Retirement Blog

Sunday, June 22, 2014

"Critter" spotting in Custer State Park

June 22, 2014

This is one of the prettiest state parks you can imagine. Lots of high rolling hills with pines and meadows of green grass. And, during this time of year there are thousands and thousands of yellow flowers along the roads, and also outlining trees and rocks up and down the slopes.

We took an evening drive from about 6:30 pm till 9:00 cruising around the park roads, hoping to see some wildlife we could photograph.

We saw the first deer within a few minutes and then shortly thereafter a herd of bison on one of the high hills. Within a few miles we spotted a small herd of prong horns (western antelope) grazing in a meadow.

Prairie dogs, deer, mule deer, bison, elk, mountain lions all occupy this park. We did not spot all of those, however we were able to find several "critters" and took photos of some.

As dark approached we were blessed with a large herd of buffalo that had drifted down the slopes, and were crossing the road right in front of us. Jo was ecstatic that she was able to see so many up close and personal.

There were also a lot of bison calves as well doing their antics. I slowly (and cautiously) drove the Jeep right through the herd. They simply ignored us.

It's a real joy to be camped just 15 minutes from this incredible park. We are planning to visit it often during the time we are here.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

June 21, 2014 - First visit to the badlands

Badlands

Our first visit to the South Dakota Badlands brought us both familiar and unfamiliar scenes. As expected, "bad" is in the eye of the beholder.

Light gray hills of adobe dirt and clay reminded us of western Colorado. The big difference here is the presence of green grasses in between the hills and peaks, and the bright yellow flowers along most of the roads and around the hills. The contrast of colors is awesome. Large pastures approaching the badlands, with cattle and horses complete the picture.

As we often like to do, we kept off of the major roads today, and explored the gravel side roads and even one jeep trail within a 60 mile radius of our site. It was a great day with fantastic views that we did not expect of the badlands. The photos we took today were with the sun almost directly overhead. We can't wait to go out again during early morning and evening light.

We can certainly understand why the early westward travelers would call this area the "badlands".

It was easy for us to admire the scenery and be amazed at the landscapes when we were driving through in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Picking your way through such a place must have been intimidating to say the least while traveling by wagons and oxen.

Add to that the desert environment where even the water is alkali, and not drinkable for man nor beast, and you have a problem.

We took lots of photos, and of course, expect to take many more before leaving this picturesque place.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

The Corn Palace

Tourist Afternoon

Deciding to take an early stop from our traveling day, we made a visit to the Corn Palace.

Jo had been by there when she was 12 years old. I had never been there.

We selected a campground that was only a short drive from Mitchell, SD, home of the Corn Palace.

We arrived to find construction crews all along the front and south side of the building, where a major renovation was going on. New wings are being added which will greatly give more space for murals and displays.

Enough of the outside was untouched, to give me a good impression of the corn murals.

Inside, the arena area has a full basketball court where major high school tournaments are held.

The stage where many great performers have played is still in place, and regular performances by big name artists are still held there.

A large gift shop covers the basketball court area that is moved in and out in accordance with the concerts and games.

I enjoyed my visit to the Corn Palace. Jo seemed to think it is quite a bit different than when she was 12, however she admits that perhaps her memory is a bit different too.

Even her old tractor (looking brand new) was on display.

The artistic use of different colors of corn grown locally for that purpose was impressive.

If you've never been there, it's worth a stop.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

West Lake Park and the Quad Cities

West Lake Park and the Quad Cities

Forty years ago, while going to college in Davenport Iowa, Jo and I would occasionally flee to this park for a little quiet time and relaxation. We would float around in our inflatable boat. Jo would read and run the trolling motor, and I would fish.

At that time there was a small pavilion or two, a few picnic tables, and a couple of pit toilets.

This week we revisited West Lake Park and were delighted with what we found. Two very nice campgrounds have been constructed on the property with nice shady sites and full hookups. Each site has a fire ring, a nice grill and picnic table.

The lakes are clean with well maintained shorelines and plenty of access points. There are good boat launches, a very nice beach area for swimming, a snack bar, and nice bath houses.

Many children's playground sites, a children's forest area, and a very difficult championship disc golf course have also been added. There are numerous well maintained, grassy, open areas, some with backstops, for the family softball game.

There is also a nice garden area if you just want to take a pleasant stroll.

This is one of the nicest county parks we have ever visited, and the fees for camping are very reasonable. ($22.00 per night with 50 amp hookups, water, and sewer).

We stayed over Father's Day weekend. The campground filled up

by Thursday evening, and stayed full until late Sunday. The no reservations, first come, first served policy, makes weekends a little tricky to get in, but if you arrive Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, you will have your choice of sites. Then if you want to stay longer, you can just simply pay through the weekend as you check in, or pay to extend your time.

The Quad Cities

The Iowa, Illinois Quad Cities have lots to offer, many sites to see, and things to do.

Be sure to try local favorites, "Maid Rites", and "Whiteys Ice Cream". There are several of each to choose from around the cities.

Stroll along the Mississippi river Levy.

Visit the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. Ride the river on a tour boat. Visit one of the many casinos, or just drive around some of the many old neighborhoods on cobblestone streets.

For us, our return to the Quad Cities, and our stay at West Lake Park was a truly nice week. And best of all, we got to visit with our dear cousins who made everything we did even more fun. Thanks for everything guys, and we'll see you next time.