Sheryl and I found ourselves wanting to take a lengthy, nature-seeking trip, but could only afford a week this fall. With a couple of other future trips in the plans, we decided to head out to the Black Hills of South Dakota. We've driven right through them on I-90 on several previous trips, but never made a point of stopping. Within those few short days, we visited Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore and Badlands National Park - all within close proximity to each other. We had amazing wildlife viewing opportunities (a family of Mountain Goats, close encounters with dozens of Big Horn Sheep, plus Pronghorn, Bison, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, thousands of migrating Broadwing Hawks) and amazing sunrise and sunset opportunities nearly every day.

Although the total time was short, we felt that we were away and able to return home energized and inspired.