The Black Hills (Part I)

Early September found the Troutbirders and their friends Gary and Rosie heading off to the Black Hills of South Dakota for camping. We drove west beside the soy bean and cornfields of southwestern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota.   Crossing the Missouri River at Chamberlain S.D. we usually see a more “western” perspective.

 It's rolling hills, grasslands with sagebrush and a few scattered ranches.  Often, even in July, the prairie has already turned brown.  Not this year. It was still green in September and there were even scattered fields of sunflowers, sorghum and corn. The Black Hills themselves were more spectacular than ever……    Come on along and take a look.

 

The Troutbirders at beautiful Sylvan Lake.

Checking out a local motel.

It was a little crowded for four. Just kidding. Actually, it was the first stockade settlement in the Black Hills. 

Y

This is our actual abode/  It is a Coyote Ultralite camper.  We stayed at Custer Mountain Campground near Custer, South Dakota. 

The view from the campground.

Bismarck Lake dam.

Bismarck Lake.    

The hills were alive

and the Ponderosa Pines gorgeous. We did some hiking and touring enjoying the vistas, the birds and the wildlife. That next in Part II.....