Day 19 Wind Cave National Park with out a cave but lots of Bison and Prairie Dogs

Let us get this out of the way from the get go. I had planned this part of the trip a year ago when the elevators were working. A few months ago I read they were intermittently working. About two weeks ago as my trip was starting they went completely down, thus no cave for Wind Cave National Park. Would have been cool beans.. super neat... awesome even. And i would have shared a ton with you. Instead you are going to get me talking about two hikes, lots of Bison and Prairie dogs. Because that is what you are getting.

Currently I am sitting in this quaint little cabin in Wellington, Co because I had the foresight on my trip planning that my last KOA should be a cabin to keep the tent from becoming muddy on the very last day of camping. Next two stops are AirBNBs. So yeah keep the rental tent in good shape.

 Though I must say the lovely smell of cow manure wafting through the cabin , would have been in the tent too so no difference there, but  it adds to the fun I guess.












Today's adventures in Hot Springs, SD started with my options 1 and 2 for breakfast being closed. I overheard from locals the owners of option 2 were on an Alaskan Cruise. Nice.

I ended up at Dale's Family Diner which actually hit the spot and had some great service and lots of locals. Was also right across the street from a gas station to keep me from having any of those gas adventures we have discussed in the past. And right from there we had an easy ride into Wind Cave National Park.

After the ceremonial entrance picture we got down to business with some Bison shenanigans. I mean it. these are the best. Okay the video is on facebook or instagram and you have to watch it. The bison starts scratching himself all over using the park information set up. It is fabulous. But here are some awesome Bison shots.

Not to be out done by his buddy this guy did the "Kali."

After the bison I made it to the visitor center got some good info from the Park Ranger for some hikes and some cool exhibits and stuff about the cave. 

There is a cool opening into the cave anyone can walk to and feel the force of the wind that goes through the cave. The picture is below, video on IG or FB. It really was cool.

Next I went up to Rankin Ridge. The trail is a loop that takes you up to the Fire Watch Tower. I have to tell you after all these hikes by Fire Watch Towers I want to talk to these guys and have them tell me what they do during work and when not working. I mean do they have to stay in the tower for like weeks days how does it work. I am sure I can google it But I dont want too yet. Also the Park Ranger warned me of poison ivy and man was there poison ivy, every where. Uggh. What he did not warn me about was coming upon a bunch of Park Ranger trucks and Custer County Search and Rescue vehicles. I do not know what was going on and I was not going to intrude and ask. But it was worrisome. For me everything went fine and it was a nice easy hike.

After that I headed on a long winding side road out of the park. It was unpaved... it went through some canyon lots of interesting residences out there. I did not stop and take pictures except this one. I think I found my co worker Sarah's property. Okay probably not.

Came back around into the park and decided to do the Cold Creek Canyon hike. It was a 2.8 mile round trip and was supposed to take forever but other than the descent and ascent into the canyon it was on flat terrain. It was easy and quiet and empty. There was a cool Prairie Dog town in the middle.

As I was leaving the park for good I came across another bison just posing away. It was pretty cool.

 So off to Wellington I went. . wait wait wait.. I can hear you all screaming at the screen. YOU SAID PRAIRIE DOGS. Oh i did... let there be PRAIRIE DOGS!!!

Yo lets get a drink!!!

Night all !!