Some Native Americans left these prayer bundles around the base of the tower because they consider the mountain to be sacred. There were signs posted to not disturb them.
At Devil's tower National Monument, they have a large space set aside for prairie dogs. The natural habitat for these creatures has been reduced to only 2% of what it originally was. These guys were everywhere and they were so cute! My mom asked if they sold them in pet stores and I told her no. I'm pretty sure that's accurate...
On the way out, we saw some Texas longhorns. These guys were beasts!!!
After that, we went to Mount Rushmore. It's smaller than you think it would be, especially after seeing Devil's Tower, but it's still pretty impressive when you get closer to it. There were a lot of exhibits in the visitor center and they had a lighting ceremony at 9:00 for a very full amphitheater. I stole the last picture of the monument lit up at night off the Internet because all of the one's I took sucked >_<. I cleaned the lens with a Q-tip at the hotel room a few minutes ago, so hopefully it'll take better pictures tomorrow. Oh yeah, like the techno-tard that I am, I just figured out the zoom function on my camera tonight, even though I've owned it for over a year O_o
In the next two pictures you can barely make out a mountain goat and her baby. They're the fuzzy white things at the bottom of the boulder field between the tops of the two trees.
PICTURES OF THE DAY: As part of the lighting ceremony, the ranger asked all people either in or having previously served in the armed forced to take down the flag for the night. It was a very touching service and we should all be grateful for these men and women that risk their lives to keep us safe.
In other news...
Check out the new TAMFS blog for GA! http://welcome-revolution.blogspot.com/
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Totally off topic, but cool none the less. I just saw someone twitter:
ReplyDelete"Human rights for human beings. Same sex marriage now legal in Iceland, PM becomes first leader with SS spouse."
Aren't you glad I told you to go to Devil's Tower? That was one of my first big climbs. It looks like a big hill on top, you don't see the edges.
ReplyDeleteCarly: That is TOTALLY cool!!!!
ReplyDeleteRyan: Yeah, I totally got a kick out of Devil's Tower!