Time for a Mom bragging moment!
My eldest son Anthony has been working on a paper for several years. He started the paper when he was a Student in Music at the University of Northern Iowa in the McNair Scholars program.
Since then he has been working on the paper and it was recently published in the International Horn Society's journal. It is in the online articles for the society.
Here is the link for those who want to read it.
A History of Horn Choirs in the United States
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
January is a busy time
I have heard January call the boring month because the Christmas holidays are over, there are no major holidays, and the only major events are the college bowl at the beginning of the month and the professional playoffs. There used to be the Super Bowl but that has been moved to February and then there is the weather. It will be cold and snowy, at least here in Iowa. Yes, we will get a warm period in January that is coupled with fog the cold and snow always return a few days later. Today it is snowing again. I am tired of dealing with snow.
However for us January is a very busy month. This is because several activities get into full swing. Classes are back in session with a new term starting so it is new classes and schedules. So this means that we have to figure out new study patterns and schedules for everyone taking classes.
Speech team goes into the last minute frenzy of finishing up things before contests that are toward the end of the month. Then is the contests themselves. District is always in January and is held across the state at various sites. Then there is state Speech competition sometimes it falls at the end of Jan. and sometimes it is at the beginning of February. This year it will be at the beginning of February, there is one set of competitions for the east side of the state and one for the west side of the state. Depending on how well teams do at state they maybe recommended to All-State Speech which is in February.
Then there is Robotics. This is the biggest a thing on the schedule because at the beginning of the month this year's game is announced and the build season begins. For the next six weeks the teams have to design and build their robot with everyone shipping on the same day. In order to get this done our teams meets everyday except Wednesday and Sunday, there is one Sunday they will meet, usually in the evening. This means that Jeffery has to be efficient with his time to get all his schoolwork done, his regular activities, Speech team and Robotics all in. It is not unusual for Jeffery to have to make decisions on what event he will go to. During January Jeffery seldom goes to Scouts not because he doesn't enjoy it but because he is involved in things that move it down on his priorities.
This year we added more to the schedule because Randy is started working on his Master's in System Engineering so he is also taking classes in addition to work, which he is working overtime, Scouts, Robotics and other activities.
Trying to keep every thing straight and people on time to where they need to be at times can be challenging.
For supposedly being a quiet time of the year we seem to be very busy.
However for us January is a very busy month. This is because several activities get into full swing. Classes are back in session with a new term starting so it is new classes and schedules. So this means that we have to figure out new study patterns and schedules for everyone taking classes.
Speech team goes into the last minute frenzy of finishing up things before contests that are toward the end of the month. Then is the contests themselves. District is always in January and is held across the state at various sites. Then there is state Speech competition sometimes it falls at the end of Jan. and sometimes it is at the beginning of February. This year it will be at the beginning of February, there is one set of competitions for the east side of the state and one for the west side of the state. Depending on how well teams do at state they maybe recommended to All-State Speech which is in February.
Then there is Robotics. This is the biggest a thing on the schedule because at the beginning of the month this year's game is announced and the build season begins. For the next six weeks the teams have to design and build their robot with everyone shipping on the same day. In order to get this done our teams meets everyday except Wednesday and Sunday, there is one Sunday they will meet, usually in the evening. This means that Jeffery has to be efficient with his time to get all his schoolwork done, his regular activities, Speech team and Robotics all in. It is not unusual for Jeffery to have to make decisions on what event he will go to. During January Jeffery seldom goes to Scouts not because he doesn't enjoy it but because he is involved in things that move it down on his priorities.
This year we added more to the schedule because Randy is started working on his Master's in System Engineering so he is also taking classes in addition to work, which he is working overtime, Scouts, Robotics and other activities.
Trying to keep every thing straight and people on time to where they need to be at times can be challenging.
For supposedly being a quiet time of the year we seem to be very busy.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Mount Rushmore, Mammoth site and caves
Finishing up on our trip to the Black Hills.
The most famous thing in the Black Hills is Mount Rushmore. It is worth actually going into the monument instead of just seeing it from the road. It is free to enter but you do have to buy an annual parking pass for $10. There is much more to Mount Rushmore that just he faces. One of our traditions on seeing Mount Rushmore started when Anthony was very little, I think it was on our first trip to the Black Hills, was to arrive early and eat breakfast overlooking the monument. Yes is it kitsch but still fun. The boys have always looked forward to doing this not because the food is good but because it is a tradition. By being there early we are ahead of the crowds so we can enjoy exploring the Monument by going through the museum about the men and carving of the mountain, take the trails and visit the artist studio. These are all much easier and enjoyable if you are not battling the crowd. There is a night program at Mount Rushmore, we have heard that it is very good, but we have never been to it because we always go early in the morning.
Randy and Jeffery along the trail.
The plaster mask of Lincoln from the Artist Studio
A site that is easy to give a pass but is well worth your time is the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. This is an old sinkhole in which Mammoths, all male and most young, fell into and couldn't get out. Over the years it filled and dried up. This is still an active dig site though they are keeping some of the bones in-situ so us, the general public, can see what it looks like and learn about why the bones were found where they were.
The Black Hills are full of caves of all sizes and difficulty. Most are private but there are two that are part of the national parks system- Jewel Cave and Wind Cave. We have been to both and tend to alternate between them instead of trying to do both on the same trip. While the two caves are near each other they are not connected and have different histories and formations. Last year we went to Jewel Cave. This cave is the second longest cave system in the US and it still being explored. When were there was a team of spelunkers exploring and were due back the next day so they knew that the cave would be officially longer than when we were there. One word of warning if you want to take one of the tours of the caves get your tickets in advance, at least a day or two, or you will be out of luck. Also take a jacket or sweater because all the caves are cool and wear study shoes, flip flops are not a sturdy shoe, because the ground is uneven.
The most famous thing in the Black Hills is Mount Rushmore. It is worth actually going into the monument instead of just seeing it from the road. It is free to enter but you do have to buy an annual parking pass for $10. There is much more to Mount Rushmore that just he faces. One of our traditions on seeing Mount Rushmore started when Anthony was very little, I think it was on our first trip to the Black Hills, was to arrive early and eat breakfast overlooking the monument. Yes is it kitsch but still fun. The boys have always looked forward to doing this not because the food is good but because it is a tradition. By being there early we are ahead of the crowds so we can enjoy exploring the Monument by going through the museum about the men and carving of the mountain, take the trails and visit the artist studio. These are all much easier and enjoyable if you are not battling the crowd. There is a night program at Mount Rushmore, we have heard that it is very good, but we have never been to it because we always go early in the morning.
Randy and Jeffery along the trail.
The plaster mask of Lincoln from the Artist Studio
A site that is easy to give a pass but is well worth your time is the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. This is an old sinkhole in which Mammoths, all male and most young, fell into and couldn't get out. Over the years it filled and dried up. This is still an active dig site though they are keeping some of the bones in-situ so us, the general public, can see what it looks like and learn about why the bones were found where they were.
The Black Hills are full of caves of all sizes and difficulty. Most are private but there are two that are part of the national parks system- Jewel Cave and Wind Cave. We have been to both and tend to alternate between them instead of trying to do both on the same trip. While the two caves are near each other they are not connected and have different histories and formations. Last year we went to Jewel Cave. This cave is the second longest cave system in the US and it still being explored. When were there was a team of spelunkers exploring and were due back the next day so they knew that the cave would be officially longer than when we were there. One word of warning if you want to take one of the tours of the caves get your tickets in advance, at least a day or two, or you will be out of luck. Also take a jacket or sweater because all the caves are cool and wear study shoes, flip flops are not a sturdy shoe, because the ground is uneven.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Going to State!!!
Today Jeffery went to district Speech contest as part of the Linn Mar Television team.
They did well they received all 1's and will be gong to the State Speech contest in two weeks that will be held in Linn Mar High School this year. 13 of the 17 groups that Linn Mar took to district will be going to state.
There were a couple of things that they were told they need to improve one was the commercial and the other was how they led into one of their main stories. I am not sure if they are allowed to make changes or not.
Linn Mar does do a daily television news program in which Jeffery is a member of. The entire crew with the exception of Kevin Fry, he the adult mentor, is students and he has them do almost everything. Any student who attends Linn Mar High School can be on the television team but they have to be willing to be there an hour and a half before school most mornings. The anchors are usually Seniors with an occasional Junior substituting. Jeffery is usually behind the camera he usually is making sure that everyone who is behind the camera knows their job and how to do and if they don't know how he will teach them. He has been on the television crew since he was a Freshman.
For those interested here is a link to their You Tube channel. Linn Mar TV
They did well they received all 1's and will be gong to the State Speech contest in two weeks that will be held in Linn Mar High School this year. 13 of the 17 groups that Linn Mar took to district will be going to state.
There were a couple of things that they were told they need to improve one was the commercial and the other was how they led into one of their main stories. I am not sure if they are allowed to make changes or not.
Linn Mar does do a daily television news program in which Jeffery is a member of. The entire crew with the exception of Kevin Fry, he the adult mentor, is students and he has them do almost everything. Any student who attends Linn Mar High School can be on the television team but they have to be willing to be there an hour and a half before school most mornings. The anchors are usually Seniors with an occasional Junior substituting. Jeffery is usually behind the camera he usually is making sure that everyone who is behind the camera knows their job and how to do and if they don't know how he will teach them. He has been on the television crew since he was a Freshman.
For those interested here is a link to their You Tube channel. Linn Mar TV
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Custer State Park
As I mentioned on a previous post a couple of days earlier we like to camp at Custer State Park when we are in the Black Hills. This is not just because it is a beautiful place to camp but it has so much to see and do.
Here is the entrance to the park from the town of Custer. For us this is not how we usually enter the park unless we were in Custer because the past several times we have camped in the Sylvan Lake Area of the park so we take a different route to get to our campground.
Shortly past the entrance you come to Stockard Lake. This is the largest of the lakes in the park and has 2 large campgrounds on it. For those traveling in a large RV these campgrounds are the ones you would want to stay in. On sign that has always caught our eye and makes us smile is the sign for turtle crossing. We have never seen a turtle crossing the road anywhere in Custer but we like the sign because we have a pet tortoise named Yuri who has gone with us on many of our vacations.
Of course any place that is popular with people there will be traffic and with traffic there will be traffic jams. Here is rush hour at Custer complete with a traffic jam.
Custer has lot of wildlife. They are best known for their buffalo, burros and prairie dogs. The most popular way to see many of the animals is driving the Wildlife Loop though there is wildlife all over the park.
This buffalo was not with the herd. He was down the road drinking from a little pond. He walked up drink just as we were driving by so we stopped and took a series of pictures. When he was done he just walked up the road in front of a line of cars to the rest of the herd.
About half we saw a herd of deer but it was father on the loop when we saw the burros. The burros are not native they are animals that escaped or were left go by the miners. Over the years they have formed a herd and have made the park home. The main herd was off in the distance but the several of the animals we right by the road wanting attention from the children who were traveling with their parents. They went up the all the children wanting petted and fed grass (the children were picking the grass from along the parking area) while their parents took pictures, the burros would pose with the children when they realized that a parent was trying to take a picture. One lady drove up while we were there with a lot of bread and no children. The burros totally ignored her for the children. Here is a picture of Jeffery and some others along with a burro.
We saw lot of Prairie Dogs, there are a couple of Prairie Dog towns along the loop. When were at the last prairie dogs town Randy was taking pictures and he heard a noise from right in front of him at the edge of the road. It was this little chipmunk. He wanted his picture taken. Randy was almost ready to take his picture when the camera said the batteries were dead. This little guy just sat there until we had changed the batteries and then posed for Randy. After we had taken a few pictures he then ran off.
Not all wildlife was out away from the buildings. At the visitor center in the middle of the park. There is a kiosk that has signs, maps, and other information for people to look at. Right above them inside the kiosk was a nest with a Momma Cliff Swallow and her hatchlings ignoring all stream of people that entered the area.
Custer has more than just lots of animals it also has some wonderful scenic drives. We took Needles Highway several times because our campground was at the beginning of it. It is a beautiful drive along the edge of the mountains. The views are beautiful and the spirals which were carved in the granite over time are inspiring. Along this road at one of the pull offs we ran into another family from here, Cedar Rapids. They were staying ay Sylvan Lodge while were camping at the campground, unfortunately neither family thought to get a picture together. All this proves is that you can be anywhere and run into someone from your home.
Here is a picture of the Cathedral Spires from a distance and then up close with Randy and Jeffery on one of them.
Here is the formation that gave Needles Highway its name. It looks like a needle's eye. Randy and Jeffery also spent time climbing round some of the formations near the needle. This area is a very popular area for climbing. We were careful and did not climb to any area that was difficult to get to without gear.
Here is the entrance to the park from the town of Custer. For us this is not how we usually enter the park unless we were in Custer because the past several times we have camped in the Sylvan Lake Area of the park so we take a different route to get to our campground.
Shortly past the entrance you come to Stockard Lake. This is the largest of the lakes in the park and has 2 large campgrounds on it. For those traveling in a large RV these campgrounds are the ones you would want to stay in. On sign that has always caught our eye and makes us smile is the sign for turtle crossing. We have never seen a turtle crossing the road anywhere in Custer but we like the sign because we have a pet tortoise named Yuri who has gone with us on many of our vacations.
Of course any place that is popular with people there will be traffic and with traffic there will be traffic jams. Here is rush hour at Custer complete with a traffic jam.
Custer has lot of wildlife. They are best known for their buffalo, burros and prairie dogs. The most popular way to see many of the animals is driving the Wildlife Loop though there is wildlife all over the park.
This buffalo was not with the herd. He was down the road drinking from a little pond. He walked up drink just as we were driving by so we stopped and took a series of pictures. When he was done he just walked up the road in front of a line of cars to the rest of the herd.
About half we saw a herd of deer but it was father on the loop when we saw the burros. The burros are not native they are animals that escaped or were left go by the miners. Over the years they have formed a herd and have made the park home. The main herd was off in the distance but the several of the animals we right by the road wanting attention from the children who were traveling with their parents. They went up the all the children wanting petted and fed grass (the children were picking the grass from along the parking area) while their parents took pictures, the burros would pose with the children when they realized that a parent was trying to take a picture. One lady drove up while we were there with a lot of bread and no children. The burros totally ignored her for the children. Here is a picture of Jeffery and some others along with a burro.
We saw lot of Prairie Dogs, there are a couple of Prairie Dog towns along the loop. When were at the last prairie dogs town Randy was taking pictures and he heard a noise from right in front of him at the edge of the road. It was this little chipmunk. He wanted his picture taken. Randy was almost ready to take his picture when the camera said the batteries were dead. This little guy just sat there until we had changed the batteries and then posed for Randy. After we had taken a few pictures he then ran off.
Not all wildlife was out away from the buildings. At the visitor center in the middle of the park. There is a kiosk that has signs, maps, and other information for people to look at. Right above them inside the kiosk was a nest with a Momma Cliff Swallow and her hatchlings ignoring all stream of people that entered the area.
Custer has more than just lots of animals it also has some wonderful scenic drives. We took Needles Highway several times because our campground was at the beginning of it. It is a beautiful drive along the edge of the mountains. The views are beautiful and the spirals which were carved in the granite over time are inspiring. Along this road at one of the pull offs we ran into another family from here, Cedar Rapids. They were staying ay Sylvan Lodge while were camping at the campground, unfortunately neither family thought to get a picture together. All this proves is that you can be anywhere and run into someone from your home.
Here is a picture of the Cathedral Spires from a distance and then up close with Randy and Jeffery on one of them.
Here is the formation that gave Needles Highway its name. It looks like a needle's eye. Randy and Jeffery also spent time climbing round some of the formations near the needle. This area is a very popular area for climbing. We were careful and did not climb to any area that was difficult to get to without gear.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Stan and other Fossils in the Black Hills
If you get a chance to visit Hill City, SD and like dinosaurs and other fossils one place you will want to take time to see is the Black Hill Museum of Natural History. It is in a pink building that used to be the old Opera House. I believe that they used to be housed in an old white building nearby. They are a small museum that is growing and have some very nice fossils. To enter you have to go through their shop which at times can be a bit crowded.
Their star attraction is Stan the Tyrannosaurus Rex. He is the second most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex that has been found. The most complete is Sue who is now at the Field Museum, Chicago, IL. At this museum you are able to get up right next to Stan.
Randy, Jeffery and I were joking among ourselves that Stan and Sue must be siblings because they were found not that far from each other but now one lives in Chicago, IL and the other in Hill City, SD because they can’t stand to be closer than that.
They also have other fossils there as well.
If you feel hungry for something to eat there is a little café in Hill City. I think that it is called the Hill City Café. It is in an older building and is not fancy but don’t let fool you. We stopped there because Jeff was hungry and they were open. Randy and I each ordered a bowl of ice cream expecting a couple of scoops. I think that between the two of us we got almost a quart of ice cream and it was a good vanilla ice cream. Jeff had a piece of pie. They gave him a second slice at no charge because he looked hungry.
Their star attraction is Stan the Tyrannosaurus Rex. He is the second most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex that has been found. The most complete is Sue who is now at the Field Museum, Chicago, IL. At this museum you are able to get up right next to Stan.
Randy, Jeffery and I were joking among ourselves that Stan and Sue must be siblings because they were found not that far from each other but now one lives in Chicago, IL and the other in Hill City, SD because they can’t stand to be closer than that.
They also have other fossils there as well.
If you feel hungry for something to eat there is a little café in Hill City. I think that it is called the Hill City Café. It is in an older building and is not fancy but don’t let fool you. We stopped there because Jeff was hungry and they were open. Randy and I each ordered a bowl of ice cream expecting a couple of scoops. I think that between the two of us we got almost a quart of ice cream and it was a good vanilla ice cream. Jeff had a piece of pie. They gave him a second slice at no charge because he looked hungry.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Camping in the Black HIlls
When we visit the Black Hills area we like to camp there. Our favorite place to camp is Custer State Park. This is a beautiful state park that has several wonderful campgrounds. Each of their campgrounds has a different personality some are better for children and some are better for people who like it quite. Most of their campgrounds do have modern bathrooms and they have been adding to electric to sites that allow campers and there is water near by.
We tend to like Sylvan Lake. Sylvan was in the movie National Treasure 2. It is not right behind Mount Rushmore as shown in the movie but several miles away (about 25 miles by the road I think) and a granite mountain in between.
This is a peaceful and quite campground that is at the west end of Needles Highway. While it is called Sylvan Lake Campground it is not on Sylvan Lake but very near it on the other side of the road. While it is next to the road you do not have to look at the road because there is a line of trees between the campground and the road. This line of trees also blocks a lot of the road noise.
One of things we like about this campground is that Sylvan is that we can walk over to the lake to fish or walk the trails. The Lake is small enough that you can fish it without a boat or enjoy a leisurely walk around it.
There is always lots of wildlife near by once we had a young stag on the trail next to us while Randy and Jeff were fishing. Randy even caught a trout this year! Too bad we didn't get a picture of him and his fish. Late one morning we had several deer eating at the entrance to the campground and next to our campsite.
Another thing the guys like to do is rock climb. This year we didn't go rock climbing but Sylvan Lake has a lot of wonder areas for all levels of rock climbers and even has a rock climbing school that can supply gear and guides.
Sylvan Lake Campground does not have many planned activities like some of the other campground in the park this does not bother us. One of our favorite things to do after dark is to look at the stars. Because there are few lights you can see many stars and other sky objects with just your eyes or binoculars. We even saw several of the satellites, the space station orbiting and a few meteors.
We tend to like Sylvan Lake. Sylvan was in the movie National Treasure 2. It is not right behind Mount Rushmore as shown in the movie but several miles away (about 25 miles by the road I think) and a granite mountain in between.
This is a peaceful and quite campground that is at the west end of Needles Highway. While it is called Sylvan Lake Campground it is not on Sylvan Lake but very near it on the other side of the road. While it is next to the road you do not have to look at the road because there is a line of trees between the campground and the road. This line of trees also blocks a lot of the road noise.
One of things we like about this campground is that Sylvan is that we can walk over to the lake to fish or walk the trails. The Lake is small enough that you can fish it without a boat or enjoy a leisurely walk around it.
There is always lots of wildlife near by once we had a young stag on the trail next to us while Randy and Jeff were fishing. Randy even caught a trout this year! Too bad we didn't get a picture of him and his fish. Late one morning we had several deer eating at the entrance to the campground and next to our campsite.
Another thing the guys like to do is rock climb. This year we didn't go rock climbing but Sylvan Lake has a lot of wonder areas for all levels of rock climbers and even has a rock climbing school that can supply gear and guides.
Sylvan Lake Campground does not have many planned activities like some of the other campground in the park this does not bother us. One of our favorite things to do after dark is to look at the stars. Because there are few lights you can see many stars and other sky objects with just your eyes or binoculars. We even saw several of the satellites, the space station orbiting and a few meteors.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Back to our regularly scheduled blog...
The next stop on our way to the Black Hills is Rapid City which is the gateway to the Black Hills. We usually stop at Ellsworth Air Force base to see the static display of military aircraft, their museum and visit the Missile silo. This time we decided to skip the Ellsworth.
We decided to visit the Museum of Geology on the campus of South Dakota School of Mining and Technology. We have visited this museum several time but not on every visit. This is not a large museum but is has quite a bit in it.
The star attractions of course are the fossils. Even though we no longer have a young child we still love seeing them. This time they had some current research on display. It was a Plesiosaur from Antarctica. Until recently there was no research on dinosaurs in the Antarctica because they didn't think that there were any.
We also saw the fossilized remain of a Tylosaurus stomach with a sign up stating what has been identified so far.
We also enjoyed seeing and learning more about the minerals and meteors they have on display but I don't have pictures because they were in glass display cases which don't photograph well.
We enjoyed our visit to the museum. For those wondering if it worth seeing I would say yes.
We decided to visit the Museum of Geology on the campus of South Dakota School of Mining and Technology. We have visited this museum several time but not on every visit. This is not a large museum but is has quite a bit in it.
The star attractions of course are the fossils. Even though we no longer have a young child we still love seeing them. This time they had some current research on display. It was a Plesiosaur from Antarctica. Until recently there was no research on dinosaurs in the Antarctica because they didn't think that there were any.
We also saw the fossilized remain of a Tylosaurus stomach with a sign up stating what has been identified so far.
We also enjoyed seeing and learning more about the minerals and meteors they have on display but I don't have pictures because they were in glass display cases which don't photograph well.
We enjoyed our visit to the museum. For those wondering if it worth seeing I would say yes.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
And now for something completely different...
I am a self admitted Geek with a family of Geeks.
Which explains why yesterday why I was in a good place. This is because the last thing that Randy wanted to give me for Christmas arrived.
It is Killer Rabbit Slippers!!!
Yes, the ones that are based on the Killer Rabbit from "Monty Pythons and the Holy Grail". One of our favorite movies- like you can go wrong with Monty Python?
I just love them. Not only because they are Killer Rabbits, which would be enough, but they are so soft and padded it is like wearing pillows for slippers.
Shortly after Randy came from work we had to take pictures of me wearing them. A picture of me wearing would not have been good enough, and probably broken the camera, we have them enjoying a snack- a small purple dragon.
I hope that these slippers are not a male and a female or we will have a problem of too many rabbits! LOL
Which explains why yesterday why I was in a good place. This is because the last thing that Randy wanted to give me for Christmas arrived.
It is Killer Rabbit Slippers!!!
Yes, the ones that are based on the Killer Rabbit from "Monty Pythons and the Holy Grail". One of our favorite movies- like you can go wrong with Monty Python?
I just love them. Not only because they are Killer Rabbits, which would be enough, but they are so soft and padded it is like wearing pillows for slippers.
Shortly after Randy came from work we had to take pictures of me wearing them. A picture of me wearing would not have been good enough, and probably broken the camera, we have them enjoying a snack- a small purple dragon.
I hope that these slippers are not a male and a female or we will have a problem of too many rabbits! LOL
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Our next must stop at while we are on the road heading west in South Dakota is Badlands National Park. Actually we not only go through Badlands National Park heading to the Black Hills but also heading home. We do stop at other places along the way but they depend on if we feel like stopping there that day.
The Badlands are one of those places that show how awesome nature is and how unimportant man really is.
It is one of those places where photos can not do justice. The can bring out all the color and the majesty of the place.
The formations are not just awesome shapes but are also full of color and wildlife and you feel the need to explore these wonders not just by seeing them from the window of your car or at a pull off but to get out and explore by taking the trails and exploring the formations. Yes you are allowed to get out and explore just remember to take water with you because there is no water on the trails. Below are pictures of Randy and Jeffery on a couple of the formations off the Door Trail.
But not everything is on the large scale or barren there is lots of wildlife. To see it you have to keep your eyes open, don't rush or forget to look on both sides of the roads and trails or you will miss it. Some of the common animals are Prairie dogs, Burrowing owls, Mountain Sheep, Buffalo, etc.
While we have visited the Badlands many times over the years all the pictures are from our 2009 visit. The neat thing about the Badlands is that it is ever changing so each time we visit there is something new to explore.
The Badlands are one of those places that show how awesome nature is and how unimportant man really is.
It is one of those places where photos can not do justice. The can bring out all the color and the majesty of the place.
The formations are not just awesome shapes but are also full of color and wildlife and you feel the need to explore these wonders not just by seeing them from the window of your car or at a pull off but to get out and explore by taking the trails and exploring the formations. Yes you are allowed to get out and explore just remember to take water with you because there is no water on the trails. Below are pictures of Randy and Jeffery on a couple of the formations off the Door Trail.
But not everything is on the large scale or barren there is lots of wildlife. To see it you have to keep your eyes open, don't rush or forget to look on both sides of the roads and trails or you will miss it. Some of the common animals are Prairie dogs, Burrowing owls, Mountain Sheep, Buffalo, etc.
While we have visited the Badlands many times over the years all the pictures are from our 2009 visit. The neat thing about the Badlands is that it is ever changing so each time we visit there is something new to explore.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota
Over the years we have traveled west to the Black Hills in South Dakota. While this is a ways from us it is not so far that we can't visit regularly or make it a long weekend (4-5 days). We have driven it one long day but usually when we are heading to there we take 2 days so we can stop along the way to see things without feeling rushed. Our first visit was when Anthony was about 2, I think in 1988, and the most recent was this summer with our youngest Jeffery.
One of the places we always stop at is the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. The building is decorated every year on the outside with corn all locally grown. Each year it has a different theme. The inside of the building is the community building and basketball arena along with pictures of previous years' murals. During the summer the inside is a flea market.
We have visited other things in Mitchell was a doll museum, the Dakota Discovery Center, a transportation museum, Cabelas (Randy and the boys love Cabelas) as well as just walked around the downtown area and drove around town. Depending on the time of day we are there we might stop for the night or drive on. Usually we are there in the middle of the day so we have often lunch or a middle afternoon snack.
This year the theme for the Corn Palace was American Destinations.
Inside Jeffery meet their mascot Corn-a-Copia. Yes, he is a bit embarrassed but parents are suppose to cause mild embarrassment to their teens.
The inside of the Corn Palace has murals and pictures of previous Corn Palaces. Here is Randy and Jeffery in front of one of the early murals.
For some reason we had never gotten an ornament from the Corn Palace. Jeffery decided that this year we had to get one.
One of the places we always stop at is the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. The building is decorated every year on the outside with corn all locally grown. Each year it has a different theme. The inside of the building is the community building and basketball arena along with pictures of previous years' murals. During the summer the inside is a flea market.
We have visited other things in Mitchell was a doll museum, the Dakota Discovery Center, a transportation museum, Cabelas (Randy and the boys love Cabelas) as well as just walked around the downtown area and drove around town. Depending on the time of day we are there we might stop for the night or drive on. Usually we are there in the middle of the day so we have often lunch or a middle afternoon snack.
This year the theme for the Corn Palace was American Destinations.
Inside Jeffery meet their mascot Corn-a-Copia. Yes, he is a bit embarrassed but parents are suppose to cause mild embarrassment to their teens.
The inside of the Corn Palace has murals and pictures of previous Corn Palaces. Here is Randy and Jeffery in front of one of the early murals.
For some reason we had never gotten an ornament from the Corn Palace. Jeffery decided that this year we had to get one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)