Our time in Wisconsin was brief, but we did get to see some interesting sites during our stay at the KOA. The most exciting and interesting one was this roof-mounted tent. I had never seen one before, and after watching the young couple climb down and out in the morning, I knew I could never entertain the thought of ever owning one. This is for the young and adventurous.
No welcome sign on the way into Minnesota, but we did get a fond farewell before we left.
A tiny chapel at the side of I-90 in Minnesota. Such an unexpected, yet welcoming sight.
The inside was heart-warming. I hope that those who sought guidance or comfort found it in this small space.
The Mount Rushmore State, (but so much more). Capitol is Pierre and largest city is Sioux Falls.
The Missouri River and the endless prairie throughout South Dakota.
Our first stop in South Dakota was Sioux City. It was just a one-night stop-over before Rapid City that had so many attractions we wanted to see.
The drive to Rapid City was long, boring and exhausting. Even though, we decided to stop at Badlands National Park. Badlands was originally slated to be a one week stop, but when I needed to shorten our trip, this one and Yellowstone took the hit. We thought it would be too big a stop to fit in with Mt. Rushmore and Wind Cave the following day, but we found our second wind as soon as we took a look at the awesome views. I must have snapped about 200 photos and had a difficult time choosing only a favorite few to upload to this entry. Since photos can never capture the essence of the moment, I decided to take a couple of videos and uploaded the best of that bunch, as well.
Washed out photos due to bright sunshine and me using my iPad.
Amazing views.
Rocks and rock-climbing...
Of course, the day we visited the Badlands, it turned out to be the hottest one we've experienced so far, so hiking was out of the question, but we did stroll around to get up close and personal with a few rock formations,
Wow. Little Miss in the hot, hot sun. Good thing for the generator, which kept Miss Lucy cool.
Breathtaking views.
All along I-90 we kept seeing signs for "Wall Drug," after about the 25th billboard, we decided that if time permitted, we would just pop in and look around. A quick phone call to the campground assured me we had plenty of time, we just needed to muster the energy. We figured that we were so close that a few minutes wouldn't really matter, besides, they had homemade donuts, 5 cent coffee and free ice water, according to three of their road signs. George got three donuts and we called it a day. We just couldn't enjoy all the shops and kitchy souvenirs knowing we still needed to "set up camp" and eat dinner.
The next day, we found ourselves surrounded by motorcycles in and around Rapid City. It turned out that our visit coincided with the "Official Sturgis Bike Rally." I've never seen so many motorcycles in one place at one time as I did the two days we spent here. The bikes revved all through the streets, campground, National Parks and highways. I was able to get a video clip of that too, because a picture couldn't do it justice.
Sturgis Bike Rally
Our first stop in Rapid City found us at Wind Cave National Park, located in Interior, SD. I'm more of the spelunker of us two, but George ended up enjoying the park and cave tour as much, or maybe even more, than I did. The Park Ranger asked for a volunteer to be the last person to enter the cave, to be the "caboose," and George volunteered. He had to introduce himself and everyone knew "George" was pulling up the rear. Each time we assembled in a large area of the cave, the others in the tour would ask if George was there yet - if so, every one else was and the Park Ranger could begin her talk.
The original entrance to the cave, located at about 9:00, where the wind "breathed in or out," It was strong enough to blow your hat off or suck it down the hole.
The name, Wind Cave, comes from the Lakota People who considered the cave to be sacred. They believed the wind blowing in or out (depending upon barometric pressure), was the breathing of "Spirit Lodge," where the earth "breathes inside." They believed that deep within the passageway was the portal to the Spirit Lodge and the spirit world.
Although there was no record or evidence that the Native Lakota's explored the cave, it was sad to learn they lost it to the South Dakota Mining Company who purchased the land in search of gold. No gold was ever found, so the land was left in the hands of a caretaker, J.L. McDonald. J.L.'s son, Alvin, at age 16 began exploring and mapping trails. All the trails he discovered are the same ones visitors get to visit today, except with cement walkways, railings and LED lighting. To learn more about Alvin McDonald through his own diary, click HERE.
Alvin McDonald decided that the cave was too beautiful to keep a secret, so at age 20, he went to Chicago to promote tourism. While there, he contracted Typhoid and died before his 21st birthday.
I'd like to think we made it to the spirit lodge and glimpsed the spirit world, if even only for the length of our one-hour tour.
This cave was different from any I had ever seen before. No stalactites or stalagmites here, just an amazing combination of Popcorn, Frostwork and Boxwork. This cave contains 95% of Boxwork in the world. The other 5% is scattered among several other caves in South Dakota. Boxwork - depicted to the right.
Here are a few more photos of Wind Cave National Park, the place we have seen the most wildlife so far.
Prairie dogs. Try to click on and enlarge. They were so darn cute.
The Black Hills of South Dakota.
Close enough to smell......lol A gentle-seeming, huge, beautiful bison.
Herd of buffalo
Finally, around 4:30 pm, we made it to Mt. Rushmore. We were beginning to run out of time and energy at this point, but "we came, we saw, we took 120 photos." This park is best visited either in the morning or at 9 pm, when the monument is illuminated. It was impressive, patriotic and moving.
"Where's Washington." Can you find him?
Despite the fact that this portion of the trip was shortened from 7 days to two, I think we got to accomplish quite a bit. We would love to return in order to take our time through the Black Hills and re-visit the Badlands. The Rapid City area has so much to offer that you really need at least a week.
Next blog: Why Wyoming and Montana...My appologies for the reflection of Lucy's food bowl and "bug guts" on the windshield that were quite apparent in the videos and a few photos. Also, forgive any typos. This was a long blog and the first night I've had decent wifi to get it all uploaded and organized. I hope you enjoyed reading....
Deep thought for the day: "Knowledge is rooted in all things—the world is a library." ~ Lakota Proverb
My first error in planning our big journey made itself sneakingly clear this stop in the fact that I ASSUMED that Michigan City was in Michigan. Well, it turns out that it's actually in Indiana, which is really close to the Michigan border, but like in horseshoes, close doesn't count so we didn't get the opportunity to put the Michigan sticker on our map this trip. Indiana was visited last year and our sticker has adhered very well since then.
We did get to put the Lake Michigan sticker on, though, because on Saturday evening I made sure we actually saw and touched the lake in order to qualify. It was amazingly huge, aqua-blue and clean.
Beautiful Lake Michigan with the pier light in the distance.
We arrived at the lake just prior to sunset and we were able to snap a few good shots before we lost the final rays of the sun. It was a gorgeous evening and the breeze
off the lake cooled the warm temperatures significantly.
Proof that I earned the Lake Michigan sticker!
Sunday turned out to be a warm sunny day. We were able to sleep in for the first time with no particular place to be at any specific time - those mornings are as nice as those that are jam-packed with sightseeing. We eventually made our way out to get the Jeep washed (George can't stand a dirty car) and had lunch at The Lighthouse Restaurant. Yesterday's dinner at Fiddlehead's offered a much better meal, but eating out always trumps fixing something in the RV.
After lunch, we returned to Lake Michigan to visit the Old Lighthouse Museum. The docent was very knowledgeable and apparently loved sharing all of it with us. We did learn a few things, which makes the visit so much more worthwhile.
Augustin Fresnal
We knew about the Fresnel lens and that it was invented by Augustin Jean Fresnel, but we did learn that it is pronounced -Fre nel'- the "s" is silent. I love knowing the correct pronunciation of words..so weird.....
Another thing we discovered was that the Michigan City Lighthouse is the oldest remaining lighthouse in Indiana, and it had an "appointed" female lighthouse keeper, Harriette Colfax. Sadly she was forced to retire in 1904 when she turned 80 years old. Other women have run lighthouses, usually when their spouse was ill or died, but Harriette was appointed by the US Coast Guard, possibly due to pressure from the White House....she was the cousin of Shuyler Colfax, President Grant's vice-president. Go figure, politics as usual, even back then. CLICK HERE for the story of Harriette Colfax and the Michigan City Lighthouse.
Me....
The Lighthouse, a duplex with the shared kitchen in the basement.
His favorite pose
A view from the top of the lighthouse.
A photo of George and his distant relatives.
After a trip to Walmart and a home-cooked dinner, we were ready to raise our jacks for our next destination - Wisconsin, but not until after a good night's sleep.
The drive to Oakdale, WI from Michigan City, IN was not a very pleasant one. We were stuck for over an hour in the heart of Chicago and traversed many bumpy, potholed roads. Many of our Nation's interstates, bridges and tunnels are, sadly, in deplorable condition. The heavily traveled roads are not adequate for the 21st century and their antiquity is obvious. I was actually afraid to drive under some of the bridges in the Chicago metro area - now, you all know I didn't drive....I should correctly state that, "I was afraid to be in the passenger seat while driving under some of the bridges in the Chicago metro area." My stint behind the wheel could happen at any time - have patience.
Chicago skyline...and traffic.
Amazing! A commuter train runs between the north and southbound lanes of I-80/90 with stations every few miles.
The day ended on a high note with our overnight destination greatly exceeding our expectations. We are in a beautiful, lush green, squirrel filled, KOA that is immaculate and quiet. We have total privacy and our closest neighbor is the owner's home, located about 400 feet away. With how tired and cranky we are, we are very content for the solitude.
Deep thought for the day: “because he had no place he could stay in without getting tired of it
and because there was nowhere to go but everywhere, keep rolling under
the stars...”
~ Jack Kerouac
Who are we to judge another person's way of living, style of dress, political, sexual or religious persuasion? I strive to be an open-minded and accepting person, but I've always struggled with that "judging" thing, especially when it came to tidiness.
I remember way back in 1973, taking the Harlem Line down to Grand Central Station every day that I worked in NYC, and being saddened by the poverty all along the route. I always found myself being judgmental about the "untidy" factor, because even in my most frugal of times, I might not have had much, but I took great pride in keeping what I had neat and orderly.
The train ride afforded me views of tenement buildings where sheets were used as curtains (something I've had to do), yet the sheets were hung askew and garbage was thrown out the windows to the alleys below. That caused me to judge the people who resided behind those "curtains." Since they had no respect for themselves or their precious possessions, I could not muster respect for them. There is a difference between being poor and being slovenly.
Yesterday and today, we viewed different styles of habitation and found myself "absorbed" by the different, rather than "judging" the different. I found a redeeming quality in each of the unique abodes we came across. It was quite interesting - as the photos below depict.
Last night we stayed at Snow Shoe RV Park in Snow Shoe, PA. It was a nice, level park with friendly owners/managers. They couldn't say enough nice things about our RV and were excited that we were parking right in front, where everyone could see it. We chatted awhile about who we are and where we're going. My story was met with a lot of "oohs" and "ahhs." reminding me to stop and give thanks for all we have and for all we do. We promised to stop by again with stories of our westward travels if our return trip passed their park.
Tonight, we opted for a bargain-priced stay at the local Walmart in Norwalk, PA, located close to I-80. I always love staying for free and since it's a rainy night, it will be easy sleeping with the rhythmic drumming of the raindrops on the roof of the RV. The temps should also drop so we won't need to worry about running the generator.
This was parked in the abandoned Freight Liquidators parking lot in Fishkill, NY. Although it made me sad to think anyone would need to live in this very basic shelter, it must at least be meeting the needs of a person who is taking pride in what little they have. So for this I had respect.
Pennsylvania: The Keystone State - Capitol is Harrisburg and largest city is Philadelphia.
Our view from Snow Shoe RV Park in Snow Shoe, PA - The blue tarp covered their common dining area. Functional and family oriented.
I loved this one. It had to be from the 1950's and lovingly maintained. Small, functional and funky.
Ohio: The Buckeye State, Capitol and largest city is Columbus.
Norwalk, Ohio Walmart. Clean, neat, functional and free!
Deep thought for the day: Stop often and give thanks for what you have and spend less time wishing for the things you don't. ~ vc
Since Friday, June 24th, we have been residing at our NY "home," Croton Point Park. While here, we have relocated a total of three times in order to be in compliance with the new "rules and regs" at the park. This morning, bright and early, George got the ball rolling and we hit the road under beautiful, clear blue skies.
The planning began in February and here we are, July 28th - day 1 of our "3rd Great Big Adventure." First stop will be an overnighter in (or near) Snow Shoe, PA. We will be following Route 80 for the first portion of the trip and eventually drift up to Route 90. Thirteen stops (yes, 13-but if I count in our origination, it's 14) have been penciled in for the westward bound journey. Some are just overnighters and some are extended stays. I'll blog when time and connectivity permit.
Our time spent at Croton Point had been busy and hectic with many visits with friends, family and doctors. We love staying here for its close proximity to the three reasons just stated, and besides, it's one of Lucy's favorite places for birding, seeing familiar dogs and permitting visits from people she likes (and has come to like even more during this trip). In addition to the birds, this park offers a beautiful river, lush, green foliage and magnificent sunsets. It's the best place to call "home" in the area. We checked out the next-closest campground, Sylvan Lake, and were significantly underwhelmed. Our fingers will be crossed that a site will be available in Croton when we return in October.
Our itinerary has been updated and uploaded under the tab marked, "2016 Journey." Just click there if you are interested to know where we are or where we will be headed next.
Stay tuned....
One of only three sushi dinners. This one with friends, Butch and Dawn.
2nd sushi inner with Charlie at Sakura! Delicious and fun, as usual.
"The Last Supper," before leaving for the west coast. Take out by myself, but good!
I always get my "doggie" fix with my three Croton canine friends pictured below. With their owner out of commission after having knee surgery, I was afforded the opportunity to get in abit of exercise by helping out with walking duties. My other "doggie" friend, Georgia, wasn't around much during our recent stay, but I did get to see her and get a nice wet kiss on the lips before leaving!
#1 Walking buddy - Big boy, Ruger - a gentle giant.
4-1/2 pound walking partner - Chloe - She determined the route.
My Croton buddy - Buddy....no long walks for him anymore.
Great traveler pictured below...her tail is ready to visit more states and view the Pacific Ocean!
Bird watching. She spent countless hours watching the action at the window feeder.
Deep though for the day: Days, although they can seem long at times, actually flicker by quicker than a lightening bug on a hot summer evening. Now you see me - now you don't. ~ vc
This cave was different from any I had ever seen before. No stalactites or stalagmites here, just an amazing combination of Popcorn, Frostwork and Boxwork. This cave contains 95% of Boxwork in the world. The other 5% is scattered among several other caves in South Dakota. Boxwork - depicted to the right.
Finally, around 4:30 pm, we made it to Mt. Rushmore. We were beginning to run out of time and energy at this point, but "we came, we saw, we took 120 photos." This park is best visited either in the morning or at 9 pm, when the monument is illuminated. It was impressive, patriotic and moving.
