Dead things...

This post is sure to solidify my position on CSIS' internet watch list!  Today was all about dead things, outlaws and presidents.  We went to Mount Rushmore, to see the heads of dead presidents. http://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm  The approach to the memorial is quite impressive, lined with rows of pillars which bear the names, dates of acceptance to the union and original flags of each of the states.  Mount Rushmore itself is spectacular, it is amazing how well done the sculptures are, on such a grand scale.

Almost made me feel patriotic, just for the wrong country.

Ironically, many of the trinkets and memorabilia for sale in the gift shop of the quintessential American national monument were made in China - and they wonder why their economy is struggling so badly??!!

There is no denying the grandeur of this monument!

Then, we went to Deadwood, another national historic site, http://www.deadwood.com/basic and to Mt. Moriah Cemetary (the real Boot Hill), to the gravesites of Wild Bill Hickock http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Bill_Hickok and Calamity Jane http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calamity_Jane.

Saloon No. 10, where Wild Bill Hickock was shot in the back by the assassin Jack McCall

Then, our last stop on this trip was at Wall Drug....http://walldrug.com/...for those of you who have never heard of it, Wall Drug is a tribute to self-promotion.  There are signs erected in famous locations around the world, announcing the miles to Wall Drug.  And all this, because a couple decided to give away free glasses of ice water to tourists headed to the newly opened Mount Rushmore monument.