When we went out to check on the garden after being gone for a week, we saw that the tomatoes were finally kissed by the sun. Half of the crop came ripe at once. So, my hubby did this...
Driving for 2 days to get to South Dakota, and then driving around sightseeing was tiresome. Not to mention driving the 2 days back home. Well, I didn't do the driving, I did the sitting, but it was still tiresome. We were all glad to be home even though it was a great trip and I got to see a lot of new territory. I won't go into losing our trailer keys at our final camp site, but we did. Pam and Paul will get a kick out of that since we almost lost them in Yellowstone. This time it was for real.
Cali had the most comfortable seat in the truck, but even she was happy to get home.
This Park was about 2 hours from our campground. It's interesting territory, but probably one of the most underdeveloped National Parks. There were hardly any picnic areas and only 1 campground. I don't think I would ever camp here anyway. Actually, I wouldn't recommend going here unless it's on the way to something far more interesting. I think a better way to spend the day is to visit Deadwood. 
Another view of the weird badlands.
Dennis enjoying the sun.
One of the few critters I saw in the Park. This is a least chipmunk and it was doing a good job of avoiding me. We only saw this animal and a small herd of bighorn sheep. 
This National Park in South Dakota boasts one of the world's longest and most complex caves. The scenery above ground is beautiful. Very much like the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone with bison and elk roaming the hills. There are bison in this shot, but they look like little black dots on the horizon so don't look too hard for them. The cave underground is supposed to be equally beautiful. We want to visit again and take the cave tour. We weren't able to do it this time as we had Cali in the truck and it was hot that day.
Virginia creeper growing around the entrance to the cave. It was fall in the Black Hills.
We took a week long trailer trip to the Black Hills. Mount Rushmore was everything I thought it would be. Truly a place to see. I'm glad we went in Sept. when the kiddies are back in school as I can see the Black Hills are crawling with tourists and traffic in the summer. 
A local resident at the Memorial. This mountain goat looks like he's talking.
Dennis found 2 more Western skinks. This time they were hiding under a tarp used for a pile of topsoil. Skunks had started to rip up the tarp and it was time to move the soil up to the new garden bed Dennis is building. Skunks and skinks like piles of soil I guess. This is a picture of an adult. An immature was found as well, but the picture wasn't in focus. 
After I photographed the skink, it was released in groundcover on the side of the house. It probably thought it was hidden, but the blue tail is a dead giveaway. 
I dug all the remaining potatoes yesterday with help from Debara. Potatoes are so fun to grow. It's like a treasure hunt. I can't wait to plant more next year.
Dennis is eye to eye with a bison while it moves down the road.
This mule deer created quite a stir in the Tower Falls parking lot.
The elk family at Mammoth Hot Springs. They are always lounging on the lawn.
The big bull elk with his huge rack. I guess it's hard for him to keep his head up with all that weight.
Here we are in the Park. It was very cold all day.
A beautiful thermal pool in Norris Geyser Basin. It looked so inviting on a chilly day.
Bubbling paint pots.
Tower Falls. The road to Tower has been under construction for years. We haven't seen these falls in at least 7 years.
A beautiful ending to a lovely day in the Park.
The scenery in the Park is breathtaking.
Another great view of mountains and wildlife.
Mom and baby goat. So cute. I've never been this close before.
A nice man offered to take this photo.
