June 30-July 5, 2017
Badger Clark, Nebraska Poet Laureate from 1937-1957, lived in a cabin in Custer State Park from 1925 until his death in 1957. We had enjoyed the Badger Sett Band’s presentation on Clark and thought it would be interesting to see his cabin. 
Clark built the cabin himself. It had neither electricity nor running water and it is just as he left it, down to the spices on the shelves and a dozen pairs of boots lined up in the bedroom. We formed the impression that he was a genuine and kind man.
Badger Clark Trail
Behind the house was a one-mile nature trail that Clark also built.
The trail was pleasant and not too strenuous. We saw a deer working its way up the hill a hundred yards from us.
Then we found the trail box.
The Park was challenging hikers to complete eight specific trails. One of the trails had been highly recommended by some hikers we’d met at Fort Robinson, so we thought we’d accept the challenge. We started the next day.
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
Sylvan Lake is a mile around an iconic reflecting lake. It wasn’t part of the challenge but provided access to the Sunday Gulch Trail.
As for the trail, it was graded “easy” but Jane took issue with the scramble over rocks like the ones below. She had no idea what was ahead of her.
Sunday Gulch Trail
This 2.8 mile trail was marked strenuous. Yep. At least for 60-somethings who’ve lived 40 years in flat Florida.
There are steps and that’s flowing water, but there are also handrails.
The scenery along and from the trail was spectacular. 
In the center of the picture above is a CruiseAmerica (rental) RV, making its way toward a tunnel with a 10’10” clearance. Apparently the occupants decided that wasn’t enough because we watched as the copilot got out of the vehicle and simultaneously directed traffic away from the RV as she guided it down to the switchback where it could turn around. There’s a good reason RVers are advised to know their dimensions and to pay attention to signs.
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