This post could simply be called an Update to A Very Real National Treasure, or National Treasure Part 2, and could come with the warning label “do not try this at home.”
But basically, “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top!” expresses my enthusiasm for the destination as well as the facts of this post.
If you were to scroll back to May 18, you would read that our hike took us to ”remote locations and higher elevations than most travelers to the Black Hills experience.”
Yeah Baby! We stood on top of George Washington’s head and looked down Thomas Jefferson’s nose while we surveyed the magnificent view experienced on a day to day basis by the daring workers who carved Mount Rushmore during the Great Depression.
Let me back up and share with you the story in a linear, more comprehensible manner.
When Bruce and I registered for the Society of American Travel Writers conference in Rapid City back in February, we signed up for a story research tour called “Over and Under.” The under explored one the many caves of the Black Hills. Between you and me, after exploring caves in Missouri “THE Cave State,” I’ve decided I’m not a fan of dark, damp, enclosed spaces that could cave in on you.
The over part of the tour was more to my liking. It included a rare opportunity with National Park Service rangers to hike the top of the heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. In the past, the NPS has taken journalists to the top about once a year to talk about the eco-system, the maintenance of the famous monument, and more recently, about security to protect this national icon.
On rare occasions, federal judges, U.S. Senators and other powerful big wigs who could influence the NPS budget could request a tour as well, but it is an experience that is certainly off limits to the general public.
After we made the climb, the NPS rangers who accompanied us told us in very clear terms that, because of national security and because of obvious curiosity from the general public, that we journalists could not write about the experience.
Since then, Gerald Baker, Superintendent of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, clarified that we could write the story as long as we clearly state to all that climbing is NOT allowed except on very rare occasions and under the direct supervision of NPS employees. Otherwise, you might be spending time in a federally-funded accommodation.
In just a few words, let me tell you this….it ain’t what it looks like in the movies!
First of all, I thought there was a road or something that would take us most of the way. Nope, we climbed the whole way - about 500 feet straight up in less than a half mile. At one point, when our presence could be detected by those watching from the visitor’s center, we made a mad dash for cover, just about even with Abraham Lincoln’s chinny-chin-chin.
And seriously, because of national security precautions, we are prevented from talking about many aspects of the climb and Bruce was severely restricted on what he could photograph. However, we were joined by a mountain goat at the top who didn’t appear to be too impressed with our two-legged climbing skills.
But as we panted and tried to catch our breath, our breaths were simultaneously taken away at the grandeur of the vista, at the magnificence of the work, and the sheer national pride in living in a country created in part by the four men in whose hairline we trod.
Now, my job is to find an editor who will take my words and Bruce’s photos and share them in another medium with readers from around the world. Until then, I continue to catch my breath, nurse my bruises and revel in the knowledge that I have been to the mountain top.
And if you would like to read another account of the hike, click here:http://www.blackhillstravelblog.com/travel-writers-photogs-get-an-eyefull/
What a wonderful experience, Diana! I’m wondering, though, what is the purpose of taking the media to the top of Mt. Rushmore when you’re so restricted in what you write about it?
Kerri asks a very good question. Quite often in our travels, journalists are provided opportunities to see and do that the general public is not offered. I find that frustrating and try to reinforce to our hosts that if the public can’t do, then I won’t do it/write about it either.
This opportunity to climb to the top of Mount Rushmore, for me, was different. First of all, I really wanted to do it. And I think there is a story to be told about the history, the eco-system and security of the region. We were all very frustrated when it first appeared that we couldn’t write about it, thus the efforts to clarify with Superintendent Baker.
But basically Kerri, on this posting, I’m not spilling all of the beans, not giving away the whole story. There’s much more I can write about it, and many more photos that Bruce took that we will share…but now, I’m looking for the right editor to make it happen.
Comprenez-vous?