Today we had a fabulous ride through Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park. The forecast was for heavy rain all morning, but our luck held out and we had just light rain which stopped at about noon.

Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks, created in 1914 to preserve the prairie and revive the bison who had been hunted to near extinction. Once the park was established they brought in bison from the only remaining herd in Yellowstone and from the Bronx zoo. Since then the herds have thrived. Underground is one of the largest and most unique caves in the world. Unfortunately, cave tours sell out fast on rainy days so I was able to visit only the museum.

Next to it is Custer State Park, with at least one herd of bison. I also saw several lone bison, perhaps non-dominant males exiled from the herd. Or maybe they were just lost. More fun were the hundreds of prairie dogs, chirping to each other, running around, and digging. They’re everywhere. There are also pronghorn antelope. I could spend a long time there, especially with a better camera. Riding through it on a bicycle is fantastic. I really felt sorry for the people in cars.

Tomorrow is our last full day, with a long climb to Mount Rushmore. A week goes by so fast.