Snakes on a Plane… NOT

I mean snakes on the Plains more specific at Reptile Gardens in Rapid City SD. This is where I ran away from a turtle, even though he is an animal that won’t eat me.

Orville

I will come back and discuss Orville in a few paragraphs. I don’t mean to get ahead of myself.

This was another morning Candi, Dave, Roy and I got up and out early. Good thing because there was a line out the door to get in when we were leaving and the parking lot was full at 11am. Who would have thunk creepy crawly things would be so popular.

On the drive over Candi and Dave kept saying we should have gone this way when we came over. It is way less curvy then the way they followed with the GPS. I’ve said GPS do not always give the best directions. We did convince them this is the way they should head back. Before we headed to our destination for the day we drove through Keystone and saw the other end of the 1880s train and depot.

On arrival we did what anyone else would do and decide where we want to go. We head towards the back and ended up near the turtles or desert tortoises Orville was just hanging out and was being petted by toddlers and adults, but not me.

I have not learned yet that you do not make eye contact with animals because they want to come visit you. (I think it is my animal magnetism.) Well, I caught Orville’s eye and he was headed straight towards me. I faired better then Roy because Orville got stuck between the wall and Roy’s scooter. I was long gone though. I guess they had to lift the back of his scooter off of Orville. It is all fun and games until you are getting run over by a giant tortoise. Orville has a right to be cranky or pushy he is over 125 years old.

After Roy got loose, we left our tortoise friends behind and headed over to the prairie dog town. This is where Candi decided to get up-close to a prairie dog. She popped up in an observation bubble and even had a dog come inspect her. I have never seen so many slow-moving prairie dogs. I think, in captivity they don’t have to worry much about predators. Candi caught a picture of four of them just being stationary on a piece of wood. I thought they were either dead or stuffed until one did move.

Travelling through the old west town Candi had to take a time out. Dave decided to try and break her out and they both got thrown behind bars. We however did not throw away the key. They were released on good behavior.

We decided to see the gator show but I thought it was going to be a croc. (I couldn’t resist).

It was fun and I learned that my husband is a reptile, because he has mastered the art of doing nothing. The most movement out of the gators and crocs was during feeding time. Check out this video.

The tamer jumped on the back of a gator to show us how to subdue one. I found out the only true man eating crocodile is the Nile crocodile. At the end of the show the trainer brought out a baby

After the show we stop for drinks. Then it was off to Mount Rushmore again. Ok, not the real Mount Rushmore – a replica.

From here it was off to the birds, I have gotten better about being fearful of birds. I still keep my distance though. They had the usual vultures, hawks, owls, and parrots. The red tail hawk was missing part of her wing. The most interesting bird of all was a king vulture Roy was interacting with it by making eye contact and having the bird follow his movements. I myself was just glad he was behind glass.

A stop at the Sky Dome had me a little jittery due to Roy pointing out the Boa Constrictor above my head. This is also where the giant saltwater croc Maniac lives.

We finished the morning up by a stop at the gift shop. I bought a bite me t-shirt. Quick lunch stop at Culvers. (had to get cheese curds). We finished our outings for the day with a tour of a Black Hills Gold factory.

On the way to dinner we talked about cows sometimes on the road and how animals can dart right out in front of you if you’re not careful. Dave thought we were going to experience an animal jumping out in front of us. He said oh no that’s a big elk and it’s going to jump. Wait, it’s fake. It sure got his heart jumping. On the way home Candi was convinced the deer she saw were fake until their heads moved all because of the elk.

Dinner was at Powder House in Keystone. They have great game meat, an amazing buffalo stew, which Dave will never get to try as they were out. He did try the buffalo meat loaf though and said it was good. This was a great way to finish off an awesome visit with family.

A Crazy afternoon

We had to stop and get refueled with food because the next adventure was Crazy Horse Memorial. More on that later. We pulled out of Mount Rushmore and stopped in the pull out where you can see George Washington’s profile. Then headed to Hill City, were we drove through town once and almost said that was cool. As always things open up and happen if we are supposed to be somewhere. Dave and Candi whose stomachs were on central time were growling for food. What opens up but a parking space in front of the 1885 Steak House. We were also there right before the crowd that always seems to follow Dave and Candi anytime, they eat out. As Roy says timing is everything. Lunch was good and when your full it is time to walk it off and go shopping. I confess unlike Mount Rushmore I did have a t-shirt jump in my bag. The front says “Who needs GOOGLE when you have a husband who knows evrything” Obviously that is an untruth. After we finished shopping back in the jeep and we head off to Crazy Horse Memorial.

I had never wanted to drive up to see Crazy Horse up close when I could view everything I needed to see from the road. Candi had visited Crazy Horse in 1990 where nothing at all like what she saw today. I’m jumping ahead of myself, but they have an area in the museum that shows progress on the statue from year to year.

I never had a desire to take the time to explore the grounds of Crazy Horse. In fact I’m not sure there was a visitor center to visit. I did just check and yes there was a visitor center. Click here for the timeline. The above pictures show the slow progress of bringing down a mountain. The amazing thing is how detailed the work is. You can see the finger take shape.

It was $35.00 for the carload and that got you admission into the visitor center. You can also ride a bus to the base of the mountain for $5.00. (this is not handicap accessible). We decided not to do this. I will be honest I was not expecting much. I have to say I was impressed with the details and artifacts in the welcome center. There was even a place to pick up a rock or two from the actual mountain. Both Candi and I decided to get some rocks. Also I found this to be quite interesting when it comes to how large the actual monument will be. The hole is 100 x 110 ft. the arm is 263 ft long. I do have to say the detail on the finger blows me away.

I learned more information on the Navajo Code Talkers. Enjoyed seeing all the hand worked beaded headdresses. Saw a large dream catcher. On the patio there was a plaster cast 1/34th version of the completed Crazy Horse, this will and is a multi-generational project. In the gift shop I bought a t-shirt that I will hold dear to me. ‘Never Forget Your Dreams’ a quote from the sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. There are times when I just think my dreams are not within reach. I have to remember I will reach them just in another way. As we were leaving here there was this super cool cloud formation. Yes, it did hold rain.

Candi did mention I could take a helicopter ride around Crazy Horse I kept say not unless Dave goes with me. He said NO. We decided to head home via the Needles tunnel. We had to show them the one lane tunnel called Needles Eye. Well, we missed the turn-off to Needles Highway which turned into a good thing, otherwise we would have been doing the tunnel in the rain. As we pull in there was climbers who had just finished climbing the Needle I still need to catch one of them in the act of repelling down the rock.

Heading home on big daddy’s road we wondered if we might see him. All of a sudden, he comes running up the road and slows down right by the car as if to say I’ve been looking for you all day. (or something just spooked him).

run buffalo run

We go a little further and see another big daddy hanging out on the side of the road.

At home we had dinner and decided to hit the hay early because I heard Dave was going to be wrestling a gator in the morning.

I’ve seen pictures

I don’t need to go. That was my brother’s catch phrase before he arrived at the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. This week changed that. I hadn’t seen Dave or my sister-in-law Candi since 2018 when we buzzed through Wisconsin. So, it was a nice surprise when they decided to come visit. It started off a little funny. You have to love GPS they still don’t know where or how they got lost. I would say they weren’t lost as much as redirected. Once they got pointed in the right direction, they arrived in about twenty minutes. None the worse for wear. But the 10mph curves were the interesting part for them.

After hugs and getting settled in Candi had to snap a picture of me. One of the rare times I actually sat still. Which is hard for me because I am always on the other side of the camera. I did not though get a picture of Dave or Candi together or separate until the next day when we went to Mount Rushmore. You can tell I don’t shoot people that often with my camera. I have to thank Candi for taking a bunch of the photos I’m using in this post.

The first thing we wanted to share was wildlife loop so they could have a chance to be swarmed by buffalo. Of course, when you are looking for buffalo to show up and swarm your car they are nowhere in sight. We did see rain and of course some soaked burros. I just don’t understand why Dave wouldn’t reach out and touch the one that walked by the car. I know that the little guy was looking for attention or food because he was willing to stick his head in the car.

After we struck out with the loop we headed back to the trailer in search of one of the big boys that didn’t pan out either. So, at least we could offer some burgers and chips cooked by Roy. Off to bed for an early morning journey to Mount Rushmore beat the heat, or rain and most important the crowds.

So the rest of the pictures are for the most part compliments of Candi’s cell phone. I did take mine but she was so much quicker on the draw than me. So, that is why I used her pictures.

Candi had been here before when she was 18 Dave had never been here. We decided to take Iron Mountain RD which she hadn’t done before. There are three tunnels where you can see Mount Rushmore through.

You might remember my pictures of the tunnels. We stopped and let Dave and Candi stand in the middle of the road then walk through the tunnel. Candi and Dave both enjoyed the view you get as Mount Rushmore continued to get closer and closer to it.

Getting up early was a great idea we had no trouble finding parking and traversing the whole area, at least Roy and I didn’t we were motorized. I am sure Candi and Dave did ok also. We took our time going through the tunnels and the curves so they could take in the views.

Once we got the scooter and chair out of the car we headed to pay for parking. It’s $10 but if you are a disabled Vet or an old guy you only pay $5. Plus it is good for a year. We will be back for the night lighting ceremony.

One picture that Candi and I both wanted was at the Wisconsin Flag. Of course, being that it starts with a W the state flag was at the end of the avenue of flags, this was the first picture stop inside the monument.

Dave and Candi then headed to the terrace which gave Dave a view that had him pointing out the bump on Lincoln’s nose. (he said booger) I also found him I think reflecting on something. All in all I think this was better than just looking at a picture. In person builds bigger memories.

I was able to do something I had not been able to even attempt before because of the distance. It is taking the Presidential Trail, I could only make it to the stairs. I was able to get far enough to be close enough to the sculpture. Here is a photo from the trail I took. I will be adding this to my view from the chair series I am collecting.

With a few breaks Candi and Dave made it down the trail also, I just don’t understand why they needed a break shortly after we set out on the trail. Maybe this picture tells the story.

We got to Mount Rushmore about 8:45 am and left a little after 11am by the time we left it was getting crowded. We even got me in and out of a gift store without buying anything. Can’t say the same for Dave and Candi but that is what tourists are supposed to do.

Now we were on to the next adventure of the day which did not involve a helicopter because Dave would not go up with me. Roy wants me to go on a helicopter ride with him and I say hell no. I did relent and said if Dave goes with me. I will update the odds of that happening in the upcoming blogs.

When we don’t see buffalo

We hunt locations for milky way and moonshots. This was what we did and I was able to get practice in on my camera. The lake we discovered is Lakota Lake, right around the corner. So, it is a short drive. We pull up and there were geese with young goslings just feeding on the grass. Of course when I lift my camera they do start to run.

I was able to navigate near the shore and capture this goose trying to be a flamingo. I told him that was a good impression but you don’t have the right color to be a flamingo. I don’t know if my new bird I see everywhere on our travels has changed from a Magpie to a Red Wing Blackbird, because they are everywhere.

After heading back towards the car I was able to be still enough and watch the geese return

We decided to find out if it was worth trying to photograph Mount Rushmore from the tunnels today seeing I had the energy. This is from one of the pullouts in the park that you can see Mount Rushmore. We voted to get up early one morning and do the tunnels.

On Wildlife loop we saw some pronghorns just playing near the corrals so I set about snapping pictures.

The next day we decided to head into town and drop off laundry. (yes, I drop off my laundry so I have more time for pictures.) On the way we stopped by the lake that I use for milky way shots to see if it would work for a moon rise shot. It might if there is no one on the beach that evening. This gave the osprey the right amount of time to catch a fish, which we didn’t see. We saw him circling and waiting for a place to land. Even though it was just a trip to the laundry I grabbed my whole camera bag. Glad I had because my bazooka lens was needed because he was way up in the tree.

I also have some news my brother Dave and my sister-in-law Candi are here for a week. We have Mount Rushmore and Reptile Gardens in the near future.

1880 Train caught on camera

Here is another example of a shot you have planned out in your head that isn’t quite the reality of it. This is what happened the day we went to Keystone SD to photograph the train coming into the depot from Hill City. This train is run by Black Hills Central Railroad (interesting read) The 1880 train ride is 2 hours, and is a 20 mile round trip. There is also a 15 minute layover in Keystone. So, I had the plan to set up the tripod and get into position to snap away when it arrived. Roy, who always has a better eye for composition looked at my idea and said there has to be a better place. I am so glad I listened to him. We found a road that runs along side the railroad tracks and there was pullout right along a curve in the tracks, perfect.

So, I started to get my chair out and set up my camera by taking some pictures of just the curve and tracks to get exposure and composition. Right about then this car pulls up and I thought he might block my view. I think if he had done this I would have said something. He did just want to get a picture of his friend that was on the train. I am getting pretty good at waiting because that was the next step.

It wasn’t a long wait though as I heard the whisle and saw it coming round the bend. I did learn from looking at the photos I needed to switch from portrait to landscape when the train was getting closer. As I said we are here for 3 months, will be visiting this stop again. I was also proud of myself for not driving away when the train whistle blew. I think I was concentrating on just getting the shot.

I went back to the car for a rest before it was time to set up for the return shots. So I get my composition and exposure correct and wait again.

Once the train emerged and went over the bridge I started snapping away. That was until he blew his whistle over and over. I stopped shooting because I got scared. It was cute me trying to drive my chair as fast as I could away from the train. I did get a few good photos of the steam coming out of the train. After Roy saw the train he agreed to take a ride on it. So some of the next train pictures will be looking out of the train.

After my heart stopped racing we went back to Keystone for some shopping which resulted in a hot fudge sundae for Roy and mint chocolate ice cream for me. I think I’m getting to picky or I already have too many clothes. The funny thing about shopping in Keystone was the boardwalk and the fact that the one store I wanted to go in had a step I couldn’t get over. It saved us some money though. I also picked up a helicopter tour rate sheet I might be able to handle a 6 minute flight. We are here for 3 months. I do know if I did Roy would have to come with.

Our first stop for the day was at Dahl’s chainsaw art, so I could take pictures of big foot while the light was right. Then we went to the train pictures. The Dahl’s have two stores one in Keystone and the other in Hill City. Now the one in Hill City boasts the tallest smoky the bear. Keystone has the biggest big foot. I had to take a few pictures of this for my brother Dale. He is always searching for Big Foot. Well I found him. I was amazed at all the things that can be carved from a piece of wood. One of the carvers where kind enough to allow me to film him working.

hard at work

Keystone is more then just a train depot and shops. The town also is host to Big Thunder Gold Mine . It is also home to the Carrie Ingalls Collection the youngest Ingalls sister. I will check that out soon. Keystone is also where you can see every President of the US in one place, they are of course in wax at The National Presidental Wax Museum.

All in all Keystone is a great place to visit on the way to Mount Rushmore. I did forget to mention the best part of Keystone is that is where our favorite restraurant is the Powder House. We stopped there for lunch and had a small world experience. The waitress we had was the same waitress we had in 2021. It was funny when we got seated she looked at our table and said I know them from somewhere. Roy told her as we were leaving that ‘I’ll be back’ in the Terminator accent and she looked dumbfounded. Come to find out she wasn’t even born when Terminator was in the movie theater. Boy, do I feel old.

Different type of Climber

The last time through the Needles Eye Tunnel in 2021we encountered a Mountain Goat inside the tunnel. This trip through we encountered two rock climbers descending the actual Needle Eye.

Unfortunately, I did not get the descents recorded due to operator error. I have since learned how to record with my camera. I tried to get them to do it again and they said nope. Oh well hopefully I might catch it again this season. The Needles are eroded granite pillars and rock climbers delight in being able to climb them.

The highway itself is 14 miles of twist and turns with beautiful scenery. I enjoy the trip up this road because depending on the clouds you can see something different at every turn.

The thing I noticed this trip is how resilient the trees are because they take root in just a small crack in the rocks. They are sturdy and strong. I am always impressed with how things adapt in nature.

Upon our arrival back at camp I was able to meet a lady and her parrot, great way to top off the afternoon.

I also tried to catch a few bird photos of my own. I am still trying to get used to the camera and that afternoon I think I captured the perfect motioned blur bird shot I’ve ever seen.

I found a mermaid and Nemo

The mermaid wasn’t little, and Nemo was not in the ocean. The mermaid was at the Black Hills Renaissance Festival in Lead SD on June 11th.

Something to do after two full days of rain. When Roy and I got to Lead we almost turn around because there was no place to park. We were lucky enough to grab a handicapped spot close to where the Festival was happening. The park had venders and all sorts of people in various costumes.

I have to say the amount of work that went into the outfits and personas were amazing. I am not sure weather the elf or the bird woman is my favorite. They are both unique.

Roy missed having a turkey leg for lunch but that was all good. We saw some hand-to-hand combat between knights. It being held in a park I was able to take a few photos of kids actually playing. The park grass where the vendors were was a little soggy, so the chair and scooter had to work not to sink.

Catch the fighting in this slide show

Heading out we stopped at SURF Sanford Underground Research Facility which deserves it’s own post. So, keep your eyes peeled. Back on the road we went in search of Nemo SD. This is a town that if you blink once you will miss it. On the way to Nemo we came across the Boxelder Job corps. Interesting concept and great opportunity for people to better themselves.

It was a nice afternoon for stepping back in time literally and physically. Onto more adventures.

Hail Yes

Hail drops. It is one step removed from snow. I am taking bets that as the snow magnet we will have snow before we leave here. Today was a needed break as we went through Spearfish Canyon scenic byway on Thursday.

This meant getting up early and heading about an hour and a half north of here. We started at the end of the drive Cheyenne Crossing and ended in Spearfish where the trail begins. This was the plan because the most strenuous and IMO the most beautiful falls is Roughlock Falls. There is a two-mile round-trip path to the bottom of the falls, and back again the path is paved and fairly level until you encounter three very steep inclines at least for a wheelchair. I will have to admitted why they give you the warning not to go down steep inclines because you have to get back up. After I made it down the second incline and saw the third incline I turned around and headed back up. Smart decision. ( I almost tipped over) So here is two of the pictures I snapped at these from the last viewpoint I could safely navigate.

Before we did the adventure at Roughlock Falls we pulled into a turnout that I don’t know the name of, or if it had a name. The water was amazingly still so I had to take my anytime there is a reflection picture. I also experimented with some Depth of Field zooming in on flowers with the river behind them. I pulled out my chair for this which helped my traverse the whole pullout. I found this yellow and black butterfly flying around my chair landing and taking off

After Roughlock falls we drove to Bridal Veil Falls the pull off for this was on the other side of the road from the falls so, back in the chair and off I roll to take some photos and a short video.

Like I said earlier I’m glad this was at the end of the canyon byway.

On the way home we stopped by Sturgis which sure looks and sounds quiet. The Biker Rally isn’t until August, so Sturgis feels like a small town that it is. We did a quick run through Wildlife loop (buffalo were on the wrong side of road for photos). before heading to dinner and a show the play was at the Black Hills Playhouse which is in Custer State Park. The dress rehearsal performance is give a donation, and you can see the play.

Pulling in after dark we were treated to deer grazing in the campground, there was about 12-15 on both sides of the driveway.

We’ve been in one spot for over a week now, this feels good. I’m looking forward to some fun this summer.

A Day for Catching UP

After a drive down to Hot Springs SD for some things I had to do at the VA. We decided to kick back and relax sorta the trailer had to get cleaned and so did I. I spent the remainder of the day visiting with 2 parrots and watching Roy help a complete newbie figure out what was wrong with their trailer. Sometimes the fix is the simplest thing, a blown circuit breaker. Once that was fixed her thing worked.

I’ve been to a few VA hospitals and clinics but nothing compares to the VA facility in Hot Springs SD. It was built in 1907 and most of those buildings are still in use. It is on a bluff overlooking Hot Springs. It was originally a Sanitarium and used the medicinal waters of the hot springs to treat anything from lung problems to skin issues. Battle Mountain Sanitarium as it was called only cost $150,000 for construction and another $20,000 for equipment. Pricey for that day and age. Today It serves Veterans with mental health, kidney dialysis, TBIs, and an urgent care. As for how I was treated everyone was attentive and very helpful, which was refreshing. I plan on going back down to this VA and will take pictures of the grounds to share. I did get one picture of the grounds. There was this lone white lily.

After getting one prescription and trying to figure out how to get another prescription filled, we decided to do lunch. I have not stopped at a DQ for lunch in a long time, today was the day.

On the ride home we stopped by a known hang out for prairie dogs and of course my camera was out and snapping photos. He was just sitting there like a potato. It summed up how I felt after a long day of waiting around. I did see some prairie dog porn but didn’t photograph it. I have to say they are interesting to watch but the holes are everywhere busy colony for sure. This colony is on the way to Wind Cave National Park. I can and probably will sit for hours watching these little ones play and run around this trip.

We try and drive wildlife loop at every opportunity this trip around seemed like it was going to be a bust. (plus I forgot the apples for the burros). We get to one of the visitor’s centers and haven’t seen ANY buffalo which is rare. So, after taking a short cut and still seeing no buffalo I almost give up hope. We turn a corner, and it seemed like the whole herd was there. Interesting that they were this far away from the usual stomping grounds. We stayed here moving a few feet every time, some because of my picture taking but mostly because the buffalo own the road. You don’t go until they say you go.

We also decided to take some interactive pictures of a few of the brave prairie dogs next to the buffalo.

It felt good to sit back and relax today. Next, we check out some water falls on our drive of Spearfish Canyon.