Custer State Park....and More

We enjoyed our drives through Custer State Park. 

Every day was a different view and a new perspective.  This year, we saw evidence of last December’s fire, the third largest in the park’s history. 

There are some areas like this one where the fire was very destructive, consuming not only grasses, but both large and small trees.  Fortunately, although the fire burned an estimated 54,000 acres of the park, in many areas the damage was not so severe.

Furthermore, no human lives were lost, no primary structures were destroyed and according to Park personnel, most of the park’s wildlife “fared well through the fire.”  The blaze, which was discovered early on the morning of Monday, December 11, burned for a week, and involved firefighters from five different states before it was 100% contained on December 18.  Rehabilitation work began almost immediately, and continues.

We were glad to see that the park’s donkeys, though they suffered burns, survived and have resumed their job as ambassadors and greeters on the Wildlife Loop.

One evening John, Rick and Linda and I drove over to Keystone to eat at the excellent Powder House.  After a scrumptious meal, we drove home by way of Mount Rushmore to see the monument at night.  Very impressive in any light!

Another drive that I always enjoy is Sylvan Lake and the Needles Highway.  

 

This year, the aspen were turning, so we had fall color to enjoy as well.

Linda and I took a drive through this area on the 26th.  When we emerged from the tunnel at the Needle's Eye formation, we were surprised to see this young woman finishing her climb and making her way back down the rock face to the parking lot.  

And speaking of the Eye of the Needle…I was in the right place at the right time and got this great shot of the late afternoon sun coming through the needle’s eye.

This one will go on my list of favorites!