So we left Gillette on July 21 and drove to the Comanche Park in the Black Hills National Forest about 5 miles outside of Custer, SD. We didn't have reservations at Custer State Park until the 23rd. So we spent 2 nights dry camping in the forest. Then we moved to Custer State Park where we were meeting some friends who are camp-hosting there. They arranged the reservations for us in advance. Their 2 daughters and sons-in-law and 3 grandkids were also at the park for the week. It was really awesome to see Ray and Wendy again and get to meet part of their family. Not to mention how GREAT the park was. They have a wild-life loop that you can drive and see lots of game. We saw buffalo, deer, antelope,and prairie dogs. Of course, we had resident tour guides, which was great for us. Crazy Horse Monument/ Needles Highway, and Mt. Rushmore were all in close proximity to the park. Not to mention all the beautiful country. Wayne and I both enjoyed South Dakota so much. Here are a few pics. Hope to see these guys down the road again this winter in Texas, maybe?

Our park hosts and friends, Ray and Wendy.

Crazy Horse Monument.

This is what it will look like when it is finished.

 

 

Mt. Rushmore.

 

 

Beautiful wood carvings, supposedly with a chain saw. 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking at Mt. Rushmore from a distance.

Buffalo right outside the fence at the park. All the bulls sounded like a bunch of thunder.