Yesterday, we took a side trip to the Black Hills. We headed to Custer State Park to see the largest herd of bison. With over a thousand head, it is likely that you will see bison in this park. And did we see bison! In three separate locations, we witnessed to what conservation efforts can lead. A century ago, the American Buffalo was near extinction thanks to the reckless hunting and systematic removal of this mighty beast of the Plains. Thanks to efforts of a group of concerned folks, these creatures were reintroduced into western lands.
What we saw yesterday was impressive. The first herd, well over fifty in number were grazing on a hillside about a quarter of a mile away. Without a road to get us closer, we could only look on from afar at the tiny specks of brown fur. After searching for the last three days at Badlands to see a bison, while not ideal, the distant viewing at least allowed us to catch a glimpse of this creature’s splendor. We drove on.
Miles later, we can to a traffic jam. Quickly we saw the reason for the cars ahead of us stopping. On both sides of the road, a massive grouping of buffalo was on the move. Scattered throughout the herd were calves. With the bison crossing the road, walking in the road, and surrounding our vehicle, we were stuck in our vehicle with a front row seat to nature on parade. A chorus of ooooos and ahhhhhs resonated within the church van. This was the experience that we were seeking to find.
Eventually, a path opened in front of us and we left the area so that others could also delight in it. Satisfied that we had seen our bison we proceeded at the posted park speed limit, heading toward our picnic lunch at Blue Bell campground. A few miles down the road, we ran into more bison! This time they were scattered in a large field, hundreds of them, and there was a place to park. Since they were a few hundred yards away we were able to exit the vehicle and watch them. Cameras clicked away as young and old delighted in the pure joy of watching wildlife.
This joy was duplicated a few hours later on the Needles Highway that runs to Sylvan Lake. It was a road that was made for a different time when vehicles were smaller and fewer. Tight switchbacks and narrow tunnels make Needles Highway a driving adventure. As the driver of the church van - let me tell you - it was quite the adventure! I am proud to say that we made it without a scratch; which is something the large tour bus that was following us was unable to boast.
At the summit of the challenging roadway, there is a giant rock formation that looks like the eye of a needle. We were fortunate enough to find a place to park the van and get out and explore. Our teens were like the Big Horn Sheep that we kept seeing in the Badlands. They climbed literally to their heart’s delight. More smiles from happy campers.
Before the rains came for the third straight night, we were able to stop by George, Tom, Ted, and Abe. Though the visitor center at Mount Rushmore is under construction, we were able to gaze upon the rock-hewn presidents and take more photos.
Our road trip day was fun. By the time we returned to the campground we had satisfied, albeit a little tired, campers.
Today we head for the longest of our hikes through the Badlands. With all the rain fall, our eyes will be open for newly revealed fossils. After hiking, the plan has us visiting a decommissioned Minuteman Missile site. One final day of adventure awaits.
in Christ’s Light,
Walt