Saturday, September 6, at about 3 pm we backed the Matilda into here space at Fohl Street Storage. a tad less than 10,000 miles driving on this trip (truck miles, less for the trailer). We saw what we had set out to see and then some. The Sangre de Christo Mountains of New Mexico were as we remembered them and are probably in the top five of places to settle with no regrets. The Black Hills of South Dakota may be another spot but a long way from the mecca of internal combustion engines in the Deadwood-Sturgis-Spearfish triangle.
The five day drive home was not too bad. Side winds through South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois, were a bit of a fight and made for terrible MPG. If nothing else, Sophie the cat is happy to see me back in my rocking chair where she finds a lap. She is, we are sure, happy not to be in the truck.
So ends another expedition and this blog. Sometime before Christmas I may be at it again. Check it out. I will be noting temperatures in the sunny south to help those in the snow feel better.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Leave only your shadow
To the right is Roughneck Falls. It is one of a series on a section of route 14A, designated a Black Hill Scenic drive from just south of Lead to Spearfish. There is a "lodge" and some rental cabins along the route but by Black Hills standards it has avoided commercialization. It is National Forest. The BHs are a mixed bag of vacation amusements and natural environment. If you want the bison stay south of Mount Rushmore. If you want playland stay to the north. The Sturgis Motorcycle Pilgrimage in early August is well known but as reported earlier Cool Nites Deadwood (50s and 60s cars and hot rods) is the weekend before Labor Day and then LD weekend is the Sturgis Mustang Rally. Fords not horseys. Actually, the motorcycles never leave but probably are outnumbered by ATVs. The powers that be seem to have done a fairly good job at balancing interests. You can take the path less traveled on foot and find places that you do not have to share with internal combustion. Still, I wonder about the pressures for commercial development despite quite a lot of businesses for sale. (Sign of the economic times?) In the movie The Big Sky, Uncle Zeb (Arthur Hunnicutt) talks about the White Man's Disease, "GRAB." First they grab from the Indians and then they grab from each other.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Another visit to Custer State Park
I did not get to a blog entry yesterday before the campground wifi service disappeared. We were in Custer State Park again and after driving through the bison herd (I have more than enough photos) we found a small band of pronghorns. I have a lot of photos of pronghorn also but this fellow was in his prime. His coloring was bright and distinctive and he looked in perfect health.
Throughout this trip the wildflowers have been a treat. Even in the desert areas they were in bloom. This one seemed to be at the end of its season. Goldenrod, thistle, and black-eyed susan are still strong here in the Black Hills where it seems unnaturally green as autumn approaches.
Throughout this trip the wildflowers have been a treat. Even in the desert areas they were in bloom. This one seemed to be at the end of its season. Goldenrod, thistle, and black-eyed susan are still strong here in the Black Hills where it seems unnaturally green as autumn approaches.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
1880 TRAIN
The 1880 Train runs on a former spur line between Hill City and Keystone, South Dakota. The locomotive is interesting and unique but not dramatic. The ride (one way) is relatively slow and takes an hour or so to cover less than 10 miles. The narration is mildly interesting but intrusive and the use of the term "choo-choo" is offensive. Yet, we have ridden a number of excursion trains and the Black Hills scenery is probably the best of all. (Truth is the ride along the Oregon coast was not bad.)
For the sake of those who notice such things, this was yesterday's activity. Today was laundry day. I did not see a real need for photographs.
For the sake of those who notice such things, this was yesterday's activity. Today was laundry day. I did not see a real need for photographs.
Monday, August 25, 2014
CCC example
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Civilian Conservation Corps
Upstairs in the visitor information center in Hill City, South Dakota is the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum for the Black Hills. I have noticed some items in National Park Service gift shops related to the CCC. Perhaps a day late as the young men who served in this depression era program still living are few. If you visit national parks, forests, or similar Federal government areas you may well see the efforts of the CCC.
The father of a good friend served in the CCC and the rumor was that this was the reason he could not do carpentry with any wood smaller than a 2X4. These young men built their own camps and then went to clear woods, build bridges, dams, as well as other things. The picturesque stone bridges on park roads may well be a legacy of the CCC.
The organization was quasi-military. Work parties were led by junior military officers to give them command experience they would not get in a small peacetime army. The young men got a job at a time when there was no work. The pay was a dollar a day
and almost all of that was sent to their families to help out in the hard times. The worker got three meals and a "flop" (place to sleep). Camps also had recreation halls and educational programs were provided. An enlistment was for six months and if the experience/training did not provide an opportunity in the outside world, you could reenlist for another six months.
The father of a good friend served in the CCC and the rumor was that this was the reason he could not do carpentry with any wood smaller than a 2X4. These young men built their own camps and then went to clear woods, build bridges, dams, as well as other things. The picturesque stone bridges on park roads may well be a legacy of the CCC.
The organization was quasi-military. Work parties were led by junior military officers to give them command experience they would not get in a small peacetime army. The young men got a job at a time when there was no work. The pay was a dollar a day
and almost all of that was sent to their families to help out in the hard times. The worker got three meals and a "flop" (place to sleep). Camps also had recreation halls and educational programs were provided. An enlistment was for six months and if the experience/training did not provide an opportunity in the outside world, you could reenlist for another six months.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Please be patient.
After being dragged across the coals, demeaned, threatened, and otherwise criticized (all by one person), for not blogging I thought I would offer a feeble excuse. We went to Riverton, Wyoming for 8 days on family (Denise's) business and if you knew Riverton you would understand why there was no reason to photograph or write.
We arrived in the Black Hills of South Dakota yesterday and are now in the trailer hiding from a repetition of downpours. The campground is just south of Deadwood where this weekend is Cool Nites Deadwood. It is a 50s-60s thing with zillions of restored automobiles and bands playing rock music that has no hope of being restored. The area just got rid of the motorcycles and they attracted cars. This is one of the most beautiful NATURAL areas of the country and they bring in noisy, smelly, polluting machines. Isn't our truck enough? They should have stopped after defacing a perfectly good mountain with carved heads of presidents.
Anyway, check back as I can promise there will be pictures of bison (better than cats on Facebook) and more than likely the 1880 Train. With luck maybe something a tad more rare.
We arrived in the Black Hills of South Dakota yesterday and are now in the trailer hiding from a repetition of downpours. The campground is just south of Deadwood where this weekend is Cool Nites Deadwood. It is a 50s-60s thing with zillions of restored automobiles and bands playing rock music that has no hope of being restored. The area just got rid of the motorcycles and they attracted cars. This is one of the most beautiful NATURAL areas of the country and they bring in noisy, smelly, polluting machines. Isn't our truck enough? They should have stopped after defacing a perfectly good mountain with carved heads of presidents.
Anyway, check back as I can promise there will be pictures of bison (better than cats on Facebook) and more than likely the 1880 Train. With luck maybe something a tad more rare.
Monday, August 11, 2014
The Eagle has Landed, or maybe just about ready to take off.
Just north of Kremmling, Colorado, is a reservoir lake part of the Wolford Mountain Project. We were pleasantly surprised to find a nest of Osprey. The birds were less than pleasantly surprised. Daddy raised the alarm, or maybe a warning to us, the moment we got out of the truck. As I tried to find a better sun angle he glided toward us but veered off and found a nearby utility pole. I think that these birds might have been introduced, as our bird book suggest they would be very rare in this part of the country.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Packer Saloon (Give or take a lie or two)
Yesterday I made reference to the Packer Restaurant. As you can see in the photo I misspoke. If you look closely you will see an icon on the sign, yes, a football player. The Packer they are referring to is a Green Bay CHEESEHEAD! They do however have the Cannibal Grill so the relationship to Alferd (you will also see it as Alfred) is not ignored. What is also to be noted is that you will see an overwhelming number of signs, even nearby in town (Lake City),warning you that this is BEAR COUNTRY! Apparently the stupid cheeseheads are disregarding the warning. So, "BEAR DOWN CHICAGO BEARS....'
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Lake City, Colorado
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Fort Union
OK, it is the south end of a pronghorn facing north but if you have ever been near one of these beasts you will realize this is the normal view.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Aztec Ruins and arches
One of the attractions according to the town of Aztec is quite a few natural rock arches. Thanks to the natural gas industry which has cut road everywhere to access their wells which outnumber people in NW New Mexico, the arches can be viewed. Following brochure directions, on unmarked washboard roads you drive 6.2 miles, turn right on the road you find(wheel ruts) drive 3.45 miles turn at the gas well, drive 600 yards, park and hike 17 miles northeast. OK, I exaggerate but do watch out for trucks off side roads that do not bother looking.
Finally, back at Aztec ruins is Sammy the guard squirrel. He took a break from chasing the love of his life to have his photo taken.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
THE GRAND CANYON
Robin William's does a bit where he portrays a Russian comparing US culture with Russian. He says the US culture can be summed up in one word, "WOW!" This describes The Grand Canyon. If WOW is your thing, you have to visit. It was very hazy on July 25 so photography was less than good. This is one corner of a larger corner of the place.
Like Brice, I found this just too much. A visit of a few hours may not be enough time to establish an understanding, of course it is not. The size and complexity would, I believe, cause Mr. Spock to ask Captain Kirk for additional time for analysis.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Old Paria
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
BRICE
If I am not mistaken this is Robert Redford's favorite. OK. It seems to be a place with a lot of water damage. The photo above was taken from Inspiration Point. OK. I do regret that I cannot find the best technique for photographing vistas. Evenings or sunrise would probably be much better.
The lower photo is Red Canyon which is on the road just west of the entrance to Brice. It is like a preview of coming attractions.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
ZION
This flower is common to the park. This particular example was on the trail to Weeping Rock. It produced many comments as people walked by. Surrounded by overpowering rock formations something so simple caught the eye. Humans are really weird.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Pipe Springs
The building was constructed over Pipe Spring to insure a water supply if attacked. Apparently, the end of polygamy was a condition for Utah statehood and isolated stations such as this were a convenient hide-a-way for less than cooperative Saints. Our guide, a Native American, also pointed out that there was much evidence of early settlement, as early as 500 BC. He said this was not legend but the opinion of archaeologists. Well, we know how reliable those types are.
A side note: The explorer, John Wesley Powell, spent time at Pipe Springs and while there confirmed that it was in the Arizona Territory not Utah. Perhaps, there were tax implications.
Friday, July 18, 2014
The news, although somewhat dated.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Now, for something completely different
The noise of the locomotive and smell of coal smoke brought back memories of my childhood. The great Iron Horse whose power was obvious, pulling a line of coaches which would take you on another adventure. What Joy! My father who worked on the railroad for more than 40 years would add to the experience when he said, "Nasty. smelly things."
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Mesa Verde finale
The photo is of Long House on the Wetherill Mesa, Mesa Verde N.P. This is a site you can see up close if you can climb ladders and perform other feats of daring-do. There is a fee for the tour. We chose to visit other sites, via the bumpy tram ride, and ended up at the overlook.
Driving in Mesa Verde is most entertaining. A main road, that may cover 120 feet as the crow flies, is 15-20 miles to the split for the two mesas, Chapin and Wetherill. This junction is Far View, which is called that for an obvious reason. There is a lodge, a restaurant, gift shop, and of course rest rooms. Chapin Mesa has two loop roads and Wetherill one, today's excursion. This road is 12 miles and may have contained one stretch that was flat and straight for 10 feet or so. Near the end you are driving what seems to be a ridge with eternity on your right and oblivion on your left, or maybe the other way around.
We went on the tram with the first Long House tour. This made us the only people on the tram past that point. We got off at a multi-village complex that after finishing you were at another tram stop. This took us to a couple of overlooks the latter of which provided the photo. The driver went with us on one walk and she was very knowledgeable of the flora so as much as I have tried to learn nothing I was forced to hear about pinon trees and Mormon tea. You can never be too careful.
Monday, July 14, 2014
We must pay homage. . . .
The top photo was taken a few steps from the other photo. Stagecoach was also filmed in the Valley and I suppose this angle commemorates that movie. The museum has photos, posters, and other things from the movies.
Driving through the area you pull over and take photos of wonderful vistas and dramatic rock formations. You drive on and go over a ridge and you pull over and take photos of dramatic vistas and wonderful rock formations. It dawned on me, not for the first time, that we who grew up with film cameras still pick and choose our shots instead of blazing away with a digital that has seemingly endless capacity.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Canyon of the Ancients
To the right is the "Lowry" site, below is the "Painted Hand" site. These are the two accessible site in the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. The brown slab in the Lowry photo is a protective roof. I will not provide any substantial information on these or any developed site as I would only be transcribing a NPS or BLM handout. You can find more than you want to know with a simple web search and it will be no more inaccurate than the lies I would tell. Note of caution, and this is true, I mean it, the Lowry site is easily accessible. The road to Painted Hand, however, will remove any and all things from underneath any low clearance vehicle.
These sites, and "Ancients" overall are on the great sage plain. Sage brush as far as the eye can see and them some. There are, of course, deep canyons so the ancients had a place to build their pueblos. Today there is quite a bit of farming. In fact, the area brags that it is the pinto bean capitol.
Yes there are cattle and horses and mule deer, yet the predominance of western costume I remember from the early 70s seems to be a thing of the past. If you see a cowboy hat, jeans, a large belt buckle and boots it is an older gentleman who politely says hello to you. OK, you might see these on a 16 year old girl but the ensemble is heavily modified to expose the "tats" which I imagine may have meaning. Otherwise, the population includes normal tourists in creative dress, everyday Walmartians in whatever, and a sizable number of counter-culture types probably still hiding from something they did in the 60s. It is most entertaining.
These sites, and "Ancients" overall are on the great sage plain. Sage brush as far as the eye can see and them some. There are, of course, deep canyons so the ancients had a place to build their pueblos. Today there is quite a bit of farming. In fact, the area brags that it is the pinto bean capitol.
Yes there are cattle and horses and mule deer, yet the predominance of western costume I remember from the early 70s seems to be a thing of the past. If you see a cowboy hat, jeans, a large belt buckle and boots it is an older gentleman who politely says hello to you. OK, you might see these on a 16 year old girl but the ensemble is heavily modified to expose the "tats" which I imagine may have meaning. Otherwise, the population includes normal tourists in creative dress, everyday Walmartians in whatever, and a sizable number of counter-culture types probably still hiding from something they did in the 60s. It is most entertaining.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Delores, Colorado
We have been taking it easy the last two day. Yesterday was laundry and cleaning that could not otherwise be postponed. Today we went to the Cortez farmer's market and then drove to Delores, Colorado, and then beyond into the San Juan National Forest. It is quite beautiful along the Delores River which, with the road, is about all that fits in the narrow valley. Any wide space between the mountains, very few, has a ranch, campground, or town.
The photo is the "Galloping Goose" a hybrid railroad contraption that was used for short-line runs to mining and other isolated communities. It is a well-known oddity in the four corners area and you can take a ride on special occasions at the excursion railroads in south Colorado and north New Mexico. This example of a "committee design is in Delores and is one of the sites. Rumor has it that Butch Cassidy made his first bank withdrawal in Delores. Who knows, it may be true.
The photo is the "Galloping Goose" a hybrid railroad contraption that was used for short-line runs to mining and other isolated communities. It is a well-known oddity in the four corners area and you can take a ride on special occasions at the excursion railroads in south Colorado and north New Mexico. This example of a "committee design is in Delores and is one of the sites. Rumor has it that Butch Cassidy made his first bank withdrawal in Delores. Who knows, it may be true.
CORTEZ, COLORADO
Cortez, Colorado is a far as the trip planning went. Beyond here are options. We planned to stay here a month but the RV Park we chose does not have any monthly spot available. So we opted for two weeks. If we wanted to stay longer there are a number of other RV parks and campgrounds. We had wondered if a month was too long, perhaps, but these two weeks will be very busy.
We arrived Sunday afternoon (6th). It was about 6 hours from Taos including stops, mostly mountain driving. I will go out on a limb and suggest if a westerner tries to brag to you about tough mountain roads in the west, take him/her on a ride through the back country of West Virginia. Make sure they have a change of underwear. On Monday we went to visitors centers and collected paper with maps and words and then it was groceries and the odd items that seemed necessary.
Tuesday was Day One, Mesa Verde. There are two major routes in the park and one of those has two "loops." We are skipping some of the sites as they are physically challenging (politically correct terms, after all it is a national park). There are guided tours which are time consuming. Even without following Ranger Rick, you can spend three days exploring. We are planning on three half days, arriving at 7:30 AM and getting back to the trailer in the very early afternoon.
Today was Hovenweep National Monument. It turned out to be a must see. It is a large complex of square structures and round towers that was occupied in the 1100s-1200s.
We arrived Sunday afternoon (6th). It was about 6 hours from Taos including stops, mostly mountain driving. I will go out on a limb and suggest if a westerner tries to brag to you about tough mountain roads in the west, take him/her on a ride through the back country of West Virginia. Make sure they have a change of underwear. On Monday we went to visitors centers and collected paper with maps and words and then it was groceries and the odd items that seemed necessary.
Tuesday was Day One, Mesa Verde. There are two major routes in the park and one of those has two "loops." We are skipping some of the sites as they are physically challenging (politically correct terms, after all it is a national park). There are guided tours which are time consuming. Even without following Ranger Rick, you can spend three days exploring. We are planning on three half days, arriving at 7:30 AM and getting back to the trailer in the very early afternoon.
Today was Hovenweep National Monument. It turned out to be a must see. It is a large complex of square structures and round towers that was occupied in the 1100s-1200s.
Photos are Hovenweep National Monument
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