Black Hills, SD, September 2nd

Now, and what it will be.

I didn't think the bison incident in Yellowstone could be matched, yet it was, but with a uniquely different kind of experience.

My intention was to visit the Crazy Horse Monument for just a few minutes, then proceed to Mt Rushmore before heading east. While at the Crazy Horse Visitors Center, the more I learned (through pictures, exhibits and the short movie), the more fascinated I became with the entire project. When completed, this will be the largest monument ever built, dwarfing Mt Rushmore, and rising higher than the Washington Monument and the pyramid at Gehza.

After two hours, I was about to leave when I noticed a sign indicating that, for a small ransom, one could be driven to the top (where the Chief's outstretched shoulder will be). Since there are workmen and heavy machinery up there, as well as being a blasting zone, I said No Way! Yes indeed, tenderfoot. Plop down your Visa card and grab yourself a hardhat.

After getting my camera equipment and signing waivers, the word came across the two-way radio form the project manager that all workmen were to come off the mountain as lightning was moving into the area, a very common occurrence. The project manager is Ruth Ziolkowski, the elderly widow of the man who started it in 1948 (at the simple and humble request of one Chief Running Bear). Seven of their children, and she herself(!) comprise most of the crew working on the mountain today, Expected completion: another 50 years.

So the next morning, as the only rider, I was escorted up the mountain by Gale, a local retiree who donates his time. This entire project is privately funded by donations. I was excited with anticipation and when we reached the top, at the Chief's chin, my expectations were fulfilled.

The view from up there is breathtaking, but to behold this magnificent carving so close is more than I can put into words. Imagine for a moment having been transported to the base of the Presidents' faces on Mt. Rushmore halfway through construction, or the pyramids. In some strange way, it makes real the sense of history, providing a truly emotional connection between past and future. Unforgettable

The history of Crazy Horse is amazing in itself. Following the extensive violation by the U.S. Government of the treaty of 1868, he led the Sioux and was instrumental in the defeat of General Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn. Shortly thereafter, while meeting with government officials at a U.S. fort, he was stabbed in the back, and died. He was 34.

The monument will depict the response of Crazy Horse to a white man's derisive question, "Where are your lands now?" He replied, "My lands are where my dead lie buried."

By the way, on the way down the mountain, Gale noticed my excitement with this experience and mentioned that Mrs. Z is looking to hire a pointer, a person who helps transfer the dimensions of the working model to the areas that need precise drilling and blasting. I'm thinking...I'm thinking...