Black Hills

We get up early to visit the Wind Caves. As is common in the USA, this can only be done with a tour group of other individuals who may not be as adventurous. After taking a few pictures of the caves, we quickly realize that there isn't much to see inside and we decide against a visit. Perhaps it should be mentioned that we have already visited dozens of caves, including undeveloped ones, and guided tours are no longer our preference. We continue driving and shortly after, we see a small herd of bison about 500m from the road. The friendly gentleman who stops for us explains that less than 1 mile from here, there is a large herd on a side road. What a sight! In the middle of the herd, we park our car and observe, especially listening to the bison up close! One bison finds our Carlito quite intriguing and starts licking him and then rubbing his horns on him. It's a good time to move on, as we don't want to further diminish his resale value. ;) Shortly after, we leave Wind Cave National Park and cross the Custer State Park, which boasts hilly landscapes with many rock formations. Through numerous tunnels, which were considered technical masterpieces more than a hundred years ago, we get closer to Mount Rushmore. The most patriotic work of the Americans, carving 4 presidents into the mountain, is quite impressive. Especially after experiencing the construction phase in the museum. What is rather off-putting are the visitors who mostly do not share our values and views... We leave the monument to secure a campsite at Sylvan Lake. Fortunately, we are allowed to stay overnight in the parking lot of the camp host, as all spots are booked for many days. Of course, we're not done yet and we set out to climb Black Elk Peak. Along the way, we meet some people who have overestimated themselves and are grateful when we give them water. The 16km hike takes us past the highlights of the Black Hills and to the highest point, which is both a fire lookout and a Native American sacred place. The view is breathtaking and it makes us happy. On the way back, we spend a lot of time picking raspberries, there are incredibly many bushes right at the edge of the trail, which quickly fill our ziplock bag. Tomorrow's breakfast will be a hit!