Today was a long travel day from Custer State Park, SD to Cody, WY (411 miles). We decided to look for some additional wildlife before leaving Custer State Park by driving around the wildlife loop. During our drive we came across a mule deer, a few pronghorns (similar to antelopes), bison (one which walked right next to our minivan), prairie dogs, burros (one which visited Karen – see the video at ( http://youtu.be/UxwVGypdPRE ) and white-tailed deer. FYI – Custer State Park has the largest herd of bison in the United States.
Since we were in the neighborhood we swung by the Crazy Horse monument that is still under construction. Due to our time constraints we did not enter the park, but saw it from the information booth outside the gate. It has a long way to go and is being built completely with private funds. When completed, it will be the largest, and quite amazing, stone sculpture in the United States.
Once we arrived into Cody, WY several hours later we had a chance to check into our hotel quickly before heading out for the evening. We went to the Cody Cattle Company for a chuck wagon dinner and a performance by the Three C Cowboys. The food and entertainment were good. Kelsey’s version of the chuck wagon dinner was some cornbread and a chocolate brownie. The rest of us were able to enjoy some salad, baked potatoes, baked beans, applesauce, pulled beef, chicken thighs, cornbread and brownies for dessert with water or lemonade to drink.
After our dinner and performance we walked down the street to the Cody Rodeo, held nightly June through August. We enjoyed watching the various events. We figured we needed to do this since Cody, WY is the rodeo capital of the world. During the intermission Lindsey participated in a contest for all children under 12. They released two small cattle into the arena with bandanas tied to their tails. All of the children were to chase after the cattle and grab the bandana. The children who could catch the cattle and grab a bandana won a prize. Unfortunately for Lindsey there were a large number of children, so she was not successful, but we cheered her on for her effort!
Hammond Adventures 
I guess you know that Korczak Ziolkowski, the original artist and carver of this memorial, is the same man who did the statue of Noah Webster in WH center.
We visited Cody, Wyoming many years ago. Probably had the same dinner. Also did a rafting tour there. I bought a cowboy hat….Lots of cowfolk out there.
Karen, bringing home a new pet? I think it liked you. Let’s name it!
We’re wondering if we should be constructing a pen in your back yard for your new best pals?!! Greg, the shed can easily convert to a barn, right?!! hee HAWWWW! Belated Happy Birthday Wishes to Lindsey! It looks like you all are having a great time : )