A random geologic formation soon after crossing into Wyoming
Today was filled with state/national parks galore. Though attempting to wake up early, we didn't actually get out of the hotel until 8:30am (about 1.5hrs behind schedule). After reading about Custer State Park in some travel magazines we picked up, I reaally wanted to go.
Custer State Park is home to the 2nd largest herd of buffalo in the country. They boasted that people often see the herd crossing the road (Wildlife Loop Road) along with other animals. We were a little skeptical, but we haven't seen ANY buffalo yet, so we opted to try and take the long way to Wind Cave. To our excitement, almost as soon as we turned onto Wildlife Loop Road, we see some Pronghorn Antelope on the side of the road just hanging out.
In the distance we spot a lone buffalo and eagerly take tons of pictures. We wondered why he was off by himself, but soon found the answer after driving over the hill - he was meeting up with a herd of buffalo! We drive further and see even more. As soon as we pull over, the head bison decides to cross the road, and a bunch of other bison (and babies!) follow. It was so cool to see a bison about 20ft in front of us.
Farther along we got to a herd of burros (donkeys). Though wild, they're known in the park for standing in the road to stop traffic then demand food from drivers. It was pretty funny. Some people did give food and the burros just stuck their heads right into the car. We didn't give food so some just used the side view mirrors as scratching posts for their head. I was hoping they'd wipe off some of the dead bugs stuck to the mirrors, but no luck.
On the way to Wind Cave National Park, we past through some prairie dog towns. They're sooo cute; all you hear is squeaking from them as they run around and into their holes.
11am - Once at the Wind Cave Visitors Center, we went on the Fairgrounds Cave Tour. We found out that Wind Cave is the most complex cave in the world. It also is known for its rare boxwork formations (not the typical stalagmites and stalactites) which were really amazing. Our guide told us it was due to calcite forming in cracks, then the rock dissolves away, leaving the "mortar" behind.
12:30pm - Head out in search of lunch. We ended up back at Custer and went to Sage Creek Grille which got good reviews online. While the food was pretty good (we shared a walnut and brie bruschetta, I got a buffalo burger, and pin got an english grille sandwich), the service was terrible. Our waitress took forever and was super awkward. She only acknowledged Pin when asking how everything was, and would give me a strange look when I talked to her. However, seconds before I was about the write the tip on the check, she stopped me to give recommendations of places to visit in Custer. I saw through her ploy and gave her the minimum 15% tip. We thought we were ahead of schedule but by the time we got out, we were pretty much on schedule again.
2:30pm - We decided we would try to make it up to Devils Tower in northeast Wyoming as it was slightly on the way. Though this would add 1.5hrs of travel time, who knows when we'd be there again, so we decided to go for it.
4:45pm - Devils Tower is the country's first National Monument - dedicated as such by Teddy Roosevelt in 1903 or something like that. Its nearly 700ft tall and is incredible to look at. Native Americans believed that the structure was created by a huge bear that tried to claw its way up to get to some people who retreated to the top. We walked around the trail that wrapped around the base of Tower (about 1.3miles). Along this route we saw awesome panoramas of the surrounding area and saw some mountain climbers about half way up the tower. Well worth the 1.5hr delay!
6:30pm - We stop in Gillette at Casa Del Rey (now a new name). Though we had the address, it was impossible to find, namely because they were in the process of changing their name so there was no sign up. Instead we sat outside trying to figure out where this place was. In the end, it was worth the hassle, as the food was pretty good and not too expensive. I got a chile relleno with enchiladas and pin got a bean burrito. In stark contrast to our Sage Creek waitress, this waitress was extremely attentive and cheery. She asked us 2x if we were all right while we were eating their chips and salsa waiting for our food to come out.
11:30pm - Finally get to our hotel in Billings, MT. Before we go we have to wipe clean the roof top bag - covered with dead bug guts. Pretty gross.
South Dakota is our new favorite state!
Distance Traveled: 560 miles
Total Distance Traveled: 2695mi
$ Spent: $203.42
Total $: $719.49
