so ive returned. i got back from my adventure to custer/custer state park/hot springs about an hour ago.
the hike was generally relaxed, except the last couple of parts were pretty hard. when we got to the top, though, i had to sit down. i didnt think we were up as high as we were!
this is what i saw:

(i have pictures of my own, but no idea how to upload them to this...so i had to steal one).
it was amazing. i climbed out onto this giant rock and we sat and ate granola bars and fed three chipmunks for an hour, while i stared at the four-state expanse that you can see from the seven-thousand-foot-high mountain (highest point in SD).
i cant believe i was up this high without being on a plane! the air was noticably thinner as we got to the top. i went to the very top of the tower (the very absolute highest point in SODAK), and i could barely even look down without feeling like i was going to pass out.
the other tourists sat around, eating their sandwiches and drinking their water, and cheering on the others as they finally approached the top. "you are almost there! dont look down yet!" "c'mon you can make it! it is so worth it!"
and it was worth it. it was a tough hike...but it was worth it.
we also made it to hot springs.
that is what small-town america should look like. it was mountainous and had cute shops and a nice library. everyone there was so nice. i also explored custer and stayed at a campground that had millions of bunnies running about.
i went to the mammoth site, too. it was very fun. it is an active archaeological dig, that you can watch. it definitely could appeal to an anthropologist/archaeologist, but also a little kid, too. they talked all about MNI, hyoid bones, dating techniques, etc.
i saw so many things! i cannot wait to tell you about how i saw the ram, and i fed three chipmunks, and was face-to-face with a buffalo on needles drive. i want to tell you about the prairie dogs, and the rocks, and the dirt (that was sparkly and beautiful, so the dirt on my feet after we were done was brown and silver and beautiful).
but i dont think i can give it justice.
i am in love with america again. i never thought places this beautiful existed...not ones that i could ever see. i am just in awe of everything right now.
EDIT:::
i went to go running this morning, but my butt is so sore from climbing yesterday, that i couldnt make myself do it. i want to hike more here and when i get home. does anyone want to go to devils lake/any other good hiking spots in wis-CAHN-son/illinois with me in the fall?
staying at the koa is fun and cheap, and i have my car...lets organize a trip!
