South Dakota Before the Crowds of Summer.

We are here early, and many of the places we could camp with our trailer are still closed. Many spots don't open until May 1. It has made things more difficult, but I'm not sorry we came at this time of year. All the attractions are quiet and empty. We've enjoyed having National Parks to ourselves (at least it feels that way). I knew that because our timing was dictated by the total eclipse, we could have chancy weather, and we have, but it all worked out for the best, because South Dakota is amazing!

We moved through the state from East to West, and after leaving the family farm near Vermillion, we went directly towards Badlands National Park, with a stop at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site first. Our weather for exploring the park was perfect, cool but sunny. We only did one short hike, but we stopped at every pullout all the way through the park to the city of Wall. I especially loved the big views, big prairie dog towns, and big bison. As we left the park, several of the bison blocked our road out and posed for photos at the park entrance sign. Perfect.

A quick and corny stop.

Our campsite in Chamberlain, SD.

Out our back window.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

Looking good in Badlands.

Every view a masterpiece.

Traveling Into My Ancestral Lands

My father's family is concentrated in one geographic area, but my Mom's family is spread out over the US, especially in California and Oklahoma, but I also have maternal relatives in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Oregon, and South Dakota, plus I was born in Kansas. As we left Texas and the total eclipse behind, we took a path through some of the places where I have family history and relatives. Our first stop was my Mom's early hometown, Chickasha, Oklahoma.

I missed the welcome to Oklahoma sign.

The Eclispe and Beyond

We watched the Total Eclipse from d'Hanis, Texas. Russ found a ruin that was a public park, St. Dominic Catholic Church. It made for some lovely photos, but we didn't get to see the eclipse, because it was completely cloudy the entire time. Of course, it did get dark, but now I feel like I need to travel again to see another one.

The ruins of St. Dominic's

Waiting for the eclipse.

Trip to the Total Eclipse: Connecting the Spots, Aztec to San Antonio

We stayed in Aztec for twelve days: did some chores; visited with family; celebrated Easter; ate at local restaurants; walked the local park. My favorite day was the one where we (I didn't do anything but take photos) burned the irrigation ditch to clear out the old weeds and overhanging plants. We also burned that large piles of downed trees and weeds that have collected since last year.

Excellent conditions, damp but not windy.

Insuring a full, controlled burn.

Trip to the Total Eclipse: To Aztec with a Side of Friends

Travel to get somewhere feels much different than travel for it's own sake. We move and stop, move and stop, and rarely notice the things that pass. I try to stop in places that are new to me. I try to enjoy the passing scenery and pay attention to life as we move. What am I rushing towards if not death? So I stay in each moment and live, even as we rush to our destination.

This trip took us to a Harvest Host in Buhl, Idaho called Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery. It had an exceptional camping spot next to the horse paddock and pasture. It was on a small hill overlooking the town in the valley below. We enjoyed the wine, too.

Russ Reflects.

The horse is named Clyde.

Trip to the Total Eclipse. Tacoma to Aztec, New Mexico

Preparing for a trip in the R-Pod is stressful. I'm always so sure that I will forget something important, even though I know that we can always buy what we need if it gets left at home. I also like to make sure the truck is clean, especially the inside, since we will be spending a lot of time in it. This time we got some medication from the vet to calm Cedar down for the first couple of travel days. He gets even more stressed than I do! The meds worked a treat! He didn't throw up once. Somehow all my stress disappears as soon as we turn out of the driveway. At that point, I've prepared all I can, and I can just enjoy the journey. It's a feeling of freedom and anticipation that never gets old for me.

Cedar is not free, but he did better this time.

Our first night at the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center.

A Late Post from a Mexican Dream

We took a spontaneous trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with a good friend. I wasn't our typical type of visit, as we spent most of our time in a resort, but it was relaxing and fun. We caught the edge of a hurricane, so the surf was high and the atmosphere unstable and interesting. For me the main attraction was being able to use my Spanish. I've been studying the language for about 7 years now. My teacher lives in Mexico, and I have been aiming for a Mexican accent. It was so wonderful to be able to understand and have conversations with people.

Sunrise over the mountains after takeoff.