Custer, SD

We were supposed to pass through Custer, SD a week ago, but the hail storm in Cheyenne, WY put us behind schedule.  That put us here at the beginning of the Sturgis Rally, not the time or year to coincide with.  We were going to visit friends but they got out of Dodge for the Rally but offered up a parking spot at their shop with electric hookup.

 With the bikes on the back, we just barely made it back far enough 

for our plug to reach!

 A great spot to go do a driving tour of Custer State Park only 10 miles away

 We start with the wildlife loop because Gary wants to see Buffalo, I want to see the Begging Burros - brought carrots!

 We saw one or two lone buffalo lying down by the side of the road.

The Burros were no where to be seen today - probably because I came prepared!

 Further down the loop there were several cars pulled over to the side of the road - always a good sign.  Sure enough there was a whole herd here.

 They came in all sizes and shapes.  

The calves were starting to lose their red color.

 There were several Pronghorns

 

Next we drove the scenic byway loop.  Started by going by Crazy Horse

A picture from 2012 when I was here.  Not much different other than the pointing finger is starting to show

 We headed to the Needle Highway

 Glad we had a spot to park the 5th Wheel!

Traffic backed up a little behind a rental RV that probably doesn't have any idea how high or wide they are

 It is quite intimidating when you get closer

 We had to turn around because they were charging $20 to go beyond Sylvan Lake behind and you had to wait in a line behind a bunch of Motorcyles.  We decide to head up to Hill City and then pick up the Iron Mountain Road, but Hill City was open to Motorcycles only.  Drove by my favorite Saloon from when I was here in 2012 - they always have fun signs.

 We stop at Horsethief Lake for a picnic

 Too bad we didn't bring suits

Next stop Mt. Rushmore

 So glad Trump didn't get out his sharpie when he was here in July.

You're welcome!

 Next is the Iron Mountain Scenic Byway

 One of the Pigtail Bridges we just came across

Looks like our 1st Tunnel - much bigger than on the Needle Hwy

 All the tunnels were built to frame the view of Mt. Rushmore.

Peter Norbeck was a visionary Senator and Governor for South Dakota. He personally chose the layout of the Iron Mountain Road in the 1930s and persisted in building it, even after being told it couldn’t be done. A masterpiece of artistic engineering, this 70-mile byway includes spiraling bridges, hairpin curves, granite tunnels and awe-inspiring views. It was named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in America.

You can make out 3 sections of the road we are on below us

 Another Tunnel

 This time the view was behind us - got a shot in the sideview mirror

 Back to Custer State Park

The Town of Custer is hopping with Bikers

 Buffalo Statues abound.  Like this one since we didn't get to see the Moutain Goats at Mt. Rushmore

A nice visit to the Black Hills in spite of Covid and Sturgis.