Home on the Range

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Four weeks without phone or internet and I survived!

We spent a few weeks in Iowa at a Winnebago Rally. 1400 rigs. Each state was represented. There was a military chapter and they played the bugle at 7 am and 10 pm. Non-stop bands entertaining and suppliers set up to give your rig a once over. We found out we are not "rally" people. But had to go to one, once.
So we set out for peace and quiet in the Badlands of South Dakota. This is as far as the two of us have been together, driving. We camped in the National Parks in the Badlands and the Blackhills. This meant roughing it. Eating on paper plates, conserving water and taking military showers since there were no hookups in the National Parks. Majestic! More than pictures can show. The Badlands are woven with wind and water. Erosion will erase them in 500,000 years. If you get a chance you better come see them!

From the Badlands we went into the Blackhills. We had no expectations. What we found was Wind Cave, the fourth largest cave on earth. And a herd of Bison, pronghorns, deer in the campground. A special treat for me were the white prairie dogs. These little animals, along with the Bison, stir up the dirt, sending moisture to the prairie grass roots below. The Lakota Indians still live in this area.

Our trip up to see Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse was a surprise. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brought 50,000 bikers into the area and they owned it! We met members of the "Patriots" who escort fallen soldiers on their return to the USA for burial. Very moving. Although friendly, lots of alcohol and mountain roads don't mix. So we decided to get out of town. In fact one biker crashed on the highway just as we left our campground. So we're moving on up the road to Wyoming and Montana. Meeting friends at Glacier in a few weeks. Did I tell you Tom is crazy about this part of the country? Many thanks and blessings to ya'll for keeping in touch with me through emails and our blog! (double click pictures to enlarge)

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Photos

Karen in the Badlands
Bad Hair Day!

Sod House Badlands
Early Housing Development Circa 1880

Prairie Dog
Lakota Pioneer town

Crazy Horse Monument
Being built through private donations

Comments

[Frank Zimmer]

Great Pictures
Hello Karen, I really enjoy reading all about our travels. Sounds like retirement and vagabonding is agreeing with you and Tom immensely. That is what life is all about after all. Continue to be safe on your journeys... Frank Zimmer

[Mullibear]

Great to Count you among my followers!
Hi Frank, so good to get your message. Hope you are doing well. thanks for letting my blog through your firewall!