Monday, August 22, 2016

Newport, RI: 8-21-16

Bill surprised me with a quick trip to Newport, RI.
It's amazing how different the scenes are up here
as opposed to the Jersey shore.

The Pell Bridge that takes you into Newport
is in the background.

Saw this huge kite flying at Benton Point.

A serene cove along the Newport coast.

One of the smaller mansions in Newport.

Closeup of a lotus flower along Route 1.

Lots of lotus flowers along the road.


Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Carlisle, PA

As we traveled to see our friends, Judy
and Rick, in Carlisle, PA;  I saw so
many of these flowers.

Just had to include a closeup shot.  Besides,
it had been days since I took a picture!

One of the views at their place from the deck.

I never grow tired of seeing the views from
their deck. It's also pretty cool watching
storms approach!

I was able to catch this white tailed deer
in their field.  She was quite protective 
of her fawn and I could not get a photo.

One last picture of the deer.  Bill and I are now
safely home.  Thanks for coming along
on the journey with us!

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

John Deere Museum, Waterloo, Iowa

I am amazed at the precision of the rows
of crops the farmers plant.  I learned afew
years ago that the farm equipment has
a GPS system that aids the farmer so seeds
are not wasted and the best use of the land
is achieved.  Yes, that is a wind turbine
over the hill.

You are all aware I love John Deere farm
equipment.  I was thrilled when Bill found
this in Waterloo, IA!

Just had to stop and have my picture taken
before entering the museum.

One of the earlier tractors - the
Waterloo Boy.

I was told there is no rhyme or reason as
to why some John Deere equipment
is only yellow.

One of the later model tractors.

Here is my chance!
I was told I would be able to climb into
one of the tractors.  Getting ready
to climb into the cab.

Bill decided to join me since I was
having so much fun.

Am I a happy camper here or what?
I finally got my wish to get into
a John Deere tractor!

The smile on my face says it all!!!





Monday, May 23, 2016

Corn Palace, Mitchell, SD: May 22, 2016

This was taken miles away from Wall, SD.
Bill and I began to wonder if there were
any other people around.  You can see from
one horizon to the other.

Yes, there are people!
We began to see more and more
farms as we headed off to Mitchell, SD.

Welcome to the Corn Palace!
This year's theme is the 
Rock of Ages.

Elvis! 

All the murals you see are made out of
different types of corn grown by
local farmers.

Willie Nelson!

This was taken inside the Corn Palace
where they were holding graduation
for Mitchell High School.

You can see there are 18 varieties of corn
by counting the samples on the table and 
on the lower wall behind.  The murals
are approximately 15 feet by 18 feet.
That's a lot of corn!

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Badlands National Park, South Dakota: May 20, 2016


Greetings from the Badlands, near Wall, SD.

These beautiful formations were caused by
wind and rain over millions of years.

There are pinnacles that pierce the sky.

The natural beauty defies description.

This is the first time we have seen so
much greenery in the park.  In another 
month it will wither and die, leaving
only the grey soil.

Erosion can be severe enough to form
deep canyons.

Another group of pinnacles
rising like church spires!

Row after row of eroded formations.

You can see the striations in the
sedimentary rock formation.

I was surprised to see some flowers
in bloom.
A few huge monoliths before we leave
the Park.

The striations on these formations
are easily seen.  Rattlesnakes
inhabit this area of the Park.

After a long day of driving through the Park,
Bill is relaxing on the front porch
of our cabin.

You can tell how happy I am when
I am on the road.  We are now heading
east and will be home soon.


Friday, May 20, 2016

Devils Tower, WY: May 19, 2016

About ten years ago, Bill and I stopped here
in Moorcroft, WY. We liked it so much we
had to return.  However, it was 11:00 in the 
morning and way too early for a beer.
So, we did the next best thing.  We had
sandwiches made to go for our trip
to Devils Tower!

Saw this sign and had to have a picture.
Thought of my buddy, Carol, in the
church office.

Found this Texas Longhorn 
at the entrance to Devils Tower.

Welcome!

A cute little prairie dog.

When Bill fed one prairie dog peanuts,
four more came out of their burrows.
Aren't they adorable?

Devils Tower is almost a 700 foot
basalt monolith.  It is a plug from
a volcano.

The almost ghost town of Huett, WY.

We are truly heading east!

We usually don't stay in cabins, but the
Frontier Cabins in Wall, SD are beautiful!
The decorations reflect western culture.
We recommend this place if you plan
on visiting the Badlands.