On to Estes Park and RMNP….

Monsignor Joseph Bosetti happened upon a large rock outside of Estes Park, Colorado.  He was really just searching for falling stars.  He decided that finding this large rock was a sign from God to build a chapel on it.  So….85 years ago, The Chapel on the Rock was built.

The morning after finding this gem, I was on to Rocky Mountain National Park where I have never seen MOOSE on the east side of the park.  A massive fire forced animals from the west side.

Poudre Lake

And then on the other side of the park, we have Granby and Grand Lake.

Quick Trip

 To Sedona last week…..

Afternoon with a Real Mountain Man…

My friend Albert grew up with Bob (Not his real name), and now Bob lives a few miles outside of Rapid City.  Albert “challenged” me to meet Bob and spend some time with him.  

Bob lives in an 1800’s schoolhouse. It has no running water and just got “real” electricity a few years ago.  

We piled in his truck and took off to gravel “backroads” of South Dakota.

Here is the grave site of Private James King, a member of Captain Benteen’s Company H. It lies along the General Custer Trail in South Dakota.

Along the way, Bob now challenged me to look for dry cow “patties,” so he could grind them up to fertilize his vegetables growing in old bathtubs outside of his historic home.

After finding some, it was time for lunch.  Apparently, this little joint is quite popular with hunters in the winter. We had what was on the menu: Hamburgers and fries. Loved this!

When we got back to the cabin, it was time for a shooting lesson!  Bob taught me how to load and shoot a .45 “Peacemaker.”

And finally, this is Bob’s cool garage and remodeled  bathroom.  

What an adventure this was!  I am grateful to Albert and Bob for the challenges!

The REAL reason for the trip…

 FAMILY!

Rapid City and more….

The “real” reason for this epic road trip was to see my son and his family before they transfer to his next Air Force station in Dayton, Ohio—within two months. I got in on a Thursday night, and my son had to work the next day.  

Initially, I thought I’d just rest for the day, but l suppose I can rest when I am dead.  I took off early (of course) to explore. About a half hour down the highway, I stopped at Sturgis, home of the infamous yearly motorcycle rally.  Sturgis is the hub for many scenic rides around the beautiful state of South Dakota.

While I was walking around, I stopped a local person and asked, “Where do locals go for breakfast?”  She pointed me to Red’s.  

I then drove through Deadwood and Lead.  I attended a few rallies in my Harley riding day, and I could not believe how these slow and sleepy towns have exploded into massive tourist destinations.  

On my way back to Rapid City in the afternoon, I stopped in at the Black Hills National Cemetery. 

“Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

And then I saw this chapel across the highway at the entrance of the Fort Meade Recreation Area.

Off to dinner with the family…next entry….

And then right down the road….

 …..is Mount Rushmore!

That Crazy Horse!

Crazy Horse was born as a member of the Oglala Lakota circa 1840.  By the time he was in his mid teens, he was already a warrior, and his bravery was well known throughout the Lakota people. 

It is well-known that many Native Americans refused to have their picture taken or likeness made, as they believed that their souls would be taken.  Crazy Horse was killed by an infantry man on September 5, 1877.

Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski decided to created a monument of Crazy Horse to honor the principles and values for which Native Americans stood. 

                                          This monument has been in progress since 1948.

Fighting Stallions

Rendition of the Final Project