Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit

When this trip was initially planned, I had convinced my parents that going to North Dakota would be an adventure. Of course, with little knowledge of the state, we were not quite sure what we would do. So, I did a little research.

On NPR, there is a broadcast of a show called "The Jefferson Hour." In listening to it on a regular basis, I learned that the show is broadcast from North Dakota. I perused the site and became intrigued with Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Oxbow Overlook specifically. Dad had had enough driving for a while, so Mom and I hit the road to view this particular destination. The pictures below are some of the stops along the way.

Slumps are upper portions of a butte that have become so saturated that they slide down to a lower level of land in tact. If compared to the mound above it, the same levels of rock segregation can be found.

Cannonball concretions are formed as the soil and rock move and slump.

Two views of the Oxbow Overlook.

Our second wildlife sighting. Little did we know our time in Yellowstone would be filled with bison encounters of the herd kind. :)

Painted Canyon, ND

Among the deserted flat lands of South Dakota, we faced huge topographical changes in an instant. Land would suddenly disappear to reveal Grand Canyon like gorges and rises that were riddled with color and vegetation.

As we were doing laundry in Dickinson, ND, Dad found a little coffer shop. The proprietor shared that we should be sure to stop in at the visitor's center of the Painted Canyon on our way to Medora. Few do and they miss the view. It was a fabulous recommendation.

The attendant had a scope set on a herd of elk on the rise in the distance. This was our first wildlife spotting. The colors were brilliant and the shapes very pleasing to the eye.

Medora, ND

The canyon behind the Medora Musical stage.


The newly refurbished Round Rider Hotel and Restaurant.
We ate dinner here at a tune of $$$ and vowed to keep the meals reduced in cost for the remainder of the trip. That has been a difficult task. Upon exiting the restaurant, we read personal letters written by Theodore Roosevelt to a Medora, SD resident named Joe Ferris. They were very personable.

The rope was dry on this day.

This quaint little town had about 6 streets that included some lodging, 4 churches and eclectic shops. All a stop on the way to the North Dakota pride and joy, "Medora, the Musical."

Our first close up sighting of actual wildlife was on the ridge behind the amphitheater of "Medora, the Musical." Two bull elk were casually dining on plush grass until the crotchety older fella decided there was not enough to go around. It kept the audience entertained for at least an hour. Then a lone horseman topped the ridge and herded the elk off. Was this staged???

Outdoor stage and corral for "Medora, the Musical."

The event was pleasant, but the showmanship and singing did not compare to a Six Flags or Disney show. I was quite surprised since over 2,000 people audition for the show each year. The best singer was Teddy Roosevelt and his appearances were quite sporadic. It was uplifting to see another state show significant pride for their home.

The best part of the evening was the comedian. Mostly wholesome humor had Dad's shoulders rolling and throat blurting bursts of laughter. The comedian's commentary included second hand drinking and skills of small game hunters. Quite entertaining.

Iron Mountain Road

The day after visiting Mt. Rushmore, we took the northern route on Iron Mountain Road. Three tunnels were strategically placed and blasted so that travelers could see the progress of the carving/blasting framed through the tunnels. Then the road was constructed so travelers would actually see the phenomenon. Here are the 4 fellas looking over Mom's right shoulder.

Peony envy

One of the most joyous experiences of this excursion has been hearing Mom squeal with enthusiasm as she encounters plants and flowers from her childhood home in Illinois. In the garden of the Hartfiel Inn Bed and Breakfast in Dickinson, North Dakota, a late blooming peony plant immediately caught her eye. She had to touch, smell and view the blooms. It was clearly a moving experience for her.

The following day, we went bike riding on a path around the local community center. On the northern side of the path was a sea of peony plants that had Mom exclaiming a wish to live in North Dakota so she could have her garden of days gone by. Of course, the winters would send her rapidly packing to the temperate climate of Texas, but the dream is definitely there. She hopes that Mary sees this picture!!!

Chapel in the Hills

Finding The Chapel in the Hills on the outskirts of Rapid City, South Dakota was a complete fluke. Mom is a big reader of all things informative when it comes to visiting new locations and she was the one who found this treasure. After a long day of traveling through Custer State Park, on Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, we decided to stop here just before supper.

Modeled after the Borgund Stavkirke in Laerdal, Norway, the chapel found a home in Rapid City to be a broadcasting location for the Lutheran Vespers radio program in 1969. Though the radio program is no long broadcast, the Lutheran church still holds a nightly vespers service in the chapel. It is run by volunteers and the chapel's sole source of income is donations from visitors. The managers live on site and the Lutheran church pays for their benefits.
The atmosphere was very much like a monastery campus. The grounds were immaculately manicured and the surroundings were aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and ears. Behind the chapel was a prayer walk path and a courtyard for gatherings. The interior was simply furnished with a homemade wooden altar and low benches. Yet doorways and woodwork were quite ornate with regards to carvings.

An old log cabin constructed by a Norwegian was moved to the property to become a museum.

A stabbur, a grass-roofed storehouse, was constructed in Oslo and transported to Rapid City to become The Chapel in the Hills' gift shop and visitor's center.

It is quite interesting and moving to see how different cultures and faiths worship and honor God. It was clear to me that He was present in this place. The grounds exuded peace and the structures seemed to be crafted by hands of love. Each carved image, rounded corner piece and triangular shingle reflected a talent that was joyfully given to God. It created a craving to find some time to just be, wait and watch God work in the world and in the lives of people around me.

Mt. Rushmore

Though a previous blog documents my initial visit to this monument, it is always refreshing to see something through the eyes and senses of another. Also, when your head is not inundated with the fear that your life will completely fall apart if you don't tread lightly, things just appear brighter. I think God is making a concerted effort to show me that things are greener on the other side. Healing does not seem such a constant effort anymore. Granted, the dreams or memories can lead to an instant case of sadness, but those moments are rare and less powerful.

Mom commented that I laugh at her quite a bit. My comeback was that I laugh at everyone and I hadn't laughed for three years. It is a very good sign.

One thing I did miss during my previous visit was the sculptor's studio. It was the one location mom was really interested in viewing, so down and up the 40 stairs we trudged. It was a superb choice. The original model of the monument was visible and quite intriguing. Gutzon Borglum had intended to complete Lincoln's face and bring the entire image down to the torso. As the blasting and carving proceeded, it became clear that the rock could not sustain such intrusions.

During the moments before the lighting ceremony, a mountain goat climbed around the rocks and rubble just under the presidents, offering pre-show entertainment for the crowd. Amazingly, it never faltered as it jumped, scratched, pawed and rolled through the terrain. The real trick was trying to spot the goat after it roamed behind a rock outcropping or a clump of trees. There was a reason to have those binoculars after all.

As time advanced and the beginning of the lighting ceremony approached, God pulled out His watercolors and decorated the canvas before our very eyes.

The Ranger presentation and lighting ceremony was meaningful, informative and relevant. It was a lovely day!

Pactola Reservoir

As we approached our residential location for our South Dakota stint, we crossed Pactola Reservoir. We had to cross it a couple of times to get to and from Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park, and with each pass mom expressed an interest in finding a place on a lake to spend part of the summer. Coming north has opened the eyes of my parents as they realize there are multiple places in the United States to enjoy peaceful locales as well as cool temperatures. I would not be surprised to find them renting a VRBO near Rapid City next summer.

On our final trek over the reservoir, we finally decided to stop and take a few photographs. Though the view is inspiring, I was more impressed with my father's ability to bend at the knees in order to take a floral close-up. Oh, for a pair of spry knees.

Hisega Lodge

Our home away from home in South Dakota was the Hisega Lodge. It was nestled in the Black Hills in a little town founded in 1908. Originally built along a railroad track as a retreat for 6 ladies, the current owners have added some modern amenities and created a breathtaking retreat. Rapid Creek serenaded us to sleep each night. The scrumptious breakfasts offered tasteful sustenance to face a day of stony presidents and wildlife viewing The friendly lodgers and owners provided for a comfortable and uplifting experience. From 7 guests, to 17 guests, one never felt out of place or isolated. Conversation was easy and the environment promoted interaction and camaraderie. A better setting for relaxation, stimulation, and contemplation could not be found elsewhere.

Being new to the B and B scene, Dad found his niche at the morning breakfasts. He delved into easy converations with whomever happened to occupy the seat adjacent to him. The rustic setting along with the congenial hosts offered him just the energy he needed to feel as if he had a come home. I even heard him say he could get used to such an environment.

Rapid Creek just feet from the lodge moved in a flowing symphony. Fish were plentiful as witnessed by the catch of a Witchita Falls lodger. Birds began their arias as the sun crescendoed into a warming invitation to meet the day. Sounds so uncommon in a city atmosphere frequently caused dad to ask, "what's that noise?" and lead to chuckles as he realized that nature was offering a salutation.

There is nothing like pulling away from the demands of daily life and jumping feet first into a world of wonders perfectly orchestrated by the God of all. There is nothing more engaging than to observe others noticing the gifts offered by the Lord of Love and exclaiming with joy and awe as their senses become more attune to His creation.
Watch and hear, for He will not disappoint!!
hisegalodge.net

Pringle, SD

Though the journey was to take 2 hours and 45 minutes, we managed to take 6 hours to actually arrive at the Hisega Lodge. Our first stop was in Pringle, SD, a town consisting of about 200 people. Initially we stopped to photograph a white Methodist church that caught our eyes and ended up visiting Zeimet's Grocery and eating lunch at the Hitchrail.

The grocer shared that the town is mostly relatives and the Zeimets have resided in Pringle since the 1800s. They boast of being the best Elk Country in SD and anticipate opening a cafe right in the grocery store.

At the grocer's recommendation, we lunched at the Hitchrail Bar and Restaurant. The interior was fresh with stained pine, mounted victories and a comical cowboy hat for the current clown to don. Mom convinced dad to be clown for the day and Laura, our waitress, promptly told Dad that he had the hat on backwards and a Texan should know better. =)

Our next goal was to be Hisega, but we got sidetracked by a quilt shop in Hill City, SD. We learned all about Crazy Geisha quilt patterns, the history of the shop and the reason they do not house a "hubby chair." Apparently, they send spouses to the local winery, thus upon their return to the store they are quite amenable to the purchases made in their absence.

Once we unloaded and settled into the lodge, we sought out dinner and an intent to view the night show at Mt. Rushmore. Dinner was fine as dad invited a lodger to join us. The trek to the monument ended up being a debacle. Stubborn as I usually am, I relied on Garmin rather than our natural navigator, Mom, to direct us to our destination. Needless to say, the circuitous route did eventually lead us to the granite presidents, but the stress level in the car, the untimely arrival and the nauseatingly meandering route over the same railroad track 6 times generated a desire for respite and repose.

Back to the lodge over a similar winding path with eyes very wide open brought us to our retreat.

We'll try again another day!!

Leaving Wyoming

6:15 am - Awakened by Dad stealthily moving a bicycle from the hotel door. He had been up since 5:15 going through his very regimented morning routine. He made not a peep and maneuvered his way through the ritual on twinkletoes as Mom and I peeked through eyelids to see what his next move would be. Hair coiffed, belly pack attached, hat adorned and sunglasses mounted, Dad left the room to the sudden peals of laughter from the girls under the covers. I've never witnessed one so determined to enable someone to continue to slumber.

Through 2 construction stops and a sudden stop to photograph the state line sign, we left peaceful and unobtrusive Wyoming to move towards the next monument of choice.

Day 1 - Wyoming bound

Up bright and early!!! Mom was up before 6 AM and I shortly there after. I was filled will excitement about getting underway. I love traveling in the car for long distances. It is amazing to see how the terrain modulates into something that appears more drastic or subtle depending on the direction chosen. I am constantly amazed by the glory of our God and the majesty of His creation.
Packing the car was an intriguing puzzle. For the life of us, we could not envision the correct choreography for loading the hatchback, carrier, bikes and people. But, left to his own devices, Dad masterfully filled every nook and we all managed to feel our individual spaces were sufficiently roomy.

Initially, to Dad's dismay, mom and I chose to stop in Ft. Collins to peruse our first quilt shop and eat lunch. Destination driven, that seemed to create a bit of a sour taste in the man's mouth. But... he graciously made the stop, which gave him an opportunity to drive the car and feel the drag of the additional appendages attached to the vehicle. I think we will get our routine down soon.

Entering Big Sky Country, the eyes were pleasantly treated with the unique configurations of the Wyoming buttes and mesas. Ranch country abounded with each curve of the road. The ribbon of highway spanned as far as the eye could see and it seemed as if we were going to drive off the end of the Earth. Highway closure gates and snow fences were regular interjections throughout the scene indicating that rough winters are a common form of existence for the natives. Imagine the winters here and how one would have to spend his/her time. It is almost as if God is bidding His people to participate in private retreats with Him through the harshest part of the year. How is it possible for One to imagine such unique and stark beauty and then successfully mold it into that vision?

We arrived at the Covered Wagon Inn at around 4:30 PM. That indicated that we took 7 hours to cover 4 and 1/2 hours of distance. The hotel did not give the impression of potentially having modern amenities, but we were pleasantly surprised.

Each room was equipped with a souvenir fly swatter, flat screen TV, microwave and fridge. Once we unloaded the menagerie of bags, two bikes, a cooler and the family, we set our sights on a local restaurant and then drove around town. With a population of about 1400 people, we saw downtown and the suburbs in about a 15 minute span. The quaint shops and homes were a refreshing sight and increased my pangs to get a house in a small town. Maybe one day.

The above hotel decor rings of the great outdoors and the facility encourages occupants to avail themselves of the mentioned environs. The courtyard of the hotel contained Adirondack chairs, hammocks, picnic tables and geraniums. The suggestion made by such offerings did draw people out of their rooms and into the natural setting.

Mom and Dad were in PJs by 7:30, so I went for a brief walk before settling into documentation mode.

Great first stop and first day. We are still on good terms and looking forward to further explorations. Tomorrow we head to South Dakota where the bison are as big as my car and saunter close enough to make such a comparison.

May God bless your day!

Day before...

Dad and Mike (salesperson)
Carrier installation


Wednesday was full. I took the car in for an oil change and a tire rotation. Due to Dad's urging, we also took the cargo carrier in to be installed fully expecting to pay for the service. Needless to say, that was a good call. It took the technician a good hour to figure out the best process to get the thing mounted on my crossbars. In fact, he had to call in a floor manager to guide him through the process. Apparently, the cargo carriers are so big that the parts department does not keep them in stock. If a customer wishes to purchase one, it is taken off of a showroom model, thus the unit is already put together. After asking many questions, learning about the history of Heuberger Subaru and the owners, meeting the salesperson who sold me the car in the first place and hovering around the service bay in order the understand how to remove the carrier upon our return from our jaunt to the northwest, Dad increased his repertoire of knowledge and was confident he no longer had to feel threatened about potentially traveling in the carrier on his worst days. (The carrier can only handle 100 pounds.)

We did some last minute shopping to increase the size of our snack stash (thus we had to reserve a prime spot in the back of the car for the carb hoard), completed laundry and ironing, and prepared dinner for family and a friend. It was a delightful evening with great conversation and a touching prayerful send off.

Anticipation got the better of me and I had difficulty sleeping. This is the first time I have been completely packed the night before a big summer adventure. It was an abnormal act that made me feel unsettled. Ironic how the thing I wish to improve upon, getting things completed at least one day before they are due, actually generated a sense of discomfort. Who knew I found procrastination a "soothing" trait.

Hitting the road tomorrow!!

Preparation

Picked up my parents from the airport at noon and we have been running ragged ever since. We cleaned out the car, went to the bank, took the bike to the shop, went to the grocery store, stopped the mail and cooked dinner. I don't know if I will be able to keep up this frenetic pace with a couple of 70 year olds. I'm already worn out. :) Now I just need to focus on packing economically so that space does not become a source of contention.

It has been great to have company and the motivation to stay on task. We hit the road on Thursday and are eager to see the country through each other's eyes, but especially God's.

Anticipation

Over spring break, my parents and I scheduled a two week road trip to the northern part of the United States. After plotting and planning, it became a 4 week jaunt. It seems the foundation of our adventure will be national parks and a quilt show. The trick will be to see if the three adults as well as all of their luggage will actually fit in the vehicle. A roof luggage rack has been purchased, but that may be reserved for those behaving badly. :)

Looking forward to heading out at the end of June.