After the dino dig, the kids and I drove about an hour east to South Dakota. Our final destination was Wind Cave, a small national park in the beautiful Black Hills. We checked into the Visitor Center, and then took the relatively short drive through the park in search of wildlife.
We were not disappointed as we slowed down to make way for a herd of spooked Buffalo stampede by, and then later watched a coyote hoping to nab a prairie dog for an afternoon snack. These rodents are ever vigilant, and the coyote slunk away hungry and disappointed.
We then hiked to the top of Rankin's Ridge, where we could just barely make out the Badlands in the hazy distance.
After viewing some of the natural entrances to the cave (which allows the air to flow in and out, thus giving this natural wonder its name), we made our way down into the depths of the earth. We opted to embark on the Natural Entrance Cave Tour, which eventually descends over 220 underground. Groups of scientists and spelunkers continue to discover unexplored parts of this 150+ mile labyrinth.
Wind Cave is famous for its geological features, such as its intricate boxwork formed by retreating limestone (seen above) and cave popcorn, composed of small pieces of calcite (see below).
Wind Cave unexpectedly became one of the kids' favorite parks. There are several other cave tours, one of which is 4+ hours long and features belly crawls through stone tunnels only 16" in diameter. Thane is already making plans to do this on his 16th birthday (the minimum age requirement). Um, I think I'll let Jordan take the lead on that one!
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