Blogs from South Dakota, United States, North America - page 16

We have now spent three days in this beautiful state .It is interesting that its nickname highlights the monument to the four presidents, when, in fact, for me, the other attractions are more memorable. The Black Hills of South Dakota are filled with sights to see and things to do. We were able to see the major tourist spots but, again, to see everything worthwhile, it takes more than a couple of days. Bill and I decided to stay in Deadwood, which is just a few miles from most of the attractions such as Spearfish Canyon, the Presidents Monument and Crazy Horse. Unfortunately, the weather the first day was not great and our trip to see Mount Rushmore was hampered by the fog. We were unable to see the mountain clearly. However, we made the most ... read more

On the road again! Sept. 4ththrough Sept. 22. We have been planning a road to South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming for several months. It's a well-known fact that you have to leave a country before seeing some of its finest sights. And we are no different. The first destination is San Francisco, for the America's Cup and an opportunity to see Team New Zealand in action against Oracle. We're spending five nights with friends, Bob and Dale, in Orinda. Team NZ starts the series well and is 8-1 up, but we all know the final outcome: it's a win to Oracle..... Now, how did that happen? San Francisco is one of the world's beautiful cities and always a pleasure to visit. It's four days of seeing sights and dining with friends. A French Bistro at the ... read more

Up early, breakfast - hotel continental - gross. Car snacks later. Northwest direction today. Finally get to I-90 and the signs for "See Wall Drug" etc. I had already decided to stop here when planning as it looks quirky and fun. But first a stop for a quick picnic lunch. This is one of my $$$ savers on the road. No one needs to eat out breakfast, lunch and dinner. South Dakota's rest area's at least the one we hit need some serious work. First thing we see are signs to watch for snakes. Then us ladies hit the restroom with lots of trepidation from the looks. Well we peed with bees. Lots of bees. Surprising neither of us got stung. Brings me to another road travel tip - put together a good first aid kit. ... read more

While driving thru 8 states there have been several shapes and sizes of "clumped" grass. Jess and I have discovered that we both have an issue with the phrase "bales of hay". Today saw us rising bleary eyed and before the sun in Bismarck, ND. After my freshly made waffle, we set out to see Salem Sue, the worlds largest heifer statue. Not only did we get a photo opp with Sue, we also got a panoramic view of New Salem, ND with sunflower fields, windmills, and rolling hills. The 2nd stop of the today was the Enchanted Highway in Regent, ND. The highway stretched 32 miles with 6 different scrap metal statues ranging from geese (currently worlds largest scrap metal statue) to grasshoppers. The favorite has to be fishermans dream. Everyone, get your fist pump ... read more

They came from near and far for the Atkins reunion. Roberta from Green Valley, AZ; Judy from San Luis Obispo, CA; Linda from Northville, SD; Susan and Kevin from Sausalito, CA; Mike from Sioux Falls, SD; Annette and Tom from London, UK; Tom and Leila and granddaughter Aleila from Sioux Falls, SD; Mary and Bob from Sioux Falls, SD; Betsy and Tim from Minneapolis, MN; Teresa and Matt from Des Moines, IA; Steve and daughter Ellie from New Plymouth, New Zealand. Our sister Peggy was there in spirit from heaven. After lots of searching, we found just the right place for the reunion: the Black Hills of South Dakota. We rented three houses with four bedrooms each. The Gilded Mountain Residences were just the right size for our daily get togethers and our nightly dinners. Each ... read more