The property where I am staying is lovely, with tennis courts, miniature golf, pool, hot tub and more; however, this is not my thing. I have close neighbors and can hear them yelling and their phones ringing. Dogs bark. I long for more solitude and a beautiful natural setting. I have not gotten out my binoculars or spotting scope once. I have observed only a few sparrows. When I am “home”, I have to leave my curtains drawn instead of everything unzipped and sunny.

Small spot

Lots of neighbors

I have had a great time though. The weather is cool so Tango and I spent time hiking in Custer State Park. This park is more on the scale of a National Park with incredible scenic beauty, lots of concessionaires, campgrounds, and hiking trails everywhere. Some photos:

Hazy Air

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake, small bridge

Ran into a couple of climbers!

If you saw the movie <em>127 Hours</em> you know why I did not want to go under that wedged rock.

Looking back, whew! I made it.

The front end of a deer for a change! Or is that a young elk?

I will come again to the Black Hills. The hiking is great. However, tonight is the last of my 3 free nights. A hot spell is moving in, so I will be moving to a lake in northern Wyoming where I can stay wet and cool. Got my last free shower and heading out in the morning for more adventures.