We took a road trip the first week of October, which came about in part due to a shift in employment for me. One of my part-time jobs was ending because the doctor was retiring, but before I ramped up my hours on my other job, Norm and I decided to hit the road.
I'd never been out in the direction of Mount Rushmore, something I've always wanted to see, and it seemed a driveable distance, given our timeline, and a decent time of year to go. So we headed west! Some of the highlights were:Badlands National Park...
There were so many other interesting things to see. I wanted to learn more about Native American culture, so we stopped at the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center on the grounds of the St. Joseph Indian school at Chamberlain, South Dakota. Fascinating history in the exhibits and information as we toured the museum.
I found particularly interesting to read about the history of quilting among the Sioux culture.
After we left the museum, we paused to see the new 50-foot sculpture installed along I-90 near Chamberlain. It's called "Dignity" and depicts a Native young woman receiving a star quilt. According to sculptor Dale Lamphere, “Dignity represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota
and Dakota culture in South Dakota. My hope is that the sculpture might
serve as a symbol of respect and promise for the future."
It was 37 degrees and raining steadily when I hopped out and took this photo. But it's a beautiful and inspiring piece, rain or shine.
There were a couple stops at quilt shops along the way, notably Calico Hutch in Hayward, MN and Heartsong Quilts in Hot Springs, SD. I could have spent hours (and more money) at both stores, they were fantastic! As time was limited and we had to be moving on, I was happy to find out I could visit them anytime online.
I did some stash replenishing between those two, as well as shopping the 50% off clearance fabric sale at Jo-Ann on Columbus Day when I got home.
I addressed my deficit of low volume fabrics in the stash, and I think I did okay.
The last hotel we stayed at on the way back, Microtel in Rochester, MN, had some interesting carpeting in the hallway.
Even seeing photos of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial doesn't prepare one for the impact these fabulous art works create. They are so impressive. It's been many years since we traveled out there, but the memories remain very vivid. I'm glad you and your family got to experience this part of America. One little correction, though. The Calico Hutch is in Hayward, Minnesota, not South Dakota. I was just there 2 weeks ago on a little shop hop. It's a fun shop.
You were in my town! Isn't Dignity amazing? Our part of the world has a lot of beauty to offer and I'm glad you could take in some of it. Merry Christmas!
5 comments:
Even seeing photos of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial doesn't prepare one for the impact these fabulous art works create. They are so impressive. It's been many years since we traveled out there, but the memories remain very vivid. I'm glad you and your family got to experience this part of America. One little correction, though. The Calico Hutch is in Hayward, Minnesota, not South Dakota. I was just there 2 weeks ago on a little shop hop. It's a fun shop.
You're right, Leslie! The Calico Hutch is in Minnesota. Thanks for noticing that!
Thanks for the virtual tour! "Dignity" will be a must see for me!
Looks like you had a wonderful trip, and acquired some wonderful
stash enhancements!
What a good idea, to sneak in some fun as your work patterns change. This looks like a great trip.
You were in my town! Isn't Dignity amazing? Our part of the world has a lot of beauty to offer and I'm glad you could take in some of it. Merry Christmas!
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