I had a long drive today, but since I calculate that I’ve made this drive at least 60 times in the last 25 years, it wasn’t remarkable. It did feel a little weird, however, to be driving solo without the family along. One big difference: today I have total control over both the music and the snacks.
This doesn’t mean the voices of my loved ones aren’t being heard, though. For example, I shuffle through the CDs for the next selection and I think I hear, “Geez, do you think we could listen to something recorded in this century?” Stopping for snacks: Mmmm, pork rinds. “Dad, that is so gross.” Sorry, can’t hear you over the crunching and the loud music.
I do start to think about family trips we’ve taken, such as the big trek through South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming a while back. I remember typing some impressions into the trusty laptop. Are they still there? Oh yes, and with just a couple of clicks…presto! Instant blog!
“Oh, that’s just too easy.” Sorry, not listening.
SOUTH DAKOTA FLASHBACK
Keystone
We are drawing near to Mount Rushmore, and our eyes scan the hills and horizon around us looking for the first glimpse. But first our eyes must sweep past the countless brightly colored and/or flashing signs promising us the Black Hills’ “best, cheapest, most beautiful, most convenient or most shameless” memorabilia.Highway 14 is the major artery into the Mount Rushmore area, which I suppose makes us tourists the lifeblood of the businesses in Keystone. Many must pass this way, and there is the inevitable competition to see to our undeniable needs to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom and buy forgettable mementos. I’m struck by the fact that people will drive hundreds, even thousands, of miles to see spectacular scenery or a monumental example of human art and endeavor and then want to commemorate the awe-inspiring experience with some crappy piece of plastic.
The process has been going on in this area since the first Conestoga wagon had a Wall Drug sticker pasted on its back bumper, and Keystone – located at the base of Mount Rushmore – is its own monument to the economic freedom ensured by the rocky busts ensconced above. Gift stores and restaurants line both sides of the main route through town, each one apparently named after a cowboy, an Indian or a president. Just as prominent are the billboards promoting Gutson Borglum-related sites and attractions. Borglum was the sculptor, visionary – and marketing maven – who through his will and perseverance created the Rushmore monument and, for all intents and purposes, Keystone as well.
The town reminds me of Gatlinburg, Tenn., another village that clings to the side of a mountain and exists solely to collect whatever money can be shaken from the tourists’ pockets by gravity or impulse. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see many of the same lame postcards of “country” humor here in Keystone that I saw in Gatlinburg 30 years ago. Everything from jack-alopes to the bald man’s hairbrush and folksy plaques with universal truths using colloquial spelling. I’ll grant you there is one distinct difference between Keystone and Gatlinburg: you’re not likely to find a bust of Lincoln in Tennessee.
Spearfish to Rapid City
The sky is at war with the earth. Streaks of lightning marble the dusky sky over the Black Hills, striking hilltop after hilltop. Occasionally a sheet of yellow appears, completely filling the space between two hills.There is a history of mostly peaceful detente between the earth and the sky, punctuated by what appears to be spectacularly violent episodes such as this one. The thunder booms from the sky to the hills as if to say, “This time, this time I’m taking you down and knocking you flat.” The perpetually shrugged shoulders of the hills seem to respond: “That may have worked for you in Iowa, but it ain’t happening here.”
Or perhaps the thunder is the voice of the hills, answering the challenge of the sky with a collective roar and rumble from deep in the throat. The fact is, this is an old marriage, and nothing will get settled tonight. This, too, will blow over, and in the morning it will be as if nothing has happened.
Kind of like this blog…
I have taken that trip a few times myself… one of my memories consists of visiting Reptile Gardens in Rapid City and seeing all of the James Carville look-alikes.
Hey, I really like your writing. Great imagery, and a cool blog.
excellent issues altogether, you just gained a new reader. What may you suggest in regards to your submit that you made some days in the past? Any certain?
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.
Absolutely written subject matter, Really enjoyed looking at.
I?¦ve recently started a site, the information you offer on this web site has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Fantastic work!
Very interesting topic, regards for putting up.
What¦s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & aid different users like its helped me. Good job.
naturally like your website however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I¦ll definitely come again again.
I?¦ve read several excellent stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you place to create any such fantastic informative website.
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am now not positive whether or not this publish is written through him as nobody else know such targeted about my trouble. You are wonderful! Thank you!
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
certainly like your web-site but you have to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the reality however I?¦ll surely come again again.
I like this web site its a master peace ! Glad I observed this on google .
There are actually loads of particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a nice point to convey up. I offer the ideas above as general inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you carry up where the most important factor shall be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, but I’m certain that your job is clearly recognized as a fair game. Each boys and girls feel the influence of only a moment’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
Hello my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all important infos. I?¦d like to look more posts like this .
I am not real great with English but I come up this very easygoing to understand.
I haven?¦t checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I like assembling utile information , this post has got me even more info! .
You are my intake, I own few blogs and sometimes run out from to post : (.
Can I just say what a reduction to find somebody who really is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know how one can convey an issue to mild and make it important. Extra folks have to read this and understand this facet of the story. I cant believe youre not more in style since you undoubtedly have the gift.
You made some decent factors there. I regarded on the web for the difficulty and found most individuals will associate with together with your website.
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
I am not really wonderful with English but I line up this very leisurely to understand.
Fantastic site. Plenty of useful info here. I am sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks to your effort!
Appreciate it for helping out, fantastic info .
It?¦s in point of fact a great and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you just shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.