Last Saturday on June 13, 2009 we took a ride to the Falls for which the city was named. It is a charming setting on the Big Sioux River. From an observation tower you can catch a view of the city and the rock formations surrounding the falls.
An old hydr-electric plant was converted into a coffee shop overlooking the falls. The view behind the falls is of the big John Morrell packing plant.
A free trolley takes visitors around the town for about a half an hour. There are many interesting older buildings. My friend from work who grew up in Sioux Falls told me that she went to high school in what is now the Art / Science Center; a pretty 3 story building of dark gray granite. My friend said some forty years ago, girls wore dresses to school and the boys enjoyed looking up the staircases as the girls came down to go to their next classes.
The city is clean and inviting. We stopped back the next day at the Arts / Science Center to lift the car on a platform using the principle of leverage. The car was suspended from one end of a beam using mechanical advantage of the lever. Using leverage one person can pull on the rope at the end of the lever and lift up the car. I tried it. It wasn't even heavy.
There are sculptures all around the town. People can vote on their favorites. The city buys the people's choice from the artist and it becomes part of the city.
We stopped downtown one morning before the dance at a cafe on main street and enjoyed eggs benedict as we watched a few people walking around the downtown. It is such a peaceful place.
Stan describing the Sioux Falls park.
Pow Wow
We learned at a rest stop on the drive to Sioux Falls that in addition to the Polka Fest at the fairgrounds there was an Indian Pow Wow. While making a waffle for breakfast at our hotel a Native American invited us to come to the Pow Wow, which was open to the public, to honor all Vetrans. He suggsted we try an Indian Taco while there.
We took a break from Polka dancing and walked to the outdoor stadium to the PowWow. A man was announcing the songs that were being played. Groups of mostly men sitting in a circle round a big drum took turns in a fast paced sequence playing, chanting and pounding out a beat. I didn't even know their songs were different. That must be what they think when they hear Polka music. That is all sounds so strange and alike.
We tried the Indian Taco. It was tender fried bread layered with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese and tomato. It was delicious. I tried it another day at a restaurant, but it didn't compare to the freshness at the PowWow.
Road home through Valentine Nebraska with a stop off at Brian Bridge
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Sioux Falls South Dakota 6-12-09
Rain fell in buckets as we edged our way toward Sioux Falls. Before leaving Mitchell, we drove by the Corn Palace - a huge community hall decorated in dyed corn hucks in murals depicting the area. We stopped for gas was we were leaving town and found gas was $2.49/gal for 89 octane. This is about ten cents a gallon less than other places of lower octane. The friendly clerk explained that they buy their gas direct from the local refinery and pass the discount along to their customers. The store even gave us a free cup of coffee. What nice friendly folks.
There is not a scrap of trash along the highway, on sidewalks or by doorways. Cleanliness must be next to Godliness as least in this part of South Dakota.
Sioux Falls is only 67 miles from Mitchell. We are excited to hear the bands at the 3 day Polka Festival.
When leaving Mitchell at the I90 entrance is a giant Cabelas. We stopped and I could have done some serious shopping if we had more time. Pretty Niffty stuff. It is not all flannel shirts with patterns of wolves and coyotes.
The 2nd Annual South Dakota Polkafest should have been our clue to things to come. Second doesn't mean that things will run smoothly. The farigrounds exhibit hall was huge. A new wooden dance floor had just been constructed from non-treated masonite type material. Dance wax was thrown on the floor for smooth sailing. A little too smooth as I soon put on my rubber soled shoes to keep from falling. Stan did the same. Others wore tennis shoes.
The hall was split down the middle with 4 bands on each side. It was separated by about 20 feet by the concession with tables set up for eating. Two large tarps were hung behind the bands from the high ceiling to the floor along with bedspreads at a lower level right behind the bands.
These are some of the best Polka bands from Chicago, Cleveland, Twin Cities MN, Omaha and Fargo ND. It was OK at first when they started playing. Then the bleed over of noise from the other band playing at the same time started. Each band cranked up the sound louder and louder. I stuffed ear plugs in to stay coherent. Others asked for their entry fee back. Most were denied.
Each band had their own special talents to offer. If you were right in front of the band you could hear it. Johnny Koenig was the sleeper. At 23 he can really play that accordion. He started playing when he was 5. We bought one of his CDs. It is really great music. Another band - Freeze Dried caught our attention. It combined Polka beat to rock tunes with some peppy singers. A real entertainment. See video clips on my polka blog. http://www.polkacolorado.blogspot.com
There is not a scrap of trash along the highway, on sidewalks or by doorways. Cleanliness must be next to Godliness as least in this part of South Dakota.
Sioux Falls is only 67 miles from Mitchell. We are excited to hear the bands at the 3 day Polka Festival.
When leaving Mitchell at the I90 entrance is a giant Cabelas. We stopped and I could have done some serious shopping if we had more time. Pretty Niffty stuff. It is not all flannel shirts with patterns of wolves and coyotes.
The 2nd Annual South Dakota Polkafest should have been our clue to things to come. Second doesn't mean that things will run smoothly. The farigrounds exhibit hall was huge. A new wooden dance floor had just been constructed from non-treated masonite type material. Dance wax was thrown on the floor for smooth sailing. A little too smooth as I soon put on my rubber soled shoes to keep from falling. Stan did the same. Others wore tennis shoes.
The hall was split down the middle with 4 bands on each side. It was separated by about 20 feet by the concession with tables set up for eating. Two large tarps were hung behind the bands from the high ceiling to the floor along with bedspreads at a lower level right behind the bands.
These are some of the best Polka bands from Chicago, Cleveland, Twin Cities MN, Omaha and Fargo ND. It was OK at first when they started playing. Then the bleed over of noise from the other band playing at the same time started. Each band cranked up the sound louder and louder. I stuffed ear plugs in to stay coherent. Others asked for their entry fee back. Most were denied.
Each band had their own special talents to offer. If you were right in front of the band you could hear it. Johnny Koenig was the sleeper. At 23 he can really play that accordion. He started playing when he was 5. We bought one of his CDs. It is really great music. Another band - Freeze Dried caught our attention. It combined Polka beat to rock tunes with some peppy singers. A real entertainment. See video clips on my polka blog. http://www.polkacolorado.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Crazy Horse - Mount Rushmore - Badlands South Dakota 6-10-09 / 6-11-09
6-10-09 Crazy Horse
It was raining steady enough to carry an umbrella when outside and keep the wipers flapping as we were driving. We left the picturesque town of Hot Springs South Dakota on Highway 385 through the Black Hills. As we drive, I catch a few of the names of the parks; Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, Black Hills National Forest. Buffalos roam in the meadows through rolling hills of short grass fresh from the recent rains. This is open range for miles. Bison own this land.
The terrain changes through the Black Hills National Forest and the open range changes to fences. Out cropping of large boulders dot the steeper hillside. Bright light colored lichen offers a contrast to the dark colored granite. Patches of purple flowers cluster together in the shadows.
It is still raining off and on and clouds hang heavy in the sky. We stop at the gate of Crazy Horse Memorial and decide to pay the $10 per person to see the museum and a video about this memorial to all Native Americans. In the distance we see the mountain with the profile of the face of Crazy Horse.
Korczak Ziolkowski was commissioned in 1947 by Chief Standing Bear to sculpt Crazy Horse from the mountain. Korczak was self-taught in art, architecture and engineering. His talent and skills were first put to work on Mount Rushmore. Crazy Horse became his life’s work. He started in 1949 when he was age 40. He tramped up and down the 750 wooden steps he built on the side of the mountain. Buda, his somewhat inefficient air compressor sat at the bottom of the hill with compressed air lines stretching up to the top of the hill. He used dynamite to blast away parts of the mountain so he could reveal the face deep in the top of the mountain.
It is quite the work in progress and won’t be completed for another 40 years. I’ll be 103 by them. The magnitude of this creation is amazing. Korczak died in 1982. He was a proud Polish American who gave many of his 10 children authentic Polish names. Seven of them and his wife who is now in her eighties still work on the mountain for in the museum. Such dedication to a life’s work is honorable. He was relentless in following his dream with full knowledge that it would not be completed in his life time.
This memorial is all privately funding as they would never take government funding or didn’t want interference or compromise in the plan. They didn’t feel it should be funded from taxpayers funds but from the interested public. Well worth the visit.
The President’s at Mount Rushmore hid the whole day and into the night behind thick fog and rain clouds. We went back up at in the evening so see if they would peek out. We watched a movie and the presentation by the National Park Service Ranger. It was awe inspiring to be reminded of the struggles of our nation and the leaders who brought us to power in the world. The Ranger asked veterans and current active military to come on stage. A Girl Scout Troup retired the colors. Then each veterans and active military put their hand on the flag and stated their name and branch of the service. The stage was filled with dedicated individuals who helped to kept our country free through their service.
6-11-09 Mount Rushmore – Badlands
Finally the Presidents peeked out for a few hours Thursday morning before more rains fell. Seeing them sculpted high on the mountain revealing their distinguished presence brings forth my patriotic spirit.
People filled the granite walkway. Groups of family and couples stopped along the way to snap a picture with the Presidents in the background. This air was chilled to a balmy 45 degrees. Little boys asked their Dad for a snow cone when walking through the near be cafe. I’m sure the cool damp breeze chilled the folks in summer shorts and T-shirts. I’ve had on my jeans, a shirt, sweater and jacket since we left Colorado. Brrrrrr.!.
Glad the weather cleared up long enough for us to see the Presidents. The clouds and fog were just coming in as we drove out of the parking lot about 11 am. It’s a long way to come from Colorado, but worth it when you see the wonder in the mountain.
Badlands – South Dakota
On our way east on I90 we stopped off in Wall South Dakota about 50 miles outside of Rapid City. Many bill boards alert you to the 5 cent cup of coffee and other treasures at Wall Drug. We took their advise and pulled into the ample parking lot, then walk a block to Wall Drug. The place took up the whole block. The building overhang was held up with old knarled tree stumps. The coffee was a nickel. Blackberry pie caught my eye. We sat down at one of the many white marble tables to share a piece. It was pretty good. The room was surrounded with original art on the walls from a large private collection. Pretty nifty décor for a drug store.
There are a million things to buy in this massive shop, from a six shooter gun to wind chimes or T-shirts. I settled for a jar of Huckleberry syrup that I’ll try on pancakes the next time I make them on a Sunday morning.
Down the road from Wall is the entrance to the Badlands National Park. The National Park is free to those over 65 with a Park pass. Stan now has another stamp in his National Park passport book.
This is some of the most interesting place to see the effects of erosion on soil that reveals the beautiful horizontal strata of the exposed earth. Strips of different colors, caused by mineral deposits, create layers of purple, yellow ochre and rustic iron oxide mixed with hues of grey. Plant life wouldn’t thrive to keep the soil in place. Erosion caused this geologist’s paradise.
After the spectacular views through intermittent drizzle we drove miles and miles on I-ninety to spend the night in Mitchell, SD. The rain finally stopped. The GPS finds hotels really easily.
Off to a polka fest in Sioux Falls tomorrow.
It was raining steady enough to carry an umbrella when outside and keep the wipers flapping as we were driving. We left the picturesque town of Hot Springs South Dakota on Highway 385 through the Black Hills. As we drive, I catch a few of the names of the parks; Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, Black Hills National Forest. Buffalos roam in the meadows through rolling hills of short grass fresh from the recent rains. This is open range for miles. Bison own this land.
The terrain changes through the Black Hills National Forest and the open range changes to fences. Out cropping of large boulders dot the steeper hillside. Bright light colored lichen offers a contrast to the dark colored granite. Patches of purple flowers cluster together in the shadows.
It is still raining off and on and clouds hang heavy in the sky. We stop at the gate of Crazy Horse Memorial and decide to pay the $10 per person to see the museum and a video about this memorial to all Native Americans. In the distance we see the mountain with the profile of the face of Crazy Horse.
Korczak Ziolkowski was commissioned in 1947 by Chief Standing Bear to sculpt Crazy Horse from the mountain. Korczak was self-taught in art, architecture and engineering. His talent and skills were first put to work on Mount Rushmore. Crazy Horse became his life’s work. He started in 1949 when he was age 40. He tramped up and down the 750 wooden steps he built on the side of the mountain. Buda, his somewhat inefficient air compressor sat at the bottom of the hill with compressed air lines stretching up to the top of the hill. He used dynamite to blast away parts of the mountain so he could reveal the face deep in the top of the mountain.
It is quite the work in progress and won’t be completed for another 40 years. I’ll be 103 by them. The magnitude of this creation is amazing. Korczak died in 1982. He was a proud Polish American who gave many of his 10 children authentic Polish names. Seven of them and his wife who is now in her eighties still work on the mountain for in the museum. Such dedication to a life’s work is honorable. He was relentless in following his dream with full knowledge that it would not be completed in his life time.
This memorial is all privately funding as they would never take government funding or didn’t want interference or compromise in the plan. They didn’t feel it should be funded from taxpayers funds but from the interested public. Well worth the visit.
The President’s at Mount Rushmore hid the whole day and into the night behind thick fog and rain clouds. We went back up at in the evening so see if they would peek out. We watched a movie and the presentation by the National Park Service Ranger. It was awe inspiring to be reminded of the struggles of our nation and the leaders who brought us to power in the world. The Ranger asked veterans and current active military to come on stage. A Girl Scout Troup retired the colors. Then each veterans and active military put their hand on the flag and stated their name and branch of the service. The stage was filled with dedicated individuals who helped to kept our country free through their service.
6-11-09 Mount Rushmore – Badlands
Finally the Presidents peeked out for a few hours Thursday morning before more rains fell. Seeing them sculpted high on the mountain revealing their distinguished presence brings forth my patriotic spirit.
People filled the granite walkway. Groups of family and couples stopped along the way to snap a picture with the Presidents in the background. This air was chilled to a balmy 45 degrees. Little boys asked their Dad for a snow cone when walking through the near be cafe. I’m sure the cool damp breeze chilled the folks in summer shorts and T-shirts. I’ve had on my jeans, a shirt, sweater and jacket since we left Colorado. Brrrrrr.!.
Glad the weather cleared up long enough for us to see the Presidents. The clouds and fog were just coming in as we drove out of the parking lot about 11 am. It’s a long way to come from Colorado, but worth it when you see the wonder in the mountain.
Badlands – South Dakota
On our way east on I90 we stopped off in Wall South Dakota about 50 miles outside of Rapid City. Many bill boards alert you to the 5 cent cup of coffee and other treasures at Wall Drug. We took their advise and pulled into the ample parking lot, then walk a block to Wall Drug. The place took up the whole block. The building overhang was held up with old knarled tree stumps. The coffee was a nickel. Blackberry pie caught my eye. We sat down at one of the many white marble tables to share a piece. It was pretty good. The room was surrounded with original art on the walls from a large private collection. Pretty nifty décor for a drug store.
There are a million things to buy in this massive shop, from a six shooter gun to wind chimes or T-shirts. I settled for a jar of Huckleberry syrup that I’ll try on pancakes the next time I make them on a Sunday morning.
Down the road from Wall is the entrance to the Badlands National Park. The National Park is free to those over 65 with a Park pass. Stan now has another stamp in his National Park passport book.
This is some of the most interesting place to see the effects of erosion on soil that reveals the beautiful horizontal strata of the exposed earth. Strips of different colors, caused by mineral deposits, create layers of purple, yellow ochre and rustic iron oxide mixed with hues of grey. Plant life wouldn’t thrive to keep the soil in place. Erosion caused this geologist’s paradise.
After the spectacular views through intermittent drizzle we drove miles and miles on I-ninety to spend the night in Mitchell, SD. The rain finally stopped. The GPS finds hotels really easily.
Off to a polka fest in Sioux Falls tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Road Trip to Souxi Falls South Dakota 6-9-09
Stan and I took a week long road trip to Sioux Falls South Dakota on our way to a three day Polka Festival.
Bright and early on Tuesday we took the quiet roads out of Denver toward Fort Morgan. It is beautiful open farming country dotted with housing developments and pockets of suburban shopping centers.
Once we head north through the Pawnee National Grassland there is nary a car or truck riding the highway with us. The Grasslands are lush in rich shades a green from all the recent rains in April and May.
Toward Kimbell Nebraska we see a couple groups of antelope with their white tails sailing through the countryside not a bit concerned with the fences lining the fields of grazing lands. This brings to mind the lyrics from Home on the range "Where the deer and antelope play.." or something like that. As the morning gray from rainy days burn off, the sky fills with blue and overlays with silky wisps of gossamer clouds beneath billows of cumulus. The layers look so inviting, the depth and dimension so pronounced you feel like taking a walk through their mystery.
From time to time we see a few old windmills spinning next to pools of water from yesterday's rain. I snap a shot as the car speeds by, just to catch the moment.
A hum V, painted in camouflage, rests on a dirt road with a couple of army folks soaking in the view. There are several of these fenced in unobtrusive sites along the way; supposedly the grounds of missile silos.
Driving through Kimbell Nebraska we pass by a few blocks of quiet homes with well manicured lawns to the two or three blocks of the downtown. Nothing seems to be going on and many former busy shops are now empty and closed up. Trees line the road out of town as we drive toward Scottsbluff to visit my sister Nancy and her husband Bob.
The jaunt over Wildcat Hill brings an expansive view of the city of Gerring - Scottsbluf. Nancy told me many a story of winter trips over this hill that were a cause of concern due to slick roads on stormy days. Today the view was spectacular with the sandstone formations dotted with pine and other scrub trees.
GPS works to find Nancy's home off a dirt road form the Sugar Factory Road. We were greeted warmly by their friendly dog Jackie. The Angus steers in the corral lifted their heads just long enough from their naps to see who had driven into the yard. The still silence is amazing. Miles and miles of quiet.
We had a nice visit with Nancy and Bob. I had planned this trip to drop off a couple of quilts for my Grand Nieces; Brianna just graduated from High School and her sister Brittany who just got married Saturday 6-6-2009 to Shelby Neilson. Brianna likes blue. Her quilt included fabric her Great Grandmother, Frances Swanson had collected. Brittany loves pink. Wedding quilts are such fun to make and give as gifts. Her pattern was the May Basket pattern in bright pink with green polka dots.
I have given several May Basket patterned quilts for weddings. Beth Jones a black and white one (black was popular when she married ten years ago in about 1998 or 1999). Robert Truett got a bright green May Basket quilt when he married Rebecca right out of high school and moved to Lamar around 1993. Wonder if he still has that one. When my niece Tracy married Steve Libby she received a black May basket with peach as the contrast. That was really a long time ago sometime in the nineties way before digital cameras were the rage. Sarah, Rachel's sister, just married Chris Jones on May 15 2009. I made them a green May Basket quilt. It was one of the prettiest I've made.
We visited with Nancy's 12 cats that all came as a result of the one lone stray mother cat that was dropped off in the country. Some are good mousers(catching only) out on the farm. Mostly they provide company for Nancy. They all have names and a play yard to die for. PVC pipes provide fun places for them to romp around and hide from each other in their enclosed yards. They use an old chicken coup where they have their lounging room of cushy beds. They can roam about the farm when company is not visiting.
Bob has a coup of about 7 Ginny hens. Their feathers are dark gray with white spots. They can fly if they want although they have a pretty nice life in the chicken coup and fenced in yard. Bob started with a couple of hens and grew his flock. One time they were flying about when the corn was tall. Coyotes captured most of the flock as they couldn't get a good take off through the tall corn. He has grown the flock again. Most are old hens so their eggs probably are menopausal.
Off we traveled toward the Rocky Presidents at Mount Rushmore. We stopped for gas at $2.59/gal in Chadron Nebraska and a cup of coffee from 85 cents. There were no Starbucks in sight, but we did see a Walmart.
We stopped for the night at Hot Springs South Dakota. It is a quite resort type town with red sand stone buildings along the main street. Food is nice and greasy and delicious. Amenities are limited, but I do have an internet connection. I put a few photos on facebook.
Bright and early on Tuesday we took the quiet roads out of Denver toward Fort Morgan. It is beautiful open farming country dotted with housing developments and pockets of suburban shopping centers.
Once we head north through the Pawnee National Grassland there is nary a car or truck riding the highway with us. The Grasslands are lush in rich shades a green from all the recent rains in April and May.
Toward Kimbell Nebraska we see a couple groups of antelope with their white tails sailing through the countryside not a bit concerned with the fences lining the fields of grazing lands. This brings to mind the lyrics from Home on the range "Where the deer and antelope play.." or something like that. As the morning gray from rainy days burn off, the sky fills with blue and overlays with silky wisps of gossamer clouds beneath billows of cumulus. The layers look so inviting, the depth and dimension so pronounced you feel like taking a walk through their mystery.
From time to time we see a few old windmills spinning next to pools of water from yesterday's rain. I snap a shot as the car speeds by, just to catch the moment.
A hum V, painted in camouflage, rests on a dirt road with a couple of army folks soaking in the view. There are several of these fenced in unobtrusive sites along the way; supposedly the grounds of missile silos.
Driving through Kimbell Nebraska we pass by a few blocks of quiet homes with well manicured lawns to the two or three blocks of the downtown. Nothing seems to be going on and many former busy shops are now empty and closed up. Trees line the road out of town as we drive toward Scottsbluff to visit my sister Nancy and her husband Bob.
The jaunt over Wildcat Hill brings an expansive view of the city of Gerring - Scottsbluf. Nancy told me many a story of winter trips over this hill that were a cause of concern due to slick roads on stormy days. Today the view was spectacular with the sandstone formations dotted with pine and other scrub trees.
GPS works to find Nancy's home off a dirt road form the Sugar Factory Road. We were greeted warmly by their friendly dog Jackie. The Angus steers in the corral lifted their heads just long enough from their naps to see who had driven into the yard. The still silence is amazing. Miles and miles of quiet.
We had a nice visit with Nancy and Bob. I had planned this trip to drop off a couple of quilts for my Grand Nieces; Brianna just graduated from High School and her sister Brittany who just got married Saturday 6-6-2009 to Shelby Neilson. Brianna likes blue. Her quilt included fabric her Great Grandmother, Frances Swanson had collected. Brittany loves pink. Wedding quilts are such fun to make and give as gifts. Her pattern was the May Basket pattern in bright pink with green polka dots.
I have given several May Basket patterned quilts for weddings. Beth Jones a black and white one (black was popular when she married ten years ago in about 1998 or 1999). Robert Truett got a bright green May Basket quilt when he married Rebecca right out of high school and moved to Lamar around 1993. Wonder if he still has that one. When my niece Tracy married Steve Libby she received a black May basket with peach as the contrast. That was really a long time ago sometime in the nineties way before digital cameras were the rage. Sarah, Rachel's sister, just married Chris Jones on May 15 2009. I made them a green May Basket quilt. It was one of the prettiest I've made.
We visited with Nancy's 12 cats that all came as a result of the one lone stray mother cat that was dropped off in the country. Some are good mousers(catching only) out on the farm. Mostly they provide company for Nancy. They all have names and a play yard to die for. PVC pipes provide fun places for them to romp around and hide from each other in their enclosed yards. They use an old chicken coup where they have their lounging room of cushy beds. They can roam about the farm when company is not visiting.
Bob has a coup of about 7 Ginny hens. Their feathers are dark gray with white spots. They can fly if they want although they have a pretty nice life in the chicken coup and fenced in yard. Bob started with a couple of hens and grew his flock. One time they were flying about when the corn was tall. Coyotes captured most of the flock as they couldn't get a good take off through the tall corn. He has grown the flock again. Most are old hens so their eggs probably are menopausal.
Off we traveled toward the Rocky Presidents at Mount Rushmore. We stopped for gas at $2.59/gal in Chadron Nebraska and a cup of coffee from 85 cents. There were no Starbucks in sight, but we did see a Walmart.
We stopped for the night at Hot Springs South Dakota. It is a quite resort type town with red sand stone buildings along the main street. Food is nice and greasy and delicious. Amenities are limited, but I do have an internet connection. I put a few photos on facebook.
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