In our real world, we are currently in Little Rock and heading south. I'm always behind on blogging when we're on the road, so this post is about where we were in the world last week.
The best state park anyplace for wildlife viewing and for scenery -- and one of our favorite places ever --has got to be Custer State Park in South Dakota. This is the third time we've visited this park and we've never been disappointed.
This time was especially fun because our son from Colorado drove up to meet us while we were staying in South Dakota, so we got to look around the park with him. (Bill said he saw so much more than usual since he didn't have to drive.)
It wasn't as cold in the park as it was in some of the surrounding Black Hills, but you could still see some snow. This bison had crystals in his fur. Last time we visited the park it was Springtime. It was fun to be there in a different season. (You can click the blue link there to see what it looked like in the spring.)
The buffalo/bison* were only one of several species of wildlife we saw at the Park and this is only part of the spectacular scenery. I will show more in future posts.
(*We noticed that some of the explanatory signs around the park used one word and some used another. Most people say buffalo, but bison is actually the correct word for this American animal.)
FOR OUR WORLD TUESDAY. Thank you to Lady Fi, Arija, Gattina, Sylvia, Sandy, and Jennifer, the wonderful bloggers who make up up the Our World hosting team.
Sallie DANKE
so schöne Tiere..so kraftvoll
LG in den Tag vom katerchen
Posted by: Name katerchen | October 29, 2013 at 12:09 AM
Wow, an impressive bison! So great! Love the third photo!
Posted by: Mary | October 26, 2013 at 11:51 AM
Now, after reading Linda's comment, I want to hear those bison! They are such odd, yet beautiful, looking creatures.
Posted by: VioletSky | October 26, 2013 at 06:12 AM
Aren't they the most beautiful beasts! I just love looking at them and hearing them. They have a very different sound.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | October 25, 2013 at 03:42 PM
Oh, I love buffalo, they are such majestic animals!
Posted by: Karen, Pixel Posts | October 24, 2013 at 01:40 PM
We took our Grandson to Custer Park last summer. It was terrific--he loved having our car surrounded by buffalo. Did you see the wild donkeys? I have a picture of one with his head completely inside the window of our car. What a beautiful (and fun) place to visit. Safe travels back home--sounds like you have had a great summer. Mickie :)
Posted by: Mickie Brown | October 24, 2013 at 08:35 AM
Dearest Sallie;
How great your son could be with you two to enjoy the time at the wonderful place (thou cold,haha) I've never seen buffalo/bison, how amazing (for me) to see crystals in his fur. Well, happy to know you two are having wonderful trip, my friend♬♬♬
Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan to my dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid | October 24, 2013 at 01:32 AM
You might think of going to Custer State Park in the spring during the buffalo roundup or in the fall during the buffalo sale. Both are fun events where you get to see large herds of these animals running together.
Posted by: Taken For Granted | October 23, 2013 at 01:47 PM
You are on a road trip and we arfe just back from one. I agree keeping up with posting on a road trip is really difficult. It must be amazing to see Bison. Have a wonderful week and thank you for stopping by my blog this week.
Posted by: Life Images by Jill | October 23, 2013 at 06:50 AM
Hi Sallie, my but you two sure do get around and see some marvelous sights. I always enjoy looking over your shoulder.
Even tho I don't always visit, I do try to read your post.
Be safe, well and happy :)
Posted by: Pam | October 22, 2013 at 06:21 PM
How wonderful, Sallie. I'm particularly impressed with the close up of the bison. My goodness, what a great shot!
Posted by: Penny | October 22, 2013 at 05:49 PM
That looks like a great place, it's not one I've visited. I've only been in South Dakota once.
Posted by: Al | October 22, 2013 at 04:28 PM
You got some nice bison shots! And it was super your son was able to come visit with you. By now, you're probably farther on your way to Florida. We're getting a cold front here tomorrow night - down to about 54! Yikes. Actually I love it! Drive safely. Always nice to hear from you!
Posted by: Lowell | October 22, 2013 at 04:27 PM
the buffalo in the first shot is on the perfect spot. :) This seems like a great spot. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep Photo | October 22, 2013 at 02:51 PM
Love it! I've passed a few farms that raise bison and I love them! My grandma taught in a one room schoolhouse in SD in the early 1900's. I wonder if she saw any?
Blessings,
Aimee
PS: SO enjoying seeing places I've never been to!
Posted by: Aimee | October 22, 2013 at 12:10 PM
To think there were once tens of millions of these amazing creatures in the plains states, is kind of mind blowing. I've never been to that place, so thanks for the post. Most travelers seem to pay more attention to the national parks and ignore most state parks. That can be a big mistake, because although they are usually smaller, many times state parks have equally fantastic things to see.
Posted by: Pat | October 22, 2013 at 11:50 AM
You took some great shots in the state park. Looks like a wonderful place to explore.
Posted by: Carver | October 22, 2013 at 06:44 AM
I like a lot bisons...when they are a little far of me. I saw them in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park : they were so numerous ! What a good idea to visit this park with your son. A nice day again ! I'm happy for you !
Posted by: Annie | October 22, 2013 at 05:49 AM
Great post Sallie. This is one place I haven't had the chance to visit.
Posted by: Joe Todd | October 22, 2013 at 05:34 AM
Hi! Nice captures. It looks wonderful to be in Custer State Park. I like the bison photo very much. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Minoru | October 22, 2013 at 04:58 AM
Thats an animal I'd like to see! And it seems the flies like them as well!
Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | October 22, 2013 at 03:00 AM
Wonderful photos of you and the family, and what a magnificent animal the bison is. All great shots!
Posted by: DeniseinVA | October 22, 2013 at 01:42 AM
I remember this park, although it is such a long time ago !
These bisons are really impressive
Posted by: Gattina | October 22, 2013 at 12:34 AM
Wow - amazing shots of the bison. They are magnificent!
Posted by: Lady Fi | October 21, 2013 at 11:04 PM
I have no idea why but I have always had a very soft spot for both the American and European bison. The European one is now rare and a smaller beast. Great shots Sallie and what fun to have your son with you.
Posted by: Arija | October 21, 2013 at 09:57 PM
Those bison are Big, especially compared to the bison/cattle hybrids seen by the North Rim. And such a special treat to visit a favorite place with a favorite person.
Posted by: Gaelyn | October 21, 2013 at 09:31 PM
That first shot is awesome and so is the one of the bison in the trees! They look so close to you.
Glad you got to spend some time with your son.
Posted by: Carletta | October 21, 2013 at 08:45 PM
Oh fantastic in both seasons and I like to see family photos too Sallie... Safe travels
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | October 21, 2013 at 08:40 PM
This sure looks a great park with wildlife.
Posted by: Rajesh | October 21, 2013 at 08:34 PM
Some great up-close bison pics. Those guys surely don't mind the cold. You're getting closer to your winter home, Sallie - safe trip!
Posted by: Barb | October 21, 2013 at 07:45 PM
My husband and I visited this parka few summers ago and were amazed by how many Bison lived there!
Posted by: Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti | October 21, 2013 at 07:30 PM
I call them bison, cuz its easier to spell. Whatever you call them they are really magnificent animals. The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma has a whole ranch where they raise them called Tallgrass Praire. I never get tired of going there.
Posted by: Yogi | October 21, 2013 at 07:02 PM
Looks as though you had a marvelous time Sallie... I'm so pleased for you and your family to have had this time together.
Posted by: Laura Hegfield | October 21, 2013 at 04:33 PM
Cool shots of the bison. I was there two years ago and only saw one on the road. Loved Custer State Park as well. I hope to go back in the next year.
Posted by: Dina J | October 21, 2013 at 04:30 PM
Wow! What an adventure and such wonderful photography ~ love the bison ~ thanks, carol ^_^
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | October 21, 2013 at 02:38 PM
Bison are such impressive animals and your photos of them are wonderful. What a wonderful place to visit. Your mosaic is so nice. It put a smile of the face of the viewer.
Posted by: genie | October 21, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Oh, it is such a beautiful park, isn't it, Sallie!! It looks as though you had a great time and how fun that your son got to join you!! Thanks for sharing the beauty and the fun!!
Posted by: sylviakirk | October 21, 2013 at 12:31 PM
such magnificent beasts! glad your son got to go with you!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | October 21, 2013 at 10:23 AM
Looks like a beautiful place! I'd love to see bison in person. Glad you're having a sweet visit with your son in such a beautiful locale.
Posted by: Gail | October 21, 2013 at 09:15 AM
Thank you for sharing your trip to South Dakota! The bisons look very impressive. I wish we had such wildlife here in the Netherlands.
Wil.
Posted by: Reader Wil | October 21, 2013 at 08:28 AM
What a large impressive creature that would be to see in your world. I can just hear him crackling the twigs as he saunters through the shrubbery. Looks like his coat is getting furry for the winter season ahead.
Posted by: Penelope Puddlisms | October 21, 2013 at 07:40 AM
Great pictures! Brings back memories of our visit there. Safe travels!
Posted by: Pat | October 21, 2013 at 07:26 AM