September 2003

The Black Hills of South Dakota

We had heard so much about the Black Hills area from other RVers who always mentioned it as one of their favorite places, that we decided to take advantage of a short break in the weather to see it for ourselves. We were not disappointed.  Being out of season was a distinct advantage, but we hadn't counted on arriving in time for the height of their "color" as well as in time for their annual Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park, one of the most lovely parks we've seen.  There are so many sights, I'll just post some photos since they "speak a thousand words."

Views are everywhere of Mount Rushmore...it's lit at night, too!

Devil's Tower in Wyoming, is only 2 hours away and worth the trip. In the last photo you can see some of the many climbers we saw...almost more climbing the tower than were taking the route around its base.

L-R: One of the many tunnels in Custer SP (no RVs here!); grasslands in Custer SP; some of The Black Hills; Spearfish Canyon showing colors; The 1880's train we took through the Black Hills area; statue of Chief Crazy Horse  still in progress

Over 1500 head of bison roam all over Custer State Park, witness the "bison chips" in the foreground of the photo I took of the Art Fair in front of the Visitor's Center.  Because the park can only support 1000 head over the winter, they cull about 500 bison out and sell them at a November auction each year. The annual Bison Roundup is "the thing" this time of year, and we had to get to the park by 5:30 am to get a good viewing spot near the fence (see second photo taken about 8 am.) About 9:30, we began to see the bison beginning to come towards us on the top of a distant hill, but by 10:30, those bison that had begun to come DOWN the hill, began turning back UP the hill in a small stampede! Sorry, we're not going there!...the drama began to play out while we watched the cowboys and roundup trucks scrambling to head off the rest of the herd from following. Several small breakouts were seen over the next hour, when finally we saw "something" coming over the nearby hill...NO, it wasn't the buffalo, but the "Begging Burros" (they're known for stopping cars to beg for cookies, etc.)...they were in a dangerous place to beg, so quickly some cowboys herded them off and just in time...the buffalo came heading over the hill towards us...first two small trails of them on either side of a rise, but then the whole hill was covered with them. Quite impressive.

However, we noted that the herd was significantly under the 1500 expected...we found out that the "escapees" had indeed foiled the attempts at rounding them up, so fully two-thirds of the herd escaped the formal roundup...they'll be found and rounded up apparently over the next few days. They're branded, vaccinated, checked for their health and then released back into the park...with the "unfortunate 500" being penned up for future sale.

The temperature this morning was in the 30's and never went above the 40's with a light wind, so the adventure was very cold...but we'd do it again in a hearbeat!

Definitely put the Bison Roundup on your list of things to see!

We've had a ball!

Earlier this month:

We left all our family and friends in Texas and headed north to our immediate destination, the Black Hills of South Dakota.  However, we stopped along the way to see friends in Amarillo who took us to the famed Palo Duro Canyon which was lovely and interesting.  The next day we had a fabulous weather day for traveling 350 miles or so through the rest of Texas, cut through a corner of NM, and spent the night outside Colorado Springs. Along the way we had some lovely views and perfect weather and temperatures.  Sights along the way...

L-R: Palo Duro Canyon from the rim, Palo Duro Canyon Floor, Raton Pass in NM/CO

We left Colorado and had a beautiful trip through grasslands all the way to South Dakota.  Once in the Black Hills, we decided to stay a few extra days to take in the annual Buffalo Roundup which was a big treat. It was held in conjunction with an Art Fair, entertainment, etc. It's the "last fling" around these parts before the bad weather sets in.

We're now in Reno for the months of Oct. and Nov.  There should be some great opportunities for sightseeing here! 

Even earlier this month!

Temple, TX

Canyon Lake near San Antonio, TX

We took a long weekend and headed south on I-35 staying in the town of New Braunfels on the Guadalupe River and where we visited the nearby town of Gruene ("green") and Canyon Lake.

New Braunfels and the River Ranch RV Park

Gruene, TX

Gruene is now an historic district with beautiful old homes and businesses carefully restored to lovely shops and restaurants. Be careful...dreadfully crowded on the weekends!

The Guadalupe River showing signs of last year's devastating flooding.