Little known wonders under our feet at Wind Cave Tunnel

If someone told me that a labyrinth of twisting and turning caverns and tunnels were under the grasslands of southeast South Dakota, I would never have believed them. But alas, I have seen them for myself! If not for the curiosity of 16-year old Alvin McDonald, we might not know the wonders that lie beneath the surface at Wind Cave National Park. Above, the antelope, prairie dogs and buffalo roam, while below, millions of year's worth of limestone and gypsum have created a beautiful network of explored and unexplored natural wonders. The boxwork and frostwork formations are evidenced in many ceilings and walls. Wind Cave has more than 130 miles of surveyed passageways and is said to be the fourth longest in the world. In his short life - he died at 21 from complications of typhoid - Alvin called Wind Cave his home and explored most every day with his headlamp and balls of string to measure up to 10 miles of this secret destination hundreds of feet below earth's surface.

The great state of South Dakota

On my way through the southern and western parts of South Dakota, I had the opportunity to see some of the sites I had only read about in the past. Beyond Mitchell, and through the badlands to the minutemen missile silo and the highly promoted Wall Drug (which is much more than a drugstore), the changing terrain of this state was interesting. They have been lacking in the rain department, but I saw a twister in formation and hope that rain was at least on the menu for some of the parched lands.

Yesterday brought me to Mt. Rushmore which was magnificent! To see the vision of the great sculptor Borglum and the state's forefathers Norbeck and Robinson and how the roads and the views of the mount came together for the enjoyment of the visitors was awesome. This landscape is truly beautiful and a must see when traveling. On through the wildlife loop and buffalo within arm's reach, along needles highway and culminating in a hike around Sylvan Lake, it was a full day! I topped it off with a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial - still in progress, and then on to the infamous Deadwood, SD which deserves a blog post all it's own!

Today I leave Rapid City, heading south again, but this time I will go below earth's surface and take in the world below in Wind Cave National Park. I might need mother's little helper, but it will surely be worth it!

No worries- Mitchell's Corn Palace doesn't disappoint!

Some might worry that the great beauty and charm of some of South Dakota's tourist appeal may have been lost with the crazy weather patterns that have been experienced throughout the United States this year, but rest assured all is well in Mitchell, SD and this year's corn palace design doesn't disappoint! A Salute to Youth Activities" makes its way, kernel by kernel and ear by ear on this attraction in the quaint town of Mitchell! Also in town this weekend is a summer festival with carnival rides and games and shopping galore. It's definitely a "don't miss" on one's trek across the heart of America.

Stay tuned for Badlands pics, an almost twister and big horned sheep - up next!

Onward Ho - To Mitchell We Go!

I'm off across the southern part of South Dakota today. My work obligations are complete and I'm now in full vacation mode. Goodbye Sioux Falls and thanks for a great Travel Media Showcase. I've made some new friends and visited with some old friends. Lots of good contacts from this trip. Now let's get this party started. Bring on Mitchell, Wall Drug and the famous  jackalopes ;) Let's go -- the badass Badlands are awaiting!

Showcase in the "heart of America"

Never in a million years would I have thought I would have the opportunity to visit a place like Sioux Falls, SD! But as luck would have it, I had the opportunity and I am now working a travel media showcase in the heart of America. Sioux Falls has a history of native America - mostly because of the Sioux influence in this area, but it also has a history of  pioneer exploration, industry and, of course, tourism. The falls today are low in intensity mostly due to the drought taking part in a large part of the United States. But still, the beauty of the natural landmark outweighs the temporary low level glitch. I am still looking for more links to the Sioux influences here...I will keep you posted... Stay tuned!

Frank Lloyd Wright had the Right Idea - May 17

After a day of light hiking, a picturesque road east along scenic highway 81 and breakfast with the locals in Payson, Gary and I toured Taliesin West, Wright's Western home away from home and a current architectural work program. Wright had the uncanny Bility to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living and it is a style I absolutely love! Off today to hike Camelback Mountain. Having a great time!

Always The Travel Host -- Never the Traveler - May 16

I have to admit, even though I work in the travel/tourism industry, I'm not much of a traveler. Oh, I've been to Disney World and I live at the shore, but I've never been further west than Chicago, IL. I feel a true connection to the earth, so I'm very excited to be heading into a beautiful and spiritual part of our glorious country. I'm a little nervous though. My husband and I haven't been on a true vacation alone together since 1986, the year after we were married. At the time, I was in the beginning stages of pregnancy and didn't know it yet. Needless to say my sickness and tiredness didn't bode well for me to be a fun travel partner. I hope to make up for it this trip. This will be a great opportunity to begin our future life together as we approach the empty nest years. I've been breaking in my new hiking boots by wearing them while gardening and all of our other travel arrangements have been confirmed. Today is my last day at work and my mind is in full vacation mode. In a few days I'll be on my way to a new -- and hopefully not last -- trip of a lifetime!