My progression west has taken me through the southwest corner of South Dakota where I experienced the magnificence of the Black Hills and the colossal monuments within them.
I also climbed Harney Peak, the highest summit between the Rockies and the Swiss Alps. The summit 7840-ft summit sits atop building-sized boulders, but the park service built a granite stairway to the top and topped it off with an fire-turned-observation tower. What a treat, especially considering the fact that I summited just before the once sunny sky created and unleashed a wicked rain and hail storm on me. I jogged the seven mile round trip, ascending only 1200 ft, at a pace close to the one I hope to maintain in the Bighorn 100 this weekend. The sights along the way were on par the sacred Black Hills.
I stayed two nights in the Blue Bell campground in Custer (spit) State Park. It was peaceful and cozy. If I return, I will also reserve a site at the Sylvan Lake campground due to its proximity to all of the notable sights.
Enough words. Check out these photos and start planning a trip.
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| Rushmore through a mountain tunnel. |
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| Crazy Horse - All of Rushmore is smaller than his head. |
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| Cathedral Spires along Harney Peak trail. |
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| What storm? |
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| See the climbers near the summit? |
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| See them now? Right of center. |
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