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

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

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.

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

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.

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

John, me, Jackie, & Kenzie

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

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

Needles

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. 

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. 

Visit With Friends Continued–Crazy Horse Memorial & Bear Country

(Lake Sheridan, South Dakota) 72 cool, occasional rain, chilly in evening

Today the weather is perfect.  Motorcycles are buzzing around everywhere.  Hill City Main Street is closed to traffic except for motorcycles.  They are parked on both sides of the street and in the middle.  I can hardly recognize the town right now. 

Our friends are still here and we decided to go out to see the Crazy Horse Memorial.  It is a huge memorial of the Lakota Indians initiated in 1947.

We had visited the site three years ago.  It does not seem like much progress has been made except for the removal of a lot of rock below the monument. The museum, artists home,  and gift shops are very interesting, however, the cost to visit ($24 per car load or $10 per person) is somewhat high and you cannot get very close without having to spend more.  There is also a laser light show at night for an additional cost. 

Below is a sculpture of how it is intended to look.  I’m not sure it will be finished in my lifetime.  You can see the memorial in the distance. 

Kenzie & Jackie

Lots of motorcycles in the parking lot

I had to work at the day booth afterwards.  So, Jackie and Kenzie went to a Old McDonalds Farm and feed the animals.

Afterwards we had dinner at the campground and another great fire.  The next morning we were off to Bear County for a visit.  Kenzie was excited to go.  We had visited last month but saw a lot more animals today due to the cooler weather.  Here are a few of our favorite pictures.  We love this place. 

Elk...nice rack!

Big Horn Sheep

Mule Deer

Mountain Goat

Wolf

Wolf

Grizzly Bear

Badger

This is the life

"yikes...there has to be an easier way of getting up here"

"whew...made it, nice view"

Baby Land is an area you can walk through and see the small animals.  The baby cubs were having a great time playing with each other and some visitors.  Click on the video to see some of the fun.

 

In the afternoon we went to Custer State Park.  See tomorrows post all the details.