Aug 20--Des Moines, Iowa to Home

I got a little ahead of myself and included our stop at the Amana Colonies on the 19th when we actually stopped there on the 20th. I guess we've been on the road long enough. It was a long day of driving but we made it home all in one piece. Gosh, did we see some sights!! The Jeep trip over the passes to Telluride and Marble/Crystal are something we'll never forget. Thanks to John and Elaine for hauling us to places that we would have never seen had it just been us two. Thanks to Karen for being so funny and to Jeff for the great kayak trip. I wish Larry would have been able to make the trip with us to Ridgway. I'm sure he would have added to the general craziness of the trip. According to our calculations our recent trip was just over 4000 miles. The month long trip earlier this year was about 3000 miles. Our little Starship Avion has performed like a champ. We are always the oldest unit in the park and usually the smallest, but we could care less. Our little old trailer is perfect for us. We'll unpack and clean up the trailer and truck, and then park them for a few weeks before we head to Arizona. Can't wait to hit the road again. We would be remiss if we didn't mention Tipper, our little travel companion. He had Katie, Rocket, and Woodrow as playmates on part of the trip. Here's a picture of the little guy in the sage brush. Also here's a picture of a little bull that watched us set up at our campsite in Oakley, KS. And finally, a repeat of the picture of the aspen tree's. We used this picture before but it's so magical that I couldn't resist posting it again.

August 19, 2008 -Mitchel, South Dakota to Des Moines, Iowa

We found ourselves in Mitchell, South Dakota home of the world famous Corn Palace. We just had to cruise by and take a picture and see for ourselves what all the fuss was about. You'll see it above. The 2009 murals, which they are now working on, depict everyday heroes. We took a special picture or two of the teachers in honor of all the teachers we know. Note how the mural is made in the close up of the teacher. The cobs are cut in half and stapled on. The sides are made with carefully bunched straw or seed heads. It truly is a work or art. After viewing South Dakota's idea of art we hit the road and were surprised by the landscape of Iowa. Rolling hills of corn and soybeans as far as the eye could see. The farms were very large and seemed to look quite prosperous. We are both glad we came home through another new state to us. Betsy

We also stopped in the Amana colonies which is a group of small communities with heavy German influences. Shops offered quilts, candies, meats, leather goods, etc. It reminded us of Nashville, IN but without all the junk for sale. As Betsy mentioned I too was surprized at the rolling hills of Iowa.

Aug 18--Custer, SD to Mitchell, SD

We departed from the beautiful Black Hills and less than 125 miles away we entered The Badlands. What a dramatic change of scenery! I can't think of a more appropriate name for a region. Shortly after The Badlands National Park we met the interstate and headed east. We are once again in the high plains with gently rolling hills and fields that go from horizon to horizon. It's so odd to look out the window and see one lone tree in all that space. At Chamberlain we stopped and visited the Atka Lakota Sioux museum. It was small but had first class exhibits. They had one exhibit showing several different moccasins, all with unique beading patterns, and colors. The infant moccasins have beaded soles since they are not walking yet. The only other time moccasins have beads on the soles are the funeral moccasins. While in Chamberlain we looked at a campground but were not impressed so we headed for Mitchell, SD. Our campground is small but we have wifi, and cable TV. Since it's still in the high 80's outside we have the A/C going. This outdoor living is great. Jamie
The Lakota Museum had some of the most exquisite sculpture, painting and collage I have seen on this trip. We also saw many blooming fields of sunflowers, always a joy. Betsy
Picture #1 - Starship Avion with Capt'n Jamie at the helm.
Picture #2 - The stark profile of the Badlands National Park

Aug 17--Black Hills Scenic Drive Part 2

There sure is a lot to see around here! Yesterday we spent most of the day on the road looking at the sights and we're doing same thing today. We first saw the Crazy Horse Memorial and the fantastic museum. If you're not familiar with the history of the memorial just Google Crazy Horse Memorial. It's really an amazing story. Next we headed for Custer State Park to drive the Wildlife Loop but unfortunately timed it incorrectly and saw only antelope, wild burro, and one single solitary buffalo taking a nap.
On our way out of the park we followed a dirt road up and up and around switchback after switchback to the Mt. Coolidge Overlook. What a spectacular view! After we returned to Custer we looked in a couple of shops that specialized in animal pelts, feathers, teeth, claws, and skulls. Just the kind of shop that Betsy loves. Tomorrow we say goodbye to the Black Hills. Next stop are The Badlands.
Left photo - From Mt. Coolidge over the Black Hills
Right photo - Crazy Horse Memorial
Top photo - Lazy buffalo

Aug 16--Black Hills Scenic Drive

The sun is back and warmer temperatures are in the offing. We loaded into the truck and followed a scenic route that is in our National Geographic guide book. We left Custer and followed several rural scenic roads. One of the roads led us to Hill City where Wades Gold Mill is located and that is the location that was recommended for gold panning. We met Bob Wade who instructed Jamie in the proper technique. They give you a little bottle of placer sand which contains 7 small flecks of gold. The student is expected to learn the correct method of panning and come up with the same original 7 flecks. After that was finished we loaded up the pan with placer sand and headed to the small stream to learn how to deal with the large pebbles and larger pieces of sand. After about an hour on one pan Jamie found one more fleck of gold and many small garnets. Not bad for a beginner. Betsy got out her sketch pad while Jamie was panning. After Jamie had thawed out his feet we headed to the Mt. Rushmore area. We didn't go in the actual viewing area but got nice pictures from off site locations. Going up and down the roads was a nice experience. We ran into 3 or 4 very narrow tunnels through the rock which was interesting. We ended up in Hot Springs and visited a couple of antique stores plus another store that specialized in old western items and some very nice examples of Plain's Indian beading. From Hot Springs we headed back to Custer through the Wind Cave Park and again saw
buffalo. Tipper does not like buffalo. We don't know if it's their odor or the grunting noise they make. He's very quiet while we're stopped taking pictures, but as soon as we're rolling again he give's out a couple of barks. We think it's his way of saying, "You're lucky I'm leaving. I was about ready to kick some butt". Yeah, right.

The campground we're in has rabbits all over the place. They're the domesticated kind, but roam free in the campground. Tippy may have a nervous breakdown if we don't leave soon.

Picture #1 - Mt.Rushmore, SD
Picture #2 - Wades Gold Mill, Hill City, SD, Prospector Jim

Aug 15--Lusk, WY to Custer, SD

We awoke to a light rain which continued for most of the day. After breakfast in Lusk we hit the road and headed east to Nebraska. We stopped briefly in Chadron and then headed north bound for SD. The land has returned to a high plains area, but as we neared Custer, SD we got our first glimpse of the Black Hills. As we drove through Wind Cave National Park we saw buffalo grazing at the side of the road! We stopped at the Visitors Center and then continued into Custer to find our next campground.
After setting up we headed into Custer to see what it had to offer and found a couple of neat gift shops. Jamie inquired as to where one might learn how to pan for gold, and Betsy purchased an Effie C. ring. We returned to the trailer for supper and a walk but since we figured we had another hour or two of light we hopped in the truck and headed back to WInd Cave hoping to see more buffalo. We weren't disappointed as you can see from the pictures. We also found some kind of small deer. All we have to find next are the antelope to complete the list of animals mentioned in "Home, Home On The Range". Maybe tomorrow.
jamie

Denver to Lusk, Wyoming

We left our second home for the past week or so to head north along the route that Cousin John suggested to us. We traveled through the rolling short grass prairies of Wyoming. It is beautiful country, so vast and unpopulated. We arrived in Lusk and enjoyed some shopping in the little stores with a stop for iced coffee. We then stopped in at the Chamber to talk to the local historian. She gave us at least 5 pounds of tourist literature for all points. We left feeling well equipped to see all the sights in the Black Hills and surrounding area. Betsy
Picture #1 Wyoming rangeland
Picture #2 Lusk, Wyoming

Redstone to Crystal, Colorado

Pictures:
#1- Lizard Lake
#2- Road to Crystal
#3- Old Mill
#4-John, Betsy, Jamie&Tipper, Elaine&Katie

Enjoy the Views

#1 Waterfall above Telluride
#2 John,Jeff, Rocket & Woodrow, Karen, Elaine
#3 Last Dollar Road scene

The Western Slope

So sorry we been out of touch for so many days. Quite simply we have been having
time of our lives! Oh, the things we have seen and done. The western slope of the Rocky Mountains holds so many visual wonders. We have had the very best tour guides anyone could ever have—John and Elaine Merkert. We took off for Ridgway State Park which is in the area called the Switzerland of the Rocky's near Ridgway Colorado, Ouray & Telluride. If you are interested in some awesome pictures I’ll be happy to burn you a disc and send to you.
We met up with John and Elaine’s friends Jeff and Karen and they all took us in like we were old friends. What a cordial, wonderful group of people and dogs! We ate, toured, and laughed so hard we cried.

John and Elaine took us on our first 4-wheel jeep tour on Last Dollar Road over the mountain from Rigway to Telluride through high mountain meadows, Aspen groves, rushing mountain streams and by old abandoned ranches. I was not sure if I would like the experience and now I am hooked on seeing the mountains “up close and personal.” Betsy

Betsy is correct, we've seen some absolutely beautiful sights. The ride over the mountains to Telluride was spectacular.
But my favorite was our second Jeep trip from Redstone to Marble and then on to the tiny town (about 5 or 6 cabins) of Crystal.
Our driver, Cousin John said that if you see pictures of Colorado scenery it was probably taken in this area. We four wheeled
up paths that I think a mule would have trouble with. We were about a mile from Crystal and met a couple walking down the
path. We stopped to talk and I noticed that the man had a Notre Dame hat on. I ask if he was a fan or from Indiana and he said "both". He and his wife were from Elkhart! He told us to be sure to stop at his friends house in Crystal and buy some books about the area. We did stop and discovered that the authors wife and the only other customer in the "shop" were both graduates of Indiana State University!! So we had the authors wife, the customer, Betsy, Jamie, and John all in little Crystal, CO and graduates of good ol' ISU!

John and Elaine's friends, Jeff and Karen were so nice. Jeff is so laid back. Karen on the other hand is a female version of Ed Merkert. I'm not sure what planet Ed and Karen came from, but I think it was the same one. The last day at Ridgway Jeff and I took a wonderful trip in his two person kayak. We found a waterfall that emptied into the lake and positioned the kayak so that on the left was the waterfall and the right were the spectacular mountains. You couldn't help but say WOW when you looked either left or right.

The whole Colorado portion of our trip was so special because of John, Elaine, Jeff and Karen. All four are slightly nut's but in a good way.

We returned to Denver and Chatfield State Park on Tuesday to regroup. On Wednesday evening we invited John and Elaine to our campsite for our first dinner party in the trailer. I cooked dutchoven stew and Betsy whipped up a peach tart. The stew took almost all afternoon to cook because of the altitude.

This morning we left Denver and headed north into Wyoming per John's directions. We are now in Lusk, Wyoming(population 1500) which is located in the east central part of the state. Tomorrow we head east into Nebraska and then north to the Black Hills area. I purchased a gold pan in Denver that I'm just itching to try out. The store offered two sizes of pan's and I selected the big one because I plan on finding a lot of gold. JK

Picture #1-Aspen grove
Picture #2- John, Elaine, Jamie, Tipper & Katie Kazoo

???- I've lost track of the date! I think it's August

What a beautiful sunrise in the Colorado foothills to the Rockies. We are camped at Chatfield State Park on top of the mesa looking over Littleton, Colorado to the north, the Rockies to the West and towards Castle Rock to the south. The sun is shining and beautiful hitting the mountains out our front window. We were able to take it easy this morning waiting till John calls to go pick up his jeep.

Preparations for our trip (today) have been moving ahead for the past two days with lots of visiting in between. We even had breakfast with our Indiana/Missouri friends Kay and Ernie in Lakewood, Co. They were in for the weekend visiting their grandchildren.

We will probably be out of wifi for the next few daysin the southwestern part of the state. We will take lots of pictures and catch up when we return to Chatfield Park on Tuesday. bk

August 6,2008-Oakley, Kansas to Colorado!

Oakley, Kansas to Littleton, Colorado. We survived a, normal for them, wild for us thunderstorm on the high prairie last night. The trailer was swaying wildly and the lightning was flashing but it finally calmed down enough so we could fall asleep. We passed several sunflower fields in bloom and loved the site. As we were getting close to Denver we got off the interstate onto SR 86, the scenic route into Denver. It was lovely. Rolling hills and cattle ranches all the way in. We arrived at Chatfield State Park south of Denver and settled in. The view is spectacular!!! The weather is hot and sunny but in the west it is so dry you don’t mind the heat at all.

After 25 years between visits, we arrived at John and Elaine’s (Jamie’s cousin) and were happy to see them and meet their pup Katie. She and Tipper had a ball playing in their beautiful back yard. BK

Picture one is the High Plains Campground in Oakley Kansas, #2 is of the sunflower fields as we whiz by.

Aug 4, 2008--Topeka to Oakley, KS

Good Grief, we're still in Kansas! They really need to break this state into two states--East Kansas and West Kansas. We started today from Topeka and headed south to Council Grove which is the start of the Santa Fe Trail and is smack dab in the middle of the Flint Hills which are really very pretty. From Council Grove we drove south to the Tallgrass Nature Preserve which is a ranch that was donated to the Nature Conservancy but is run by the Federal Park Service. All of the buildings were made of limestone that was quarried locally. Quite impressive was the stone outhouse. Being from Indiana and being old enough to remember and actually use an outhouse a time or two, I was totally awestruck by the stone outhouse. I have heard of a brick s---house, but had never heard or seen one made of stone. I guess we can go home now as I've probably seen the most impressive sight. After our little side trip we headed back to I-70 and continued to slog our way west. What's the difference between Arizona and Kansas in a heat wave? Nothing, except Kansas is green. Our in truck thermometer at one point showed the temperature as 106 and it was 100 or above most of the afternoon. I've talked with some locals and they assure me that the western boundary of Kansas is "just up the road a piece". I think we've actually slipped into one of those old Twilight Zone movies. JK

I enjoyed the Tallgrass Prairie and adding one more stamp to my National Parks passbook. Picture one looks out over the Flint Hills and three is of the aforementioned outhouse, both at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. The second picture is one taken as we were traveling into Council Grove on KS 177 which is a scenic byway. They had different metal sculpture posted on the hills as you came into town, very cool. It was a great drive to see the largely undisturbed grassland of the prairie. BK

Aug 3, 2008--E'town to Topeka

Yes Tipper, we are in Kansas!! We hit the road at 4:45 AM today and really weren't planning on driving just over 600 miles, but about the time we would have normally headed for a campground it dawned on us that with the temperature at 100 degree's we would be just as comfortable in the truck rolling down the road. Betsy mentioned that it might be nice to stop and look at something on the way. She wasn't aware that all attractions are closed when the temp is this high, and besides it's Sunday.
Our dusty, treeless campground leaves something to be desired in the area of attractiveness. But they do have an on site storm shelter!! After seeing some of the permanent residents I think I'd rather stay out in the storm. We hooked up the electric for A/C, and the hose for water and then retreated into the trailer to escape the heat. We also closed all the curtains to help the A/C cool our little trailer. As we sat there, in near dark conditions, listening to the hum of the A/C Betsy commented -"this camping is really neat"!
jk
No pictures today. Just imagine a haze of heat rolling off aluminum.
Betsy