Bits and Pieces of South Dakota (June 28 - 30)

I have embarked on what I hope will be a 4 month, 17,000 mile motorcycle ride through the US and parts of Mexico and Canada to visit family and friends and to benefit Children International.  Please consider supporting me – learn more here Will's Charity Ride for Children International - PledgeIt

South Dakota: Bits & Pieces (June 28 to 30)

Here is one experience I had as a result of my Spearfish, SD B-a-B host's suggestion.

Pathways Spirital Sanctuary

Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary is a serene retreat nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, offering a peaceful environment for meditation, reflection, and spiritual growth. The sanctuary features beautiful walking paths, stone circles, and sacred spaces designed to connect visitors with nature and their inner selves.  This is private property offered to anyone desiring for a little serenity.  Was nice to get off the bike and hiike the 1 1/2 mile path.

Mammoth Site, Hot Springs, SD

The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota, is a fascinating archaeological and paleontological site that offers a glimpse into the ancient past. Discovered in 1974 during excavation for a housing development, the site revealed a treasure trove of well-preserved mammoth remains. It is now recognized as one of the most significant Ice Age fossil sites in North America. The site is an active dig, providing both scientists and the public with an extraordinary opportunity to observe the process of paleontological excavation firsthand.

Beware, lots of fossil fotos....

Green arrows point to impressions left by the mammoths walking thorugh the sediment.

The primary feature of the Mammoth Site is a large sinkhole that formed during the last Ice Age. This natural depression, created by the dissolution of limestone bedrock, gradually filled with warm artesian water. Over time, the sinkhole developed into a steep-sided, spring-fed pond. The warm water and lush vegetation surrounding the sinkhole attracted a variety of Ice Age animals, including mammoths, camels, wolves, and other megafauna. The inviting environment, however, also became a deadly trap for many of these creatures.

The steep, slippery edges of the sinkhole made it difficult for large animals to escape once they ventured too close to the water. Mammoths, in particular, would often find themselves unable to climb back out due to their massive size and weight. As a result, many of them perished within the sinkhole, their remains accumulating over thousands of years. The constant inflow of sediment and water helped to preserve the bones in remarkable condition, allowing modern-day scientists to study them in detail.

Arcotodus simus, commonly known as the short-faced bear, was one of the largest terrestrial mammalian carnivores of North America during the Pleistocene epoch. This formidable predator likely fed on a variety of large herbivores, utilizing its powerful limbs and jaws to hunt and scavenge. Potential reasons for its extinction include climate change, competition with other predators, and the decline of its prey species towards the end of the Pleistocene.

Today, the Mammoth Site is not only a significant scientific resource but also a popular educational attraction. The site features an indoor museum with exhibits that showcase the fossils and provide context about the Ice Age environment. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history of the site, the ongoing research, and the techniques used in paleontology. The Mammoth Site also offers educational programs for all ages, emphasizing the importance of preserving and understanding our prehistoric heritage.4o

The Napoleon Bone-a-Part exhibit at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD, showcases a remarkable mammoth skeleton discovered at the site. This well-preserved specimen offers visitors a close-up view of the massive bones and tusks of a Columbian mammoth, providing a vivid glimpse into the Pleistocene epoch. The exhibit highlights the significance of the Mammoth Site as a key location for studying Ice Age megafauna and understanding their environment.