Burros and Bison and Deer, Oh My!

South Dakota may just be our new favorite place. After shopping in quaint Hill City (where Daniel got decked out in his new cowboy hat), we hit Custer State Park. The Wildlife Loop more than lived up to its name, but we managed to see animals everywhere we went today. Not once, not twice, but three times did we have to stop to let a deer cross the road in front of us. At one point, we had Mount Rushmore on our right and a group of six or seven deer just off the road on our left. We also saw prairie dogs, burros and lots and lots of bison. Our drive took us through several one-way tunnels through the rocks and mountains. While it was rather daunting to tentatively make your way towards the entrance in the hope that a car wasn't barreling in your direction, the sensation of driving through these tunnels was amazing. As we passed through one of the final tunnels, we saw Mount Rushmore in the distance, perfectly framed (see photo below -- way below).

Not only is the terrain spectacular, but the people are among the most friendly we have ever met. Daniel can't stop marvelling at how much nicer everyone is here :-) Tomorrow morning, we go to the Native American museum and the Crazy Horse monument, then head to Cody, Wyoming. Until then...