafe there was a Taupe Cruiser from Nebraska, we searched out the owners and invited them to join the Cruise, which they did. Next came the Car Wash "who would have guessed" and then on to the Rapid City Central High School to meet the rest of the Cruisers.
As Cruisers began to arrive and extremely friendly folk began to mingle - excitement and pine was in the air. Cruisers of every color, some stock some modified, but all extremely shiny headed into the Black Hills in a parade that had all heads turning. The route could not have been better, through Historic Keystone to the Iron Mountain Road with its Pigtail Bridges, wonderful scenery, winding roads, and Tunnels which all frame Mt. Rushmore. All then gathered at the roadside park to set-up for a photo op and offered a short hike to the scenic overlook - a must see - in one direction a spectacular view of Rushmore and a jog around the corner one can oversee the Black Hills Region in an outstanding view. After plenty of pictures were shot and addresses exchange, the cruise continued through the Hills back to Keystone. The Historic Ruby House was the setting for a lunch fit for Kings. After lunch we watched and waved as the Cruisers headed off back to the city, with great memories, plenty of pics and lots of new friends.
Monday Morning brought a steady rain, keeping with the Mt. Rushmore theme we toured through the Gutzon Borglum Museum - always wanted to see just never stopped - very interesting. Next we stopped by the Crazy Horse Monument, because of the fog, the sculpture could not be seen, we did catch the film and art gallery at the Studio, we had hiked to the top of Crazy Horse this spring for the Volksmarch, so this was nice added info which kept us dry. After cruising for a while in the Rain, a Cave tour was decided on, so Jewel Cave National Park was next. This hour and a half tour included 700 stairsteps and breathtaking views, very different formations than found in Wind Cave, a very nice compliment. By late afternoon the Sun came out and we headed off to Lake Pactola, a possible pontoon boat ride? Due to lateness of day we decided a snack by the shore was our best bet, and wait until we visit again and plan an all day affair on a boat. For Dinner we cruised up to Boondocks a Fifties Diner and Gas Station in the Northern Hills Area, with great old Cars parked out front and nostalgia filled shops - did I say the food was great!! Another sunset cruise back to base was filled with wildlife spotting and more - yes more - great scenery.
Tuesday we began our journey back East, as mile after mile passed, my thoughts and smiles were back with all our new Cruiser Friends and the great time we had all shared. Cant wait till next year.
|
