Hi Everyone,

It’s been a busy few days  but quite amazing.  Yesterday morning, we drove to Mount Rushmore National Monument and even though you didn’t need to spend a lot of time there (although you certainly could) it was so worth seeing. It’s impressive to witness firsthand the work that must have been required to accomplish that feat.  Everyone should learn about American history by doing such things as opposed to studying in a text book..  We then drove through Custer State Park via Iron Mountain Pass which was quite beautiful with winding switchbacks in the road and tunnels going right through the rock. You had to honk your horn loudly before entering the tunnel!!  This road had amazing views of the Black Hills National Forest. As we entered the park we  got stuck in a traffic jam, of the buffalo variety!! There was a huge herd there grazing (easily 150) and when they decide to cross the road you don’t argue :)  We chose to pull over while we waited for them to pass to eat lunch and another group came by this shaded pullout and walked right next to our truck. The calves were so cute and we saw several sets of twin calves... Then we went hiking on a trail that went to Center Lake.  The trail was filled with little switchbacks (about 15) where the water crossed the trail and you either walked over logs or rocks OR took your shoes off and got wet.  That became my method of choice because it refreshed and calmed down the swelling on my foot. The trail was filled with beautiful rock formations. ponded areas and wildflowers. Ron was checking out the stream looking for the trout and found some! Since the trail was advertised as a walk in fishing area we were surprised to find a small beach with people and when we got there instead of a wilderness lake.  We filled up our water bottles and headed back. When we were close to getting back to the truck the heat was getting to me so I decided to dunk down in one of the small ponded areas and refresh myself.  As I’m sitting in the water, I began to feel something nipping at my feet and soon realized that many minnows (bait fish) were trying to nibble on my toes!!  During our hike I gave Ron 2 of my ankle bracelets to put into his deep pockets in his pants but unfortunately they were lost along the way (probably while sitting along the stream side) Perhaps someone on a  future hike will be panning for gold :) That taught me an expensive lesson not to wear good stuff in those environments! We left the park to head back to camp and realized why I was feeling the heat so much. The truck thermometer was reading 100 degrees!! It is so important for people to be aware of the risk of overheating (hyperthermia) while being exposed to these temps and to stay hydrated! I developed a migraine because of it, but shortly after resting and plenty of water it improved. We came home to a beautiful sunset at camp over the Badlands and after some food went for some much needed rest! We woke up early to another amazing sunrise and left camp by 7:15 to go to a trail to do some birding where we found a new bird for our list (a spotted towhee) which was a welcome find.  However, we also found a less welcome visitor; a venomous prairie rattle snake which are on warning signs throughout the park.  Thankfully, this one was leaving the path as we approached him and he was a little one (10 inches).  After that we walked even more carefully looking out for his mom and dad!!  We broke camp and headed out late morning and are traveling towards Buffalo; Wyoming that is, not new York :)