Good Times in the Badlands of South Dakota

As I noted in an earlier post I recently took a trip to the badlands of South Dakota.  I've now finally been able to post a short video on youtube so you can see just how beautiful this area really is.  I hope you enjoy watching it...don't worry, it is only a little over 5 minutes long but in that time you'll be spellbound by the beauty you see there.

Here is another LINK that gives more information about how and when the Badlands were established as a national park.

South Dakota Arrival

I made it safely to South Dakota and my first stop was in Wall, SD.  Here is the famous and really huge landmark called Wall Drug.  I've been here before but didn't really have time to fully explore it so I'm excited to be back to give it more time.  If you've never been there I would encourage you to do so.  The city in which it is located is very small and at this time of year, not yet tourist season, there are few people and great prices.  Even the motel in which I decided to stay was less than fifty dollars for the night and gas prices are now at $3.33 per gallon.

The people that run Wall Drug are still friendly and offer an atmosphere of a small-town.  Fact is, this place is so big you could give it it's own zip code.  Regardless of what you're looking for you'll find it here.

Beware of Snakes!

Made it through Minnesota with no problems.  Pretty warm temperatures and here too good roads on which to drive.  Traffic was light early in the morning and lots of Mcdonalds restaurants to stop at for some rich brewed, and much needed, coffee.

The first rest stop I stopped at in South Dakota offered an interesting sign.  It also warned that "camping, in rest areas is a violation so if your plan to do that, don't!

I'm thinking that if you are traveling with a pet it would be best to use extra caution.  What do you think?

Iowa first night staying in my van

Beautiful clear skies spelled really cold temperatures and I nearly froze my cookies off last night.  I'm thinking Wal-Mart for a little portable heater will be one of next stops.  No fun to be cold regardless of how exciting your trip is.

Next stop will be South Dakota.  Taking 35 North to Minnesota and then West to the Bad Lands.  Can't wait!

One nice thing about Iowa is that they really take good care of their roads.  I haven't seen a pot hole and the roads are so smooth it is like driving on glass.  Thank you Iowa Road Commission!

Can You Say Roadtrip?

Along with Spring comes the required road trip.  And, as I'm not one to break tradition, I have embarked on my first trip of the year.  Left today for South Dakota.  On my list of things to see are the Badlands, Blackhills, Mount Rushmore and hopefully Sturgis before it gets crazy there.

My first stop is always the I80 Truckstop just into Iowa.  It is advertised as the world's largest truck stop and, as I have no way to prove otherwise, I'll accept that claim and take a closer look.

Since I visited here over 15 years ago it has changed a lot...and not necessarily for the better.  Before the people were friendly and it had a small-town atmosphere.  Not so much anymore.  It has gone the route of "big."  Now it is filled with the normal other-truck-stop stuff that costs way too much for what you get.  Before it had great food at a reasonable price.  Now the food buffet costs $12.95 and looked like death warmed over...No thank you very much.

Can you tell I didn't care much for this place?  The only good part was the fact that gas prices were actually lower than Michigan by twenty cents per gallon so I filled up and moved on.  Next stop will be North of Des Moines Iowa for the night.

He's Alive

This is and likely will be for a very long time my most favorite songs that Dolly ever did.  It is such a joy to celebrate Christ Risen on this special day each year.  Thank you Jesus!

When Three Equals One

Three colors; light blue then a little darker blue and finally dark blue all make up the colors of the waters in Lake Michigan today in Ludington, Michigan. As I sit watching the breakers crashing on the ice-covered pier I remember last summer's warm water and the fishermen catching huge salmon from the pier. I remember the warm temperatures that allowed walking along the pier shirtless and loving it.

Today is clear with only a slight evidence of clouds far out from shore. No risk of snow and the promise of warmer days ahead. Nature paints such wonderful portraits for us to enjoy. I hope you're able to do just that in the near future.

I really couldn't believe that these guys were out of the pier.  Many people die from falling off or being swept off the pier by waves and wind.  Perhaps I could understand it a little better if they were fishing but they weren't.  Nope, just standing there watching the water.  Calmer on the side they are on but regardless still very dangerous.