A Drive and a Hike in the Black Hills.

Camped at Wind Cave National Park, August 7, 2014.

Taking a drive through Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park, which are right next to each other in the Black Hills of South Dakota, we came across our first buffalo (American bison) of the trip just after leaving the campground.

Scenic roads wind their way through the hills, picturesque bridges and through narrow tunnels.

We were surprised to see these mountain goats in Custer State Park.  They are not native to the area.  Apparently, sometime in the early 20th century, there was a captive group of Canadian mountain goats in area, some or all of which escaped.  The mountain goats in the park are their descendants.  If this were a federal park, I believe that the goats would have been removed since they are not native to the area.

A favorite short hike is the trail around beautiful Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.  This was the third time we’ve done it.

While I had intended to have several posts drafted to be scheduled for publishing over the next several days, that didn’t happen.  One afternoon, evening and part of the next morning to try to catch up on groceries, wash the car, and check email, facebook, and blogs that I follow wasn’t enough.  We have just over an hour before checkout time. I still need to get a shower.  Stuff in the camper needs to be stowed and the car hooked up to the back of the camper.

We’re heading west for a new remote location with several days of precipitation.  All batteries have been recharged and Kindle loaded with new reading material.

Until next time….. Mike