Stubborn Rabbit

I can and will explain but this is what led up to our encounter with said bunny. We are now in the cycle of getting up for morning photography that is hard (Roy is rubbing off on me). It is true they say good light happens in the morning. So the 28th I have it all planned get up early, head to the Coolidge Tower Fire Outlook, take some panoramas because the view is amazing. That was the plan. That is not how it happened.

I was woke up to my phone going off at 6:15 am glad I answered it because I am going to try an hour horseback ride. (Maybe improve the balance for a few hours. The balance has been a little off, and horse riding is good for that. ) Back to the story. I fall back to sleep, then we had a power blip a long beep woke me up. I just did not have the energy to get up and out early. I got bad light because of it. We got up to the outlook about 11 am the sky was hazy and the sun was harsh I did get a panoramic. I also was lucky enough to see Crazy Horse Monument head on and George Washington on Mount Rushmore. I did take a few photos but they did not turn out, just gave me inspiration to come back and try again. seeing this was a bust we went home to eat and head into Custer to use my hotspot. (internet not happening at the campground). Back to the campground to decide where we wanted to drive again couldn’t be too far because we had dinner at 7pm.

So we headed out to wildlife loop again with a twist. We stopped to take a picture of this rock formation because the light was perfect. We then hit another dirt road for me to take a landscape with clouds and rolling hills. I find out this is one of the roads that lead to Wind Cave. So Roy and I headed for adventure. (Roy and I were both looking for more adventure.) The fact that the roads start in Custer State Park and end right outside Custer State Park it was an easy decision to travel the V. Did I mention it was also a one lane road. Well the first thing we see are Prairie Dogs these critters are prolific and they have nothing on bunnies. More on the Prairie Dogs in a few paragraphs.

So for this one lane road we are headed over ruts and stuff at a slow speed as to be able to see everything. I was able to catch out of the corner of my eye a pronghorn with her baby. They were definitely running from something and baby was trying to catch up I am mesmerized just watching how they slowed down and headed up the hill. Needless to say I did not take any photographs, we do have the crossing on dash cam though. We had one car pass us and then there was another car that decided to wait up at a turn out. This was a good thing because we ran across a stubborn bunny.

We start up towards the hill once we realize that we are going first, we see a bunny in the road. This bunny had a mind of its own and he was not budging. The rain that we had over the previous days left a water hole just perfect size for a rabbit. Picture this we slowly inch up on it until you can’t see it on dash cam thinking we get close enough that it will move. Wrong! So we inch in reverse the bunny is still there. We repeat the process again, same result. We even honk the horn the RABBIT did NOT even flinch. Roy then decides to creep up on it and have me open the door get out and chase him away. I took my camera with me got out and before I was around the front of the car it was gone. I will be sharing the dash cam of us going forward, backing up and repeating. So the guy on top of the hill started heading down and we met rolled down our windows and explained to the other guy it was the rabbit’s fault that we were not coming up the road.

The rest of the road was narrow even for a single lane had a few steep areas to it. In one place we drove up the hill and the road just disappeared over the crest. My only thought her was please no buffalo on the road at the top. There wasn’t thankfully. Although we did see a few down the road. Now for those prairie dogs. We are ending the adventure and we see hundreds of prairie dog holes on both sides of the road and even on the road. This critters were everywhere including running up down across the road. I know I will be back to photograph them. So the off road adventure had a stubborn rabbit in the middle of it all.

Rainy Day Road Trip Turned Out

Perfect. This was because we got to do the driving in the rain and wherever we stopped there was a rain break. I do have to say on a side point Roy is getting to drive more curvy and single lane roads then ever before. I on the other hand am looking for the motion sickness pills. (just kidding) I only bring the point up because we decided to head to Hot Springs on a rainy Saturday to stay away from any crowds in the Park.

87 is a mostly two lane paved road that takes you through the northern end of wind cave, supposedly elk and buffalo hang out in the area or at least that is what the signs say. We did see some buffalo but no elk. I say mostly 2 lane except for a one lane bridge this was a short one. At the junction where 87 joins 385 there is another prairie dog town, however they were not as hyper or active as the other ones we ran across. So on down the road. The actual Wind Cave visitor center is off of 385 so I had to at least go shopping. Unfortunately due to the popularity and the limit in available tickets I did not go into the cave. (this year you had to be in line for tickets at 7 am and then come back at your tour time. I did however hit the gift shop, I got 2 t-shirts, a hat and one small stuffed prairie dog affectionately named ‘Sticks’ from ‘Live PD’ fame. I figure with the number of dogs we have seen it is all good that I bring one home. After the side trip to Wind Cave we headed down to Hot Springs.

This is a town that has a story to tell, almost like it is stuck in time and that it has an old time small town feel. The town is famous for their Mineral Springs and The Mammoth Site outside of town. The town also has the South Dakota Veterans Home and Veterans Hospital with restored old buildings. The town also had a lot of the old buildings fixed up. Roy had a craving for a corn dog because he saw the sign for it at the local craft fair. I decided then to walk the craft fair it reminded me of small town America. In the middle of town there is a waterfall that you can see the mineral build up of the water, the flag at the top of the waterfall was placed to honor Veterans by the local VFW. All in all the rainy day trip turned out to be the pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow.

Why Getting Out Pays Off

I wanted to practice panoramas and I wanted to include the ‘Needle’s Eye‘ (on the Needles Highway) in one of the shots. It was cloudy up the direction we were headed I said let’s try tomorrow. Roy’s like no let’s just see. I am so glad he pushed me to head up there. I got lucky. Right before the ‘Needle’s Eye’ there is a one lane tunnel, traffic was moving slow through it. We pulled up to wait our turn on the way through there was a mountain goat on one of the ledges right next to the car. I was nervous he might try and jump on the hood. He was looking for a way down. It is funny, a part of me wanted to reach out and touch him, but, common sense won out. After making it through the tunnel with no hoof prints on the car, I headed over to see if he had jumped down. He had and there was a baby and another goat licking the inside of the tunnel, this was an unexpected treat that would not have happened had we stayed home. That is the cool thing about being in a place for an extended period you can keep returning to an area and get different results. As for the panorama with the ‘Needle’s Eye’ my mind remembered it a different way,(so no picture) funny how memories play tricks on us. I had a similar experience with the Rushmore tunnels.

So after I finished taking pictures of the goats and the Needle’s Eye’ we headed off to find the burros but like every good trip you need a detour. Let me preface this with I hate heights, that said we decided to visit the Mount Coolidge Fire Tower. The road up is all gravel and climbs to over 6,000 feet. The views are amazing and I can see why this is still an active fire lookout. I will be getting some panoramas from this spot in the near future (even if I have to close my eyes on the way up.) I had an easier time going down the hill looking at rocks made that happen. I enjoy seeing the vastness from ground level. So after the detour Roy and I thought we missed the burros NOT.

These burros are beggars they will eat mostly anything, although they prefer apples but when that doesn’t work it’s carrots, or whatever you have. I was able to offer some people apples to feed them. (I’m a looker not a feeder). This boy Aiden was a little nervous about feeding one it was cool to see his smile once the burro took the apple. Also a father and his 2 daughters got in on the act. I think it is amazing how the interaction between people and animals develop. I also have been enjoying the bond between mother and child. I have photographed a nursing pair almost every day.

From here we headed off to find the buffalo because an outing is not finished until I get my fix for the day. We did not have to travel far either when we ran into a small herd just crossing the road. It is awe inspiring to think at one time the plains were full of these majestic creatures. The most we have seen at one time is about 300. Every year the park has a round up to check the health of the herd called the buffalo roundup.

We still were not completely around the loop and wondered out load where are all the pronghorns heading this year. A ranger had mentioned that the herd was having some issues and these animals are hard to find. Some one was listening because up popped a few of these animals. In fact one looked very pregnant. I was also able to get a picture of one.

So it just goes to show you never know what you will find when you head out on an adventure.

When You are Glad Roy

Doesn’t have a camera close by. Yes it is true I do goofy stuff. So I admit it. This trip has been filled with some of those times here are a few. I want a picture of the full moon rising over Mount Rushmore. Metal rails make good horses. Roy is definitely not a princess. Rocks are animals in hiding. Knowing I don’t have everything but me thinking I do.

Roy is not a Princess now please remember this is my story. I was running out of logical places to put things on this trip, so where do you store something flat under the mattress. This was a good place because I wasn’t going to be making the bed until we got to where we were going anyway. Well Roy has a three legged seat cane he uses sometimes, I know he needs it so under the mattress it went. I forgot about it and he wanted to use it, I then proceeded to basically tear the trailer and car apart looking for it, because I knew it was here. This is where Roy Not being a Princess comes in,,, Only a Princess could feel a pea under so many mattresses, why couldn’t Roy feel the cane. If he only had a camera to see me racking my brain.
Rocks are animals in hiding. The camera that would have been needed here would be for my face the look of I’m sure it was. I am amazed at how many things rocks especially look like animals. This does though mainly happen when I’m almost asleep so my defense is not paying attention.
For some reason I insisted that the full moon could rise over Mount Rushmore, (it can if I make up a picture) I just could not get it into my head the direction relation. Camera was needed here because of the light bulb that went on when I grasped it.
Knowing I don’t have everything and thinking I do. I do not know why but this caught him laughing hysterically. I have to say he did though plant the seed in my brain. It was during one of the night shoots, I was almost done and he asks “Am I going to leave my tripod there?” I say no . So I put everything away get in the car buckle up and say let’s go. He then replies so you really are going to leave the tripod there. I say no and promptly retrieve it. I say it was power of suggestion I was going to leave it so I tried.

The one that is the main reason I am glad no camera is me attempting to ride a metal rail. I was just being me. I do not know what came over me except my inner child. I had just finished shooting some long horn sheep after gracefully get out of the car for this one. (good day for balance) I successfully got some pictures, then I attempt to step over a guard rail not so gravefully. I get one leg over and mind goes blank on what to do next. So I improvise; I start riding it like a pony and getting into it. That was until this women asks if I was stuck. My answer nope just riding my horse. She proceeded to lose it in laughter. At least my being sorta stuck made her day. I did eventually did get the courage and skill to get my leg over. Roy and a stranger got a good laugh out of it. I do so enjoy making Roy smile all the while being able to say ‘It wasn’t me.’ No photographic proof I can deny it then.

The Dog and Pony Show

I mean the Prairie Dog and Semi Wild Burro show all located on wildlife loop. Hanging around Custer and giving my long lens and arms a workout (I forgot how heavy the 150 – 600mm is), Roy and I decided to go hunt up some Prairie Dogs and maybe find some burros to add to the mix. We have gotten lucky with both seeing animals and being able to take the time to shoot them. I came prepared for the long haul, my chair, my ice vest, and camera now all that was needed was some cooperating animals. Before we set up shop to watch the Prairie Dogs a pack of burros and humans blocked our way.

These burros are descendants of the original pack mules used in the park. Here is a link to another blog that also talks about the burros They were first used as work animals then were used to ferry passengers up to the top of Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). When trips were discontinued the burros were left to roam the park. The fact that their ancestors were accustomed to human contact, they have remained semi wild. This allows tourist to feed them (apples and carrots). This year has been very fruitful for the herd, as a fire damaged some of them a few years ago and they lost some to diabetes. So the babies are a welcome sight. It was funny how mellow the baby was but also how close mama was to her foal. I did pet the foal she was so soft. The photo of this little girl just happened (right place right time). I got lucky that I did not get kicked. I was telling all of the kids do not walk behind the burro so what do I do. Yup, walk close behind the burro. I was busy taking pictures and almost screamed when one of the adults nudged my arm I’m glad he didn’t like my camera. The burros decided to move on so it was time to go to town. (Prairie Dog Town that is.)

So upon arriving I pull out my chair, don my vest, and grab the camera, i did not have to wait long until they were popping like whack a moles. I was also excited that I kept bouncing around to this hole and that hole. I finally settled down with a family of five mom dad and three little ones. The interaction was precious watching the sentry stand tall while the rug rats ran a muck. Then out of the corner of my lens I catch two lovers in the heat of the moment, ok maybe just foreplay. It all started with a hug, a coy gesture, some nibbles, and then the rest is up to you. Another mound held a mom and two babies who stuck together like glue. It was almost like a game of Simon Says. a behavior I tried to catch but always just missed was the way they throw food in the air and then jump after it. I was great at catching the landing. I spent a little over an hour photographing these cute little critters and look forward to more adventures with them. Roy and I have run across three other areas to set up camp with them.

My name is not Micah

That is what I thought this little boy’s name was and whose family was nice enough to stand and look at Mount Rushmore while I took photos. His name was Rust but more on that in a bit. (I promise I have taken photos.) Staying in one place we have put on 500 miles just driving around the park taking photos and getting stopped by buffalo. But I digress.

This a.m. Thursday the 17th of June we planned to get up early and head to the Iron Mountain Road that leads to Mount Rushmore. This road has three one lane tunnels that perfectly frame the mountain, as many of you know this was my goal to get the perfect framed shot of Mount Rushmore. So we are driving up the road and off to the side on a hill we see 3 very large male buffalo, these guys know how to disappear, when calves are around.

Upon arrival I set up my camera and tripod then proceeded into the middle of the road. Catching good light we were there at 8:30 am Roy got up and we got going before 7am. (I promised him biscuits and gravy from a restaurant we ate at 10 years ago.) This trip I have been practicing making adjustment s to my exposure settings by using the f/stop more then anything. I try different positions and settings trying to get the perfect light. One other thing I am learning is patience, I still want to get a few shots and leave. If you do that then everything changes from leaving early. This proved true today. Enter Micah I mean Rust.

This family with 2 young children pulled up behind where Roy was parked, and looked a little worried that they might be blocking us because I was moving my camera I said no just taking pictures. They proceed through the tunnel to get a better view and I get an idea. I get the shot all set up and ready to click away they then move. I did ask them to stop move a tad and turn around, I was happy they did. They walk back and I show them the pictures and the little boy has a handful of Mica so I said ok thinking that was his name. He then walks away to find more and comes back to give me a tiny piece. I then find out that his name was Rust. It is amazing how people come into your life. The boy is into gems and fossils so I suggested them go to “The Museum at Black Hills Institute” in Hill City. I gave them my blog info and will be posting their picture. Later in the morning I was able to catch another family gazing at Mount Rushmore. I think the trip to the tunnel was a success.

We head back towards camp to grab an early lunch about 11am we arrive at ‘Wolf Camp’ This is a restaurant that we discovered the first time we came through Custer State Park in 2013. It has changed a bit from just being a roadside stand now it has a campground and the restaurant. I like the hours 8 am at the earliest to open 10 am at the latest to open. It was funny we found the restaurant the first time by accident and the second time by pure luck we were taking a short cut to get to Iron Mountain Road. (It was right where I thought it was) I said it was at a place where the road went off to the right if you were coming from Mount Rushmore it was on the left. I just didn’t know where. From here I did a little shopping stopped at one of the welcome centers then set off for buffalo.

We found buffalo alright we were part of a train. It was something that has never happened in all of our travels the herd was moving down the road in front of us. There had to be 200 head moving up the hill on the road, took us 45 minutes. So to get out of traffic after the herd moved on we took a dirt road that the visitor center said buffalo had also been spotted being we got lucky again. The wildlife loop drive today was to go in search of the burros and feed them, which we did find in the perfect spot. I did not feed them though I was able to enjoy a mother nursing her foal.

Then tonight we topped off with an outdoor play called the Marvelous Wonderlettes. The musical was held at the Blackhills Playhouse on an outdoor stage. It featured music from 1948 and 1958. The best part of the musical was this was the dress rehearsal and it was give what you can tickets. It being a musical the sponsors’ ads were even sung. This was a perfect ending to a photastic day.

Too Funny NOT to Share

When I start out a post like this you do know it involves Roy in some way. You guessed correctly. He needed the sink to do something. Easy right wrong, I have a tub of dishes in the sink. (using the pump and limited water I don’t do dishes every day).

Here’s the back and forth that went on.

Roy “Take the dishes out of the sink.”

I then go and start clearing an area to put the dishes on. I ask “you want to use the tub?”

Roy “No, just take the dishes tub”

For some strange reason, I was not grasping he did not want to use the tub but, he did want to use the sink. This went on for about five minutes. I finally picked up the whole tub dishes and all. With a chuckle and a roll of his eyes he said “YES now you got it.”

In his defense he thought I was talking about clearing out the water and tea we were storing in the bathroom sink. That’s his story.

It is funny how people ok I mean ME. There are just times I think Roy is speaking Greek. I think it’s a guy thing. 🙂

A short post to make you smile.

OMG

Sorry if I have used the title before but it applies to this stay in so many ways. Today is our third full day and we have not explored the whole park yet. I will list the ways that OMG applies and try to explain them one at a time. Just to give an overview….. The skies are amazing – The views are something to write home about – The animal behavior is interesting – Staying in one place for a time is enjoyable.

The skies are amazing – from the first night we got to Custer State Park it treated us to a thunder and lightening show. It was strange and reminiscent of my childhood all the way down to sitting on an aluminum bench when it was lightening. At least I wasn’t talking on the phone (only some of us will get that 🙂 ) We sat outside for a good half hour before rain chased us inside. I was ok with not getting the Milky Way shot that night. The sky is dark enough to really see the Milky Way. On top of everything up here they have things called clouds.
The views are something to write home about – I think this park offers the best of all views for any interest. I say this because if you are looking for rocky vistas you have Black Elk Peak. Water you have quite a few lakes to swim in, these even make great reflection pictures. The flowing rolling hills are just so interesting because every where you look you see green rolling vastness.
The animal behavior is interesting – June 12th we were out exploring Prairie Dog Town (no there is not a coffee shop here). I know someone has been feeding these critters. I say this because one of them recognized the shape of a car and made it’s way up to the side of our car. I do know why they are called dogs, this little one gave me the sweetest puppy dog eyes. It was like feed me or maybe take me home. We were also able to see a large herd of buffalo cross the road ( I will post a video of the biggest grand dad I have ever seen). It was so cool how the adults would nudge the babies to get moving when they slowed down to dwadle.
Staying in one place for a time is enjoyable – The fact that you get to explore roads you would not have time for if you stayed a day or two is worth it. Traveling the same road different times of the day you never see the same thing twice. Example coming back from shooting the Milky Way on the 12th we were treated to three young elk standing on the side of the road. One was a small buck with two young doe. We watched them nibble on grass until they were aware we were watching. You could tell their senses changed when we were found out. Once we started to inch forward in the car they turned away and trotted off.

I just want to let everyone know, I have sorta fallen off the grid. The internet is spotty so makes uploads difficult. I am working on putting together the photos that do go with the many adventures I am sharing. I also am on a never ending learning/remembering curve. I thought I was recording a movie but I missed a step (my bad).

Blowing in the Wind

A few things to know about Wyoming it is windy, high, friendly people and you cross the Continental Divide. We were at 7000 feet while we were in Lyman WY and we are at 7000 feet tonight in Rawlins WY. We do start down the other side tomorrow, Casper WY is only around 5500 feet. We have had wind before today mostly a tail wind which has saved on gas. Today however we had a crosswind, and an 8 foot wide dust devil to deal with. This is another time I am thankful my husband was a trucker, we went for a sway but he was able to let the devil pass at the best place it could. The people we have come in contact with are very sincere and happy, it is amazing and refreshing. I get the impression in this part of the country people seem more relaxed, and less stressed. Crossing the Continental Divide occurred twice today once at 12:30pm elevation 6930 then again at 1:30pm elevation 7000 it is amazing 70 feet does make a difference.

I am running a streak we saw another couple of wild horses today which adds to the total for the trip. No bison yet but did see some pronghorn antelope that aren’t really antelope. Find out why here As always there were plenty of cows.

Some nostalgia for Roy at leaving Lyman WY today we were able to get gas at the original Little America. He told me the story about this being one of the places he would stop when he was driving truck. Speaking about his trucking days, I was able to see the original two lane I80 next to the current I80. I also was able to feel what it must have been like driving a two lane interstate, there was construction on the westbound side of the road for about 18 miles. I would say interesting is an understatement.

I was able to take a few quick shots with my cell phone of snow fences. You can tell which way the snow blows by the direction of the fence. The other way I was able to tell we were in snow country were the gates and signs that read when flash return to ……. I am so glad we did not go through this area closer to winter, I am a snow magnet.

I am fixing the last paragraph as I fell asleep while writing, sorry about that.

I have yet to be able to get a Milky Way shot. Lyman WY was a nice level spot good view interesting foreground clouds suck. The night at Rawlins I couldn’t see the core but I was able to see a part of the Milky Way. The campground is too close to I80 for me to get good pictures. I am hoping maybe Casper WY but for sure Custer. In the coming days you will see a group of pictures from our first week, and I will also put together a post covering things I forgot to mention, in my other posts.