I must confess when Pam suggested this trip I was not all
that excited about it. I assumed like most people South Dakota had little to
offer in the way of photographic opportunities. As is usually the case when I
disagree with Pam, I was wrong and this became one of my favorite trips.
While we stayed at a delightful hotel not directly in
Rapid City, I could see an advantage to staying in town. Rapid City is known for
having life size statues of all of the past presidents. I could easily see where
an amateur photographer staying in town could be out at all hours trying to get
just the right light on their favorite statue. I did take pictures of them all
for Pam. I guess the one below is my favorite, but I should have spent more time
getting the light right.
Of course, about 2 hours outside of Rapid City (it seemed
like everything was 2 hours outside of Rapid City - but that's a good thing
because we stayed in the same hotel for the whole trip) is Mount Rushmore and
Chief Crazy Horse.
On another day and another two hours away from Rapid City
was a visit to a wild horse sanctuary. It became the highlight of the trip for
me. I have always loved horses and find them very photogenic. I could fill a lot
of space with horse pictures but for now we'll settle for these.
The scenery was far different than I expected for South
Dakota.
We also saw the famous (or infamous) Wall Drug. Dead Wood
and Custer State Park.