Immediately after our California dreams, we hit the road for South Dakota, whose rock-strewn Black Hills were well worth the mostly featureless drive there. We did catch sight of a few swift Pronghorn on the way, including a tiny fawn with its mother.
We stopped to admire a herd of domestic sheep, and I nabbed a picture of them traversing the horizon, each leading their sweet lambs alongside. One had twins!
After the long drive over the flatlands, we finally reached our destination. The misty beauty of Black Hills National Forest was so rejuvenating! As in California, the summer was alive with lush greenery that had not yet hit our town.
Our first adventure was cruising an incredible drive-through safari. The bighorn sheep kicked things off with their hazelnut eyes and ridged horns.
Next was a beautiful elk bull with ultra-rounded velvet antlers. Look at that sassy head tilt - he knows he's fabulous!
After the prey animals, we moved onto some predators. This epic black wolf struck an eerie pose for my camera as we admired him from the safe haven of our vehicle.
The bears were larger than life! I decided to desaturate one portrait, for a change. I'm in love with the last one's giant round ears!
After the free-roaming drive-through area, we walked around some beautiful open-air enclosures with no glass or ceilings. These fuzzy badgers were snuggled up under a rock together waiting out the foggy weather, and I couldn't resist the cute little javelina rooting around in the grass.
This beautiful feline was stalking his territory. I was lucky enough to spot a wild bobcat in Colorado once, and was astounded at how big they can be! This one was striking, even if small.
We had an incredible experience at the safari and were so happy we made it before dusk! The diffused light was just beautiful that day, and we loved all the green everywhere. Next up; more of South Dakota, as well as a spontaneous excursion up north!
