Sunday in South Dakota began with a fairly early morning trip around the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park.  
 I have been looking forward to coming back to Custer as I worked near here back in (I believe) 1970 after completing my sophomore year at SDSU . That summer, I worked at Camp Bob Marshall as a Camp Counselor for 4-H. Myself and the other 4-H Camp employees got to know the Custer area and locals fairly well. Looking back, I didn't make much money, but I sure had fun.
 At the entrance to Custer State Park we purchased a several day pass. We opted for a several day pass so that we could enjoy different areas of the park on successive days.
 The only additional "wildlife" we saw today from our trip to Wind Cave yesterday were wild burros. During the trip today, we saw two large herds of buffalo, and as during our Saturday adventure, we were able to get close - very close. Add to that camera lenses that can reach out for nearly a quarter of a mile and i think we brought home some good ones. The tough part will be deciding which photos to include in the blog. 
 We stopped at the Legion Lake Gift Shop (bathroom break) and Dolly tried on a "buffalo hat." It was a spur of the moment thing, and the photo turned out very funny. No we didn't purchase the hat, but it would have gathered a few laughs and guffaws from Mainers . 
 We continued on Route 16A to the start of the wildlife loop in Custer State Park. It wasn't long before we came upon the first large herd of buffalo slowly grazing on the knee high grass. What was unique about this herd over those we saw yesterday were the large numbers of buffalo calves that were about a month or so old. 
 A bit further around the loop, and around a corner we saw several cars pulled over to the side of the road and about 10 wild burros eating grass. We turned around and joined the group of people watching and photographing the animals, then shortly, several of burros came up to the cars and people were feeding them carrots. A short time later, a couple burros came up to our vehicle looking for some tasty carrots or whatever they like and Chi Chi's hair went up on her back and she attacked the critter. Its a good thing the window was mostly up, or that poor burro would have had a Deer Head Chihuahua clamped on to its nose. Further around the loop we came upon another large herd of Buffalo, and took a few more photos .
 We stopped for lunch in Custer, and each had foot-long BLT Subway Subs (our favorite!)
 During the afternoon, we headed north out of Custer and arrived at the Crazy Horse Monument. This was my (and Dolly's) first trip inside the attraction. Other times, I had just seen the huge stone monument still in progress from Highway 385. Upon pulling up to the three-lane gate, the man at the collection booth leaned out and handed me a brochure and a free ticket. He said, " I noticed you are a veteran from your truck's license plates, here is a free ticket, and thank you for your service!" I said, "Thank you, Sir" and continued in. Wow, that was nice, as the normal entrance fee is $11 per person.
 Inside, we went to the Visitor's Center and took about an hour and a half to look at the first class Native American displays, the Crazy Horse Monument, and hundreds of portraits, artifacts and artwork.
 Our next stop was Sylvan Lake and the Needles. Sylvan Lake is one of those places that, to me, ranks right up with and along side the Grand Tetons . It is stunningly beautiful with huge granite boulders behind the deep blue lake water surrounded by Ponderosa Pine trees. Today, although, we had a problem. Throughout our trip today we drove through bright sunshine, then total overcast to dark heavy clouds and rain. While we were at Sylvan Lake, the Photo Gods were not in our favor and I only had about 30 seconds of sunshine on the lake and boulders. 
 Oh well, you can't win them all. From Sylvan Lake we traveled on and arrived at the Needles. This too is impressive and has to be seen to be believed. Parking was an issue here with tons of vehicles, RV's, Trucks and motorcycles all jockeying for a parking place. Not wanting to fight the traffic, I kept driving, let a motorcyclist ahead of me and just make it through one of the tunnels when a larger RV started through behind me- going the other way. Five minutes later he was still trying to get his RV beast through. What a dummy. I suppose he had to use vaseline on the sides of his vehicle to make it - the tunnel is only a few inches wider than 8 feet. There was a big sign, but I guess he couldn't read.
 The drive back to Custer was uneventful (as the Needles Highway can be) with Dolly having her "death grip" on the passenger door arm rest. Instead of camping tonight, because of the cold and possibility of rain we opted for a motel. Not the best we've ever stayed at, but it does have a floor, four walls, a ceiling and bathroom - with wifi and some heat. That's all we need. Enough for tonight, tomorrow we're heading into the central hills. Good night!
Love ya,
Cheers,

Jan, Dolly and Chi Chi