Custer State Park

After checking in we were going to walk around Custer, checking out the shops and restaurants but it began to sprinkle.   We decided to visit Custer State Park and get a weekly permit, information on the trails and drive around a bit to familiarize ourselves with the park.  Well, as soon as we entered, we met up with a herd of white tail deer.  As we drove deeper into the park, the road winds up and down, through forest areas, rocky cliffs and open prairie areas.  As we come upon the prairie area I noticed a great deal of buffalo dung.  Piles and piles and piles. 

 

However, not one buffalo in sight.  We continued driving, through the park and we encountered more buffalo dung, yet not one buffalo.  We then saw turkeys, prong horn antelopes, even a herd of wild burros, still not one buffalo.  Given the amount of buffalo dung, there had to be a huge herd somewhere.  Dave mentioned that the dung could be old.  I asked him to check out a few to see if they were fresh.  Dave said no – really, he has no sense of adventure.  I took pictures of the dung thinking it would be my only evidence of buffalo existence in Custer State Park.  See Exhibit A.

Finally, after miles of driving, we see two male buffaloes in the distance.  We stayed in the car and took several pictures.  See Exhibit B. 

 

We continued to follow the loop through the park.  There are several dirt roads that are open to the public and on our next visit we are taking Frankie to the back country.  Need to see what this jeep can do.  We encounter more deer, more antelope and some mountain goats.  Then at the top of a hill we come upon a large buffalo herd.  Finally an explanation for the plethora of buffalo dung. 

 

Hundreds of pictures later, we continued our tour of the park and returned to Custer where we stopped at the local Subway.  FYI – the chopped salads are huge.  Back at the Rocket Motel, we are planning for the rest of the week.  I should have taken two weeks off.  One week of hiking is not enough.