Days 15-June 13

Up and out early this morning because we have a busy day of sightseeing ahead of us.  Our first stop is a tour of Wind Cave.  The huge cave has many unique features with its boxwood formations, popcorn shapes and the crystalline white frostwork.  The pictures don’t do the cave justice.  Over 100 miles of passageways have been explored in Wind Cave and there are countless more miles for spelunkers to discover. Using today’s technology the experts believe that only about 5% of the total cave has been discovered. There is actually a program for novices to help with the exploring and we would have been glad to go off into those small dark passages but we have too many others things to see. Sure! 

After a quick lunch back at camp we are headed for Custer State Park and on to Mt. Rushmore.  We took the scenic route around the Wildlife Loop and then over Iron Mountain Road where there are opportunities to view the monument from afar. Custer State Park also offers a twist to the sightseers expected wildlife viewing.  This is the home for wild burros who don’t hesitate to walk right up to you so that you can scratch their heads.  The burros were originally used to transport vacationers to Harney Peak many years ago.  When the rides were discontinued the burros were released and now their offspring roam freely throughout the park.

I never would have believed that we could get to the point of saying oh there is another buffalo, or antelope, or deer, but there are so many chances to spot wildlife here that it becomes old hat.  It is funny to be driving along and see a traveler coming from the opposite direction stopping in the middle of the road to take a photo of a lone buffalo.  We want to tell them not to get too excited because there is a whole herd of them just around the bend.  The abundance of wildlife is not the only lure to the Black Hills.  The grandeur of the scenery at every turn is just awesome. There are peaceful green valleys, tree covered mountains and rocky peaks that are nothing short of amazing.  Between recent forest fires and a pine beetle infestation, which conservationists are working hard to control, there are areas where the trees are dying in large numbers.  While this is sad to see the many facets of the topography of the Black Hills makes this area a pleasure to behold.

Mt. Rushmore is an amazing site. This is the first time we have visited a true tourist attraction on our trip.  There were so many people from foreign countries viewing this dramatic tribute to our country’s democracy it was hard not to wonder what they were thinking as they observed the representation of these four men important to our history.  We watched a film that explained how the idea for the monument grew and developed into this awe inspiring work of art.  The sculpting process alone required 400 men and women to complete under the guidance of carver and engineer Gutzon Borglum.  On a lighter note Jess and I shared a raspberry/vanilla swirl ice cream that someone back home needs to start selling. On second thought, maybe not.

On our way back to camp we took another scenic route called the Needles Roadway.  Again we witnessed dramatic changes in the topography that surrounded us.  We found ourselves in the midst of towering rock formations and sparkling mountain lakes.  It was truly the most beautiful scenery one could imagine.

A fierce wild burro in Custer State Park.

George from a different angle.

Sylvan Lake

A tight fit!