This seems to happen at some point on every trip. Daily updates until some point where I loose Internet connectivity. After missing a day or two, I'm so far behind that I can't catch up with posting all of the great photos I would like to post
When we get home in a couple of days I will catch up.
Where are they now will continue to work :)
Take care
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Hiking in the Black Hills
Monday was a hiking day for some of us. We departed Sylvan Lake headed to Harney Peak.
First, there was ample evidence that the State of South Dakota needs a proof reader :) To make it even better, the same sign was posted at multiple trail heads.
We didn't have to go far before we saw what would be the scenery of the day. Lots of large rock formations.
It's about 3 1/2 miles from Sylvan Lake to Harney Peak. Plenty of time to take a support call from a customer -
It was a long hot slog but we finally made it to the highest point in South Dakota.
After eating lunch in the shade inside the lookout, it was time to head down the stairs which are the final challenge on the way up.
We took a different route down and saw different beautiful scenery. Plus some rumbles of thunder in the distance.
We will pull up stakes Tuesday, saw good bye to the Black Hills and head for a look at the Bad Lands of South Dakota.
First, there was ample evidence that the State of South Dakota needs a proof reader :) To make it even better, the same sign was posted at multiple trail heads.
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| Cathedral Rocks. |
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| Climbers on Cathedral Rocks. |
It's about 3 1/2 miles from Sylvan Lake to Harney Peak. Plenty of time to take a support call from a customer - It was a long hot slog but we finally made it to the highest point in South Dakota.
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| Backside of Mount Rushmore. Parking structure visible to the right of the mountain. |
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| "E" has a fantastic view. |
We took a different route down and saw different beautiful scenery. Plus some rumbles of thunder in the distance.
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| Little Devils Tower in the distance. |
Monday, July 23, 2012
Continued fun in The Black Hills
Wow, what a busy couple of days. As if Crazy Horse and that fantastic lightening storm wasn't enough for one trip. :)
Sunday was out Mount Rushmore day. We spent the morning sleeping in late. It had been hard to sleep Saturday night. Much to excited with the ongoing lightening storm to sleep well. Sunday afternoon we headed over to Mount Rushmore. I give great credit to the folks at the National Park Service and their contractors for putting together a very efficient facility to welcome many thousands of guests for the evening program. Easy in and easy out. Only time I felt like I was surrounded by 8500 of my fellow guests was when I was seated in their monster amphitheater. We arrived early enough for the Presidential Walk. It's a nice path that takes you as close as possible to the figures in the mountain. Then back in time to watch the very patriotic presentation at the amphitheater. A great way to spend the evening.
On the way out, we pulled over at a point in the road where you can see George Washington's profile. Looked pretty great as it was still lit up from the evening program.
Too much to see in the Black Hills :)
Sunday was out Mount Rushmore day. We spent the morning sleeping in late. It had been hard to sleep Saturday night. Much to excited with the ongoing lightening storm to sleep well. Sunday afternoon we headed over to Mount Rushmore. I give great credit to the folks at the National Park Service and their contractors for putting together a very efficient facility to welcome many thousands of guests for the evening program. Easy in and easy out. Only time I felt like I was surrounded by 8500 of my fellow guests was when I was seated in their monster amphitheater. We arrived early enough for the Presidential Walk. It's a nice path that takes you as close as possible to the figures in the mountain. Then back in time to watch the very patriotic presentation at the amphitheater. A great way to spend the evening.
On the way out, we pulled over at a point in the road where you can see George Washington's profile. Looked pretty great as it was still lit up from the evening program.
Too much to see in the Black Hills :)
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Enjoying the Black Hills
A little over 1,400 miles later and we have arrived in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
To top it off, "E" & "E" departed Fish N'Fry campground in Deadwood early Saturday morning and secured us spots in Custer State Park. This is a very nice state park. The facilities are well kept, the bathrooms seems fairly new and showers are included with the price of camping.
The big attraction we've seen thus far is Crazy Horse We arrived around 20:00 MDT. The goal was to see the exhibits then hang around for the light/laser show after sunset.
It's hard to photograph laser light shows. Especially from this distance without a tripod.
Most of the laser work included animations. This last shot has the horses mane flapping in the wind superimposed over the carving. Pretty nifty.
The absolute niftiest part was the fantastic thunder storm that passed all around us during the show. The lightning enhanced the light/laser show and the thunder added a lot to the music. Even when the power was out for 5-10 minutes interrupting the show, we didn't mind at all. The natural show more than made up for it. On the way back to the rigs, the clouds cut loose with RAIN!. Tons of huge rain drops. Very exciting. The locals are happy to have the rain. Last Winter they got very little snow leaving them with nasty drought conditions. The rain last night helped some. There are a number of forest fire in the area with at least one, the Myrtle Fire, closing some roads and attractions in the area.
Then, early this morning, the unmistakeable sound of hot air balloon burners. I shot this through the screened window of the camper. Not the best possible picture but the best I could do :)
That's enough time in front of the keyboard. Time to have another adventure.
Take care everyone.
To top it off, "E" & "E" departed Fish N'Fry campground in Deadwood early Saturday morning and secured us spots in Custer State Park. This is a very nice state park. The facilities are well kept, the bathrooms seems fairly new and showers are included with the price of camping.
The big attraction we've seen thus far is Crazy Horse We arrived around 20:00 MDT. The goal was to see the exhibits then hang around for the light/laser show after sunset.
The absolute niftiest part was the fantastic thunder storm that passed all around us during the show. The lightning enhanced the light/laser show and the thunder added a lot to the music. Even when the power was out for 5-10 minutes interrupting the show, we didn't mind at all. The natural show more than made up for it. On the way back to the rigs, the clouds cut loose with RAIN!. Tons of huge rain drops. Very exciting. The locals are happy to have the rain. Last Winter they got very little snow leaving them with nasty drought conditions. The rain last night helped some. There are a number of forest fire in the area with at least one, the Myrtle Fire, closing some roads and attractions in the area.
Then, early this morning, the unmistakeable sound of hot air balloon burners. I shot this through the screened window of the camper. Not the best possible picture but the best I could do :)
Take care everyone.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Devils Tower. aka Bear Lodge
Made it to Devils Tower. Not much signal there so I had to leave before I could send everyone an update.
It's quite a sight. If you get a chance to visit I would highly recommend it. Wish we had another day to burn here. There are a number of hiking trails around the monument which look like a great way to see it up close. We did take a hike this morning around the paved trail which is nearest the mountain. Up close and personal. It's a lot of fun watching the climbers maneuver around on those columns. I don't have much desire to do it myself but I sure admire the talent and ability required to do it. There were even a bunch if them coming down last night while we attended the ranger talk at the campground.
Now we have moved on to Deadwood. Spending the night at a fancy RV resort with power and a pool. Oh, and a laundry ;). Getting cleaned up and a fresh batch of cloths before hitting a number of National Forest camp sights in the Black Hills.
It's been dang HOT! Several days over 100F. Really tough on some of us. It's a bit cooler here about 5 miles outside of Deadwood. Currently 88F with thunder in the distance.
Well, I've got to put some quarters in the dryer. Don't get too concerned if I don't check in for a few days. Might not have many opportunities to post much. The "Where are they now" link on the right side of the page will hopefully give you an idea where we are. (yay amateur radio :)
Take care.
It's quite a sight. If you get a chance to visit I would highly recommend it. Wish we had another day to burn here. There are a number of hiking trails around the monument which look like a great way to see it up close. We did take a hike this morning around the paved trail which is nearest the mountain. Up close and personal. It's a lot of fun watching the climbers maneuver around on those columns. I don't have much desire to do it myself but I sure admire the talent and ability required to do it. There were even a bunch if them coming down last night while we attended the ranger talk at the campground.
Now we have moved on to Deadwood. Spending the night at a fancy RV resort with power and a pool. Oh, and a laundry ;). Getting cleaned up and a fresh batch of cloths before hitting a number of National Forest camp sights in the Black Hills.
It's been dang HOT! Several days over 100F. Really tough on some of us. It's a bit cooler here about 5 miles outside of Deadwood. Currently 88F with thunder in the distance.
Well, I've got to put some quarters in the dryer. Don't get too concerned if I don't check in for a few days. Might not have many opportunities to post much. The "Where are they now" link on the right side of the page will hopefully give you an idea where we are. (yay amateur radio :)
Take care.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Day seven (already)
Wow, that's too bad. Day seven on the road already :(.
That's how it goes though.
We departed Lewis and Clark Caverns and headed east on I90. Still would prefer the back roads but when one needs to put on the miles it does the job.
Visited the Little Bighorn Battlefield Monument. It's a very well done
facility. We chose to take the self guided tour from Last Stand Hill down the five miles of paved road to Reno-Benteen Battlefield Memorial. About five miles of battles between the combatants. Grave markers are placed throughout the complex marking the spot where someone fell. Sure gives the memorial a sense of history. Another option would have been the guided tour. It was tempting considering the temperature was over 100F.
Late in the afternoon we finally got some non-Interstate miles. U.S. 212 then Indian road 314 to Tongue River Reservoir. A nice lake lake in southeastern Montana. Got the camper setup and took a late evening swim. Just what the poor body needed.
334 miles behind us today. We may stay here another day or head to Devils Tower sometime Thursday.
Best to all.
That's how it goes though.
We departed Lewis and Clark Caverns and headed east on I90. Still would prefer the back roads but when one needs to put on the miles it does the job.
Visited the Little Bighorn Battlefield Monument. It's a very well done
facility. We chose to take the self guided tour from Last Stand Hill down the five miles of paved road to Reno-Benteen Battlefield Memorial. About five miles of battles between the combatants. Grave markers are placed throughout the complex marking the spot where someone fell. Sure gives the memorial a sense of history. Another option would have been the guided tour. It was tempting considering the temperature was over 100F.
Late in the afternoon we finally got some non-Interstate miles. U.S. 212 then Indian road 314 to Tongue River Reservoir. A nice lake lake in southeastern Montana. Got the camper setup and took a late evening swim. Just what the poor body needed.
334 miles behind us today. We may stay here another day or head to Devils Tower sometime Thursday.
Best to all.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Day two addition
What a great day at Lewis and Clark Cavern.
Wish I could put all of our pictures here but the connection is poor and it's late.
Tomorrow we head to The Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Wish I could put all of our pictures here but the connection is poor and it's late.
Tomorrow we head to The Battle of the Little Bighorn.
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