Custer SP and Devil's Tower

Wednesday, July 8, we left early for Custer State Park. This is probably my favorite state park we have visited over the years. It's layed out well and has spectacular scenery.
First, the Needles Highway, so called because of this rock and many other similar rocks.

The kids at Needles

Cathedral Spires

Beautiful Sylvan Lake

Then the Wildlife Loop where the buffalo had traffic backed up for a while.

When you're hungry, nothing's gonna stop you.

And the beggar donkeys.

Thirsty antelope.

Did you ever see a FAST turtle crossing?

Dark clouds had been forming before we got back to camp. These are storm clouds looking north from our campground. There was a tornado warning out for the area about 70 miles north of us and a watch in our area. This did not form into a tornado. In fact, the skies cleared later without even a drop of rain.

Well, that was an exciting and scary ending to a fun day in Custer State Park.


Thursday, July 9, we headed to Devil's Tower in Wyoming about 110 miles from Custer.

The kids and I hiked the 1.3 mile trail around the base of Devil's Tower. Barb stayed back at the visitors center. I was tired when we got back.

Of course, there are always the gophers.

Can't get enough of that red rock.



Looks like my kind of place ;)


We also took a trip to Sturgis, which hosts a giant motorcycle rally later this month, and the old towns of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickock was killed in a poker game, and the town of Lead. (pronounced LEED)
This is a fairly new attraction in Lead called President's Park where there are 20 foot tall busts of all 44 presidents in order. VERY impressive.

Outside of Hill City is the Crazy Horse monument, visible from a long distance. I hope I get to see it someday when it's finally done.


We got back to camp, had supper and played mini golf here at the campground. Around 8:30 we noticed lightning in the northern sky and it continued till after 11:00. It was quite spectacular and eventually made it's way toward us. We didn't get the heaviest part of the storm, but we had some lightning and rain till about midnight.

Today, we toured the National Museum of Woodcarvers about two miles from Custer. That was very interesting. Other than that, we just hung around and relaxed before our trip tomorrow. This evening we're going to Mt. Rushmore for the evening lighting ceremony.
So, till next time, take care, have fun and be safe

Ron & Barb