On to North Dakota

Sunday,September 23rd, time to pack up the cavalier again, heading out from the cozy little town of Keystone. During our stay we caught this impressive mountain top home over looking all the goings on in the valley below. It is said to be a private residence presently. Speculation has it that the owners may turn it into a resort in the future.(click for larger image) Heading up to Rapid City to reach I-90 west came before sunrise. The route took us from Sturgis up Highway 79. We found the landscape switching from wide open prairie to farming,to combination. My eyes pealed as we traveled; scanning the territory for wildlife. Caught wild turkey feeding in the backyard of a homestead north of Sturgis. Previously we had seen some groups of turkey down by Rockerville and in the Custer State Park. Saw antelope grazing on the range by themselves, with the sheep,in the cow herds and became one of the horses running in the wind. ;) They seemed to be everywhere!(click for larger image) The prairie dogs haven't moved this far north yet...Thank goodness. (click for larger image) If you decide to travel this route, be prepared for lack of services and facilities close to the highway. Getting closer to the southwestern border of North Dakota we began to see road ornaments that were unfamiliar. Learned that the most frequent one was called Prairie Grouse,either sharptail or prairie chicken. At one point in our travels we almost had the opportunity to bag our own via the "Prairie Chicken crossing the road." ;) A group of 6 thought they needed to fly in front of us. Onward to Jamestown,ND...

What's the "Have to DO"?!?

In the Rapid City, South Dakota area there are so many things that could lead one to sensory over load. What was so pressing in my case? Let us digress for a moment... Head over to the new Rapid City Visitors Center. Had to get some verification of locations for future building plans for Cabela's in 2008 and Scheels new free standing retail outlet come 2009. According to the official Cabela's website, Rapid City will be home to an 80,000 square foot retail store. They also said"construction is expected to begin fall 2007, with stores anticipated opening by summer of 2008." I am here to show you that indeed construction has begun and the clock starts for the upcoming opening next year.(click for larger image) Guess where I will be taking my vacation again next year?!? Looking forward to getting the finished - stocked store on camera to share with the Outdoor/Hunting Communities...

Trek to the Hills

On the road...Time to get out of Iowa for a change of pace. Turning 50, decided it would be great to wake-up in a place to which I have grown fond. The Black Hills of South Dakota - an awesome area to hangout for a few days. Thursday morning September 20th before 7:00 A.M. we tucked in Hubby's Voisin 3/5 airplane. Since there isn't going to be any flying accomplished for at least 6 days we needed to make the wing tips less desirable to the mouse population. They have become ardent fans of the new apartment complex since the plane has been hangared here at home. Passing road side water holes, ponds, and lakes through Iowa,southern Minnesota, and middle South Dakota brought to view all the different types of waterfowl still taking refuge for food and rest. In northern Iowa along Interstate 35 we saw one of the big birds of flight not regularly seen. However, we did know what was rising off the pond, winging its way upward... a banded Trumpeter Swan. It was exciting for me to see. Another sight becoming more frequent are the big Wind Generator farms being created to provide the country with more energy. We saw trucks hauling sections of the generators everyday we were on our trip. A total of 2,926 miles. What could this mean for our migrating bird populations? Getting back to the end of our day on Thursday the 20th, we reached our destination at the Super 8,Keystone,SouthDakota. Albeit a tourist destination but a very peaceful place. It is at the end of their peak summer season - still found it to be bustling during business hours. Will be sharing more of what we experienced in our few days in the hills. Stay tuned...