Saturday September 8, 2007. Arrived here late last night, but not too late for some homemade Strawberry Rhubarb pie and a nice walk around the back streets of Custer with Chumley. Today is an odd day. It is the one year anniversary of Mr. H. Bones Mahoney's demise, who chose to leave the planet while under the watchful eye of my beloved best friend Mikey. I have been thinking alot about Bones. I miss him every day. I do love Chumbucket so much, but
Mr. B was a unique individual. I know all of you who have lost a pet know what I mean. They each have such specific spirits. Hoping Emily doesn't decide to replicate Bones' exit. That might just put Mike over the edge. Ok enough morbid canine thoughts. We are staying at the Rocket Motel. A 1930's cabin type place. Beyond cute. Now Custer, South Dakota is in direct contrast to Keystone, South Dakota. Custer is a real little tourist town th
at probably existed before Mount Rushmore. A small colony of Sears houses, lovely bungalows, and hunting cabins. Keystone takes its' cues from the Vegas - Branson model, replete with a presidential wax museum, indoor water park, reptile garden, mystery spot, and not to be missed Holy Terror Minature golf. In a weird way it reminded me of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I know that's a stretch, but sort of a pre-packaged family fun experience. The Crazy Horse Monument really moved me. Korczak Ziolkowski's dedication and irrational optimism is inspiring. The entire museum is sort of homey and well intentioned. Dogs are allowed and Chum even stalked the cat that belonged to the sculptor's children who still toil at the unfathomable task of completing this statue that is 5x as big as Rushmore. We had to see Mount Rushmore. That is not a pimple on George Washington's head. People were climbing to the top with ropes and stuff. Um why? Chumley was NOT allowed in the park so I had to satisfy my patriotic yearnings from the parking lot. OK onto WALL DRUG per my cousin Hillie, and then a night in Sioux Falls. 
