Tuesday 29^th May

In Los Angeles now and it really seems that our holiday is almost over. Had two nights in Keystone to finish off the bus tour, three attempts to see Mt Rushmore and a long day travelling to get to Denver.    Keystone is one short street full of souvenir shops for tourists visiting Mt Rushmore.  Our first attempt to see the lighting up was foiled by fog, as was our day visit the next morning.  The sun shone however on our last day and a blue sky provided a lovely background for the carvings.  Never realized the work that went into these monuments – both Mt Rushmore’s presidents and also Crazy Horse.  First there were scale models made up, measured and these measurements transferred to the  mountain using crane structures and simple plumbobs for carving (first stage was using dynamite).

Quite glad not to have to have bags ready for early bag pulls and have our own leisurely start to the day on Monday.  It was Memorial Day on Monday and a long weekend for people.  Friends of a friend picked us up and took us for scenic drive into the mountains around Denver, before lunch at their home.  Had another drive in the afternoon, dinner with them before returning to the hotel.  Saw some beautiful scenery including a large natural amphitheatre used for concerts.

Denver is the mile high city, but they lived at 8,000 feet.  Could notice it a bit when you walked – puffed a little

Flew into LA on Tuesday morning – minor hiccup with flight bookings but all sorted by one very obliging desk clerk.

Plan to have a tour and visit Universal studios in next couple of days.