Reporting from Hill City, SD

Hi everyone!!  It's been a while since we have checked in, but we have not been bored or sitting still.

We spent over two weeks in the Yellowstone area and as always enjoyed our time there.  Dave especially loves fishing in Yellowstone, so he was quite happy.  I enjoyed staying in basically one spot; yes we changed campgrounds, but 8 miles doesn't count for much of a change.  Here's a view of one of Dave's favorite spots for fishing:

 

Some of the wild flowers were still blooming, though the color and number is not abundant, still springing up out of the volcano soil, they are wonderful to see.

 

Here's a dead tree picture; I have to take at least one of them everywhere we go.

 



During our time in the area, a former co-worker and his three boys stopped by to chat and share their experiences in Yellowstone; it was their first time and they seemed to really enjoy it.  Thanks Vince for stopping by!!

On June 28, we broke camp early as we were heading out to Buffalo Bill State Park to give Dave an opportunity to fish the Shoshone river, which he has wanted to do for a long time.  We had also made arrangements to meet up with my former Manager, John and his wife De and their kids.  It was their first time to visit Yellowstone also. 

We headed out for the East entrance and came upon road construction; I think this Cat had more than it could handle!!!

I think they should have bought a piece of John Deere equipment!!!  :)

After a short and uneventful, but beautiful drive to BB State Park, we pulled into the loop where we would be staying for a few nights and John and De were already there to greet us.  They had arrived the night before.

Here are a few pictures of our view:

After greetings and getting set up at our site, which was directly across from them, a short walk across a grassy area, we all decided to drive into Cody, to visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center.  Boy, has it changed since we visited last.  It has been quite a few years ago, our kids were still in grade school.   :)   We spent the afternoon walking through their may exhibit halls, which was a cool (as in heat wise) way to spend the afternoon since it was in the high 80's outside.  

After stopping for a Walmart run to get groceries, and fishing licenses, we headed back to camp, where we grilled brats with s'mores for dessert.  Then we stayed up late, and I mean late for this old Lady, until midnight!!!  LOL!!!  Catching up, watching the stars and enjoy the peacefulness of the wide open spaces was a great ending to a nice day. 

The next morning, it was decided that Dave would take John, Mary and Sean on their first fly fishing excursion, while De and I stayed behind in their RV to visit and relax.  So off we went looking for the ideal spot, after a few stops to determine if a spot would work, Dave and John settled on a spot.  Then it was time to get ready, no short time there; fly fishing prep takes time!!!!!   Here they are getting ready:

 

I guess all that prep time was worth it as they were gone for about 3 hours and all came back happy with the experience, even if they did not catch any fish.  :(   Dave loaned them some equipment and after hugs and handshakes, they departed for Yellowstone, just a few miles away and Dave and I headed back to camp.  

 

Dave determined there was too much water to fish the Shoshone successfully, so guess next time we try it, it will be in the fall, so there isn't so much snow melt.  Due to that, we checked out two days early and headed for South Dakota.

 

It was a long drive, made stressful (for me, Dave is always calm) due to truck problems again!!!!!  About 23 miles from Hill City the truck seemed to loose all power and it would not accelerate!!!!  Then when we finally got to the campground after crawling along at 30 mph and saw the site we were assigned I freaked!!!  Sorry Dave!!!  It had no logical way to back into it!!! Boy, was I irritated!!! But, with Dave directing we finally navigated the trailer back into the site.  Whew!  What a relief!!!  After getting settled and really noticing the surroundings I settled down.  

 

Our site:

 

 

 

 

View across from us:

 



 

The next day we called around for a dealership to take a look at the truck.  Granite GMC was great!  They told us up front how long it would take to run some diagnostics and said they would get to us as soon as they had determined what might be wrong.  So, we spent the next hour browsing the lot, looking at new trucks and Yukon SUVs.   I know what I want for our next vehicle!!  :)  They determined it was a clogged fuel filter and NOT the transmission or engine as we had feared.  Whew!  What a relief!!!

 

Yesterday, we spent the majority of the day exploring.  We drove the Needles Highway, which is always beautiful but challenging with it's narrow road, tight curves and hills. 

 

 

We then proceed to the area of Custer State Park where the wild life loop is always interesting to explore.  Finally, after driving quite  bit, we stopped at the Ranger's station and received the lowdown on where the Bison were hiding.  Oh boy!  We hit the jackpot!  We could only view the Bison in Yellowstone from a great distance; they were all in hiding there!   We found a large herd of about 300 and yes, they were very close.  Since I LOVE watching Bison, I have quite a few pictures to share.   :)

 

The Bison in this herd seem much smaller in size than the ones in the herd we saw at Yellowstone, but I still think they are majestic looking animals.  I would compare them to the King of the Wild, the Lion.  :)  Nacho was extremely interested in watching them and when any one came too close to the truck he voiced his irritation.  KT could not have cared less, she took a nap in the back seat, the whole time we watched them. 



 

Today, Dave is off fly fishing and I'm doing chores and cooking around the Airstream.  Dave's having brownies for dessert tonight.  :) 

 

Have a wonderful and blessed 4th of July!!!!  We live in a wonderful Country and we have so much to be thankful for and to offer thanks to the many brave men and women that have fought for our Country.  We honor them!!!  Thank you!!! 

 

Also, Happy Anniversary to Dan and Steph!!!!  Love you!!!

 

Dave and Candy