"Motherly Moments" from Custer State Park Expedition

In recognition of Mother's Day, 2009, (May 10), it seems appropriate to focus on a "Motherly Moment" I was able to capture in a photograph during a recent expedition to Custer State Park in South Dakota. The photograph brings to my mind, the promise we read in Isaiah 66:13a (KJV) that says "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you;"

Custer State Park is located in the scenic Black Hills area of South Dakota, and at 71,000 acres is the nation's largest state park. Likewise, it is the habitat of one of the world's largest free-roaming bison herds. Although one can drive through the park on their own (phone 605-255-4464 to reach the Visitor's Center) , I had the pleasure of being "chauffeured" through the park "safari style" in a converted, open-air vehicle operated by Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours (605-255-4541 or 888-875-0001)). This allowed me to concentrate on taking photographs of the buffalo, antelope, sheep, birds, and other wildlife that abound here.

The driver of the Jeep that I was in was a self-described "old-timer", named Dean, who has been associated with the park since he was a teen-ager, helping his uncle who was employed by the park, and lived there in a CCC-built cabin, that is still in use today. He provided many valuable insights and interesting stories that made the ride extremely enjoyable. They even furnish blankets for their customers, in case the weather is too breezy to enjoy in your street clothes. Their normal operating season starts with Mother's Day and goes through late October. So, if you are wondering what to give a mother that has everything---how about the gift of experiencing God's great outdoors at Custer State Park??!! Miles of smiles! Tricia