Who We Are

We sold our home in June, 2007, and spent the next 7 1/2 years traveling full time in a Cross Roads Fifth Wheel. (We had been traveling during our summers for several years before going full time.) We loved the full-time lifestyle! Each summer we spent a month or two volunteering in State Parks, first in Indiana at McCormick's Creek State Park, near our family, then in later years as the grandchildren got older, at the Bluewater Lake State Park in New Mexico. We spent 6 months each winter at Cactus Gardens RV Resort in Yuma, AZ, where I worked mornings in the park office. The remaining months were spent on the road, seeing this great country of ours. Our favorite places are our National Parks. Anita loved photography and the freedom of digital photography, taking sometimes hundreds of photos in a day. We hiked as much as our legs will allow. We also really enjoyed square and round dancing as we travel across country, and meeting all the wonderful people who dance and/or travel.

But as in all things, there comes a time for change, and we decided it was time to create roots once more. In the fall of 2014, we purchased a home in Cactus Gardens, and in the spring of 2015, sold the 5th wheel. Anita also retired in the spring. We will continue to travel each summer, but for a shorter period of time. We hope to continue blogging about those trips, but it will obviously be on a more limited basis than in the past.

Please explore our past posts if you are interested in traveling this great country. You'll find an index in the left column. We hope you enjoy our blog, and appreciate all comments

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Spearfish Canyon and Deadwood

2004-07-24 -1- SD - Sturgis to Deadwood (3)Spearfish CanyonWe decided while in Belle Fourche to take a drive along Spearfish Canyon.  We began on the east side, driving through the town of Deadwood.   Once known for its notoriety of gold, gambling and gunpowder, it is now visited primarily for its 86 casinos offering possibly less riches than the gold mines of yesteryear.

However, it is still a colorful town, and maintains its western personality, at least outside in the streets.

 2004-07-24 -2- SD, Deadwood 2004-07-24 -2- SD, Deadwood (2)

 2004-07-24 -2- SD, Deadwood (3)

2004-07-24 -2- SD, Deadwood (4)Colorful mannequins adorn the upstairs windows.

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Perhaps the two best known names in Mt. Moriah Cemetery are Wild Bill Hickok, killed in a poker game in Deadwood

2004-07-24 -3- SD, Deadwood Cemetery - Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane's Gravesitesand Calamity Jane, buried next to him. 2004-07-24 -3- SD, Deadwood Cemetery - Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane's Gravesites (2)The Cemetery is truly a “boot hill” high above the town.2004-07-24 -3- SD, Deadwood Cemetery - Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane's Gravesites (4)

After leaving Deadwood and nearby Lead, we started the drive up the canyon, stopping for a walk to see Spearfish Falls.P1050081

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Also along the route is the misty Bridal Veil Falls.

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It’s a beautiful drive, winding between the canyon walls

P1050018    P1050112and along the Spearfish Creek.P1050053 

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