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With the forecast for partly sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70s, we decided it's a good day to go on a scenic drive today. Custer State Park was our destination. At one time the largest state park in the country and known for its beautiful views and wildlife.
We are staying at Rushmore Shadows Resort south of Rapid City and near many of the attractions we came to visit. We headed out of the park towards the start of Iron Mountain Road at the intersection of 16A and 244. It is a winding road through a forested area with magnificent views.
At the end we headed east to the entrance of Custer State Park. After a stop at the Visitor Center we made a left on to the Wildlife Loop Road. We spotted a Pronghorn shortly into the drive and then a Bison who was all alone close to the side of the road.
The park is also known for the burros that come up to the cars looking for carrots, however the Ranger at the Wildlife Center told us the burros have backed away from the road. They must be afraid because of the noise from all the motorcycles. We did find a herd a little back from the road. Even stopped and Gil walked into the field to get some pictures. There were also prairie dogs in the area, but they were not thrilled with Gil intruding in their territory. They started making their warning calls because of the predator.
We stopped at the Blue Bell Lodge for a late lunch. The food was excellent. There was a bit of commotion in the parking lot, we overheard the bikers mention there had been an accident. There was another loner Bison and then a large herd resting on the hills. We also saw some deer and a turkey, but we are used to those by home.
At the end of the Wildlife Loop we headed west to then turn onto the Needles Highway. At first I was wondering if all the pictures I had seen were real. It was not until several miles into the drive that the landscape changed and the needles came into view. Oh what a sight. I am pretty sure our pictures will not do it justice.
Talking about pictures, I looked into our files to try to post some this morning, but there are just too many. I need time to sort through them, plus I want to wait until I get the ones from Kati's camera also.
The whole trip took us about 7 hours. We are now at the campground resting. I am sitting in my zero gravity chair as I type this. I am heading inside since it's getting cold out and need to go to bed early since we have to be up early tomorrow.
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