Thursday, September 23, 2010
We were excited to start a new chapter in our journey today as we joined our friends Bruce and Kimberly for breakfast in the cozy Great Room of our motel. The flames were glowing in the fireplace and the coffee and hot cinnamon rolls smelled soooo good.
We shared a relaxing breakfast near the fireplace, viewing the mountain waterfall outside.
It was damp and rainy so we thought that going subterranean at Jewel Cave National Monument would be a good plan. We took the in-depth (no pun intended) tour of Jewel Cave with Ranger Bethann Herman. She was an excellent guide offering detailed information with a delightful sense of humor.
We were surprised to learn that it is the second longest cave system in the world. Only 152 miles have been mapped so far; they believe that it may be much larger.
The site was a subterranean wonderland. The caverns are unlike any other we have visited. We are accustomed to “wet” caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and draperies. Instead, the walls and ceilings of Jewel Cave are mostly dry and are covered with a thick crust of calcite crystals, boxwork and other filigree formations. It definitely was a “jewel” to behold.
By the time we came back to the surface, the rain was gone and the sun was awaiting us. So, we headed east to Custer State Park, eager to view its renowned natural beauty and wildlife.
We drove around beautiful Stockade Lake and then followed the Wildlife Loop Road through the park.
We were in awe of the wildlife that we encountered: pronghorn, white tail deer, prairie dogs, wild turkeys, incredibly friendly “begging” burros, and the pride of the park—a massive heard of free-ranging American Bison.
We were able to drive on unpaved roads among the buffalo as they headed across the prairie. We watched and wove among them, marveling at their stoic magnificence, until the sun had set behind the mountains. What an experience!
The four of us celebrated this exceptional day of natural wonders with a sublime dinner of pheasant, bison, and elk at the dining room of the historic State Game Lodge. We were quickly learning that the animals of the prairie are honored in the west in many ways—conservation, respectful hunting, mounted display, and deliciously dining.
Back at the motel, we spent some time chatting around the hot tub, sharing our impressions of an incredible day.
-- Ted and Laura, Bruce and Kimberly
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