Saturday, August 13, 2011

Visit With Friends Continued–Custer State Park, Needles & Beautiful Sylvan Lake

(Custer State Park, South Dakota) 75 degrees, blue skies

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We continued our trip and drove into Custer State Park.  We had a delicious lunch at the State Game Lodge (Calvin Coolidge's summer White House)  The buffalo stew and buffet were excellent and for $12 including a dessert it was quite a bargain. 

The wildlife loop is a “must see” when visiting this park.  There was a huge buffalo herd munching grass and wildflowers as soon as we entered the loop.  What magnificent animals.  We stopped and watched them for quite awhile.  We kept our distance but some folks in our opinion got way too close.

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The loop winds through some beautiful meadows and hills.  There has been lots of rain this year and everything is still so green. 

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Note motorcycles having a great time on the windy roads

The donkeys (descendants of the 1800’s gold miners) were out in full force looking for some snacks from the bikers and  motorists.  They are very well feed.


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We stopped at the Calvin Coolidge look out for some great views. 

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John, me, Jackie, & Kenzie

Kenzie was great in the car.  She kept us all entertained with her made up songs and sweet spirit. 

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Our drive through the Needles area was spectacular.  We just had to share this amazing place with Jackie and Kenzie. 

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Needles

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Our last stop was at Sylvan Lake (Johns’ favorite place in the Black Hills).  We had a delicious ice cream cone and headed back to the campground. 


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Lake Sylvan
Another great day in the Black Hills was enjoyed by all.  Tomorrow Jackie & Kenzie go back home.  We sure have enjoyed their visit. 

3 comments:

  1. Beautiful pictures! We were there a couple of years ago and saw Lake Sylvan and the Needles, but never saw any donkeys.

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  2. Beautiful pics of your tour around Custer State Park. Brought back some great memories of our trip there and driving over the Needles Hwy. The Wildlife Loop was a great drive too.

    Beautiful photo of Lake Sylvan!

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  3. Great pictures! Custer State Park and the Black Hills are a couple of our favorite places:)

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