Custer State Park, South Dakota




























 Today we went back to Custer State Park to take the Wildlife Loop. We were hoping to see Buffalo. We got a late start and thought we had missed everything, until we were stopped by a crowd of people taking pictures of the donkeys.  Several had their colts with them and were begging for food. Park rules say don’t feed them but of course not everyone listens.

We then came upon another visitors center and the ranger showed several of us where bison were last seen and how to get there and how to get back.  We traveled on the dirt road and boy did we get to see Buffalo!  An entire herd with calves and all.  One grumpy patriarch kept grunting for whatever reason  I got a video of him but I fear it may be too long to add here. We lingered there with all the other car for a while then made our way back to the loop. On the way out we saw two separate occurrences of solitary bison off on their own  one even had a bird on his back.

We were surprised as we traveled on, to see a prong horn antelope alone in a meadow. We were told yesterday they would be hard to find. We felt very blessed.

After completing the wildlife loop we went on to the Needles highway which is where the garnet spires can be seen. I cannot tell you how magnificent the views were. Mountain cliff climbers must have the joy of their lives when they reach the tops.  That’s not for me though.  

By far one of the most spectacular experiences was going through the small on car wide, short tunnels. Check out the picture of the tour bus trying to get though.  Again I have a video but I think it’s too long to add. Quite thrilling!

We ended our trip by eating at the State Game Lodge.  President Coolidge liked to stay here.  He learned to fly fish at Sylvan lake near by. Evidentially, park workers would stock the river section where he fished so that he wouldn’t be disappointed.

Ending the day around out fire pit with jackets on, it’s going down to the 50s again tonight.  Waiting for the stars to come out.


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