I have been really enjoying seeing all the animals along the road and in the parks. We are getting the best pictures we can. I will do a separate blog post later of all the critters we have seen. There is a Wildlife Loop through Custer that has overlooks for watching the animals. We saw mules, prairie dogs, pronghorn sheep, mule deer, mountain goats, chipmunks, and countless birds but the buffalo were up in the high field that is not accessible by road. We did see a lone buffalo on our way out of the park.
We rode the Creekside Trail on our bikes for a total of 4 miles, it was pretty flat for being in the mountains. We saw the Badger Clark House and walked his favorite walking trail. Our favorite hike was around Sylvan Lake
If you ever visit Custer State Park be sure to drive up to the Coolidge Overlook. You can see the park as well as Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments, don't forget your binoculars for the best view. Mark came prepared and shared with everyone at the overlook.
Sue and Mark had seen Mt Rushmore on an earlier trip, so Wayne and I went. Mt Rushmore is very impressive, especially when you think of the tools and conditions they worked in to make it happen. The ranger at the park suggested that we take a road up to Rushmore that would allow for the best views along the way. He was right ! As you rounded turns and went through tunnels you got amazing views. We took a LOT of pictures along the way. Here is one of my favorites from when we were there.
On our return to Custer we stopped to do a bike ride on the Mickleson Rail Trail. We only did 6 miles, 3 up and 3 back. The upward climb and elevation were too much for me. We did saw some beautiful views and some deer playing in a field. I need more training before our next trip out here so we can fully enjoy the trail.
There is more to see in Custer State Park, we have added it to our list of places to visit again.
Leaving Custer we headed to Devils Tower Wyoming. That is an impressive rock ! You can see it from over 50 miles away !!! We did the walking tour around the base of the tower.
Next stop Cody, Wyoming and on to Yellowstone for a week !
NOTE: We have taken over 1500 pictures ! It is hard to narrow down what to post :) Also a big challenge is finding an internet signal strong enough to download pictures and post a blog, so they are short and sweet.
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