South Dakota

South Dakota looked just exactly like Wyoming for the first 50 miles. Then we drove through the Black Hills...more like mountains than hills, really. Some states say they have 'mountains'...especially back east but South Dakota could say they have mountains and get away with it. When parts of the hills were under the shadow of clouds, they really did look black...otherwise, they are just really tree-covered. We also decided that they could be called the 'Black Hills' because we discovered later that they do not have any street lights...at all...so it's completely pitch black. Aha.

Anyway, when we crossed the border, we still had about 100 miles to drive...ugh. But the girls really entertained themselves and only started 'are we there yetting' us until we were really close to being 'there.' Checked into the hotel, changed into long pants (it was pretty chilly) and headed out for "Bear Country," a fun place where you drive through a wildlife 'sanctuary' which has Dahl Sheep, wolves, and other various animals, but they crown jewel is the bear section. Somehow they have them just wandering around and you drive through their enclosure right next to them. They mosey across the road & next to the cars etc. I'm figuring they have to be pretty sedated or something to put up with all of that. It was fun, though, and the girls were thrilled to be so up close & personal!!

Sleepy Guy

Emma, Julia, Sophie

They Said Stay in the Car!!

You Too!

Baby Bears

They gave this group of black bear cubs a cantaloupe filled with oreos & other candy & they really went at it!!! Sooooooooo cute!!

Beware of the Bears!