This coming weekend is the official start of Winter…and Autumn seemed to go by quite fast this year. From hot, cold, hot, then cold again, thunderstorms, snow, and an early hard freeze, winter came early and the fall colors came and went quickly. However, this Autumn I was able to get out and explore – and here are my favorite pictures from Autumn 2019.

Buffalo Roundup – I am grateful that I was able to attend Custer State Park’s Annual Buffalo Roundup on September 26; a big thank you to the park for the invitation. Each year, thousands of bison are rounded up and corralled in order to perform important tasks in order to “maintain a strong and healthy herd.”  Approximately 20,000 people watched as the herd thundered by and shook the earth.

Sunrise in the Wilderness – On October 8, I got up early and hiked up to Little Devils Tower to watch the sunrise. The scene was beautiful with the sun shining on the rocks, the Great Plains lit in an eerie purple hue, and the orange leaves of the trees below. This photo looks out at the Black Elk Wilderness with Black Elk Peak and the Harney Fire Tower near the center.

October Sunrise in the Black Hills – This picture was taken one minute after the previous picture! It was a little brighter, showing more of the fall leaves below, with the sun still shining on the tips of the granite and dark purple mountains in the background.

Galena Creek – This picture of Galena Creek was taken in mid-October. Looking closely, you can see that there is a chunk of ice hanging on a branch. Although the day was warm, this area receives little sunlight. Taken while hiking along the Lovers Leap Trail in Custer State Park.

Black Hills Sunset – Everything you need to know about the Black Hills is in this photo. The rocks, trees, and the dark appearance of the mountains in the background are immensely beautiful.