Wednesday

Our last day was fabulous - we went out & about showing Robyn and Fiona some sights of Grapevine! We went to breakfast at IHOP, shopped at Walmart and then on to Cracker Barrel for Halloween treats! Next to Grapevine Mills for a quick stop at Samsonite (yep - needed another bag!) then to the Bass Pro Shop! Oh we had a lovely time in there - looking at the 'stuffed' animals, what you can buy and clothing! Next we went to the Gaylord Texan Hotel at Grapevine to show Fiona and Robyn how beautiful the hotels are! Whew....! We were busy! Dave decided we needed a mexican treat before retiring to our hotel - so off to Cozymel's for fajitas. It was a hot day so the margaritas went down realllllly well!

Back to our hotel - pack and shower. We left at about 5pm. It was very sad leaving Robyn and Fiona - we've had such fun! Found our way back to the airport and the car rental return. It's hard not feeling sad and depressed when arriving at the Qantas Club to await our flight - even with the beautiful sunset!

16 hr flight back to Brisbane. We departed at just after 10pm - the flight attendants served the evening meal and it was lights out. Dave and I slept really well for about 8 hrs. It was nice to land in Brisbane at 5am. We were home by just after 7am. Asha dog was very pleased to see us! No more adventures to tell from Dallas...... oh well, until next time.........!

Downtown Dallas! (Tuesday)

We decided to go downtown today. It took a fair bit of planning and research to work out how to get there using public transport! We took the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) which was a new-looking, quick rail and the station was in Irving! $7 return - we thought it was great!

Upon arrival, we located the Tourist Info Centre and a map. We went 'The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza'.

The permanent exhibition examines the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The exhibit features films, historic footage, and hundreds of photographs and artifacts that chronicle Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign and his influence on current events. The sniper's perch and storage space where a rifle was found remain preserved as they appeared on that fateful day. Also on display are cameras that captured Kennedy's motorcade on film, a scale model of Dealey Plaza created by the FBI for the Warren Commission investigation and much more.

We paid $13.50 entry into the museum. A man gave us an audio set and headphones - this provided an explanation of the exhibits, and also featured historic radio broadcasts and the voices of reporters, police and witnesses to the assassination.

We walked through at our own pace - we were surprised that we took 1.5 hours! It was interesting and then emotional (even for a foreigner like me) - Fiona and I agreeing that we felt such compassion for his wife, Jacqui and how on earth she coped with that day. The museum was fairly busy but more people lined up when we were leaving - so still today, the episode of Kennedy's fateful trip to Dallas is of interest to people.

Outside we looked at the grassy knoll and took pictures - David is standing next to the roadway where Kennedy was in the car when the shots rang out and you can see the bookstore building behind and the window where Lee Harvey Oswald was sitting.

It was quite sobering. We left and walked up Main St looking for a spot of lunch. David sniffed out a great lunch venue - 'The Iron Cactus' mexican restaurant. We settled in there and had a round of margaritas to cheer ourselves up before devouring a delicious meal.

Back to Irving on the TRE and home via a few quick stops - one of which was the local gas station - Krispy Kreme donuts are 97c! (not quite as good as the bargain I got one time, they were 67c each or 3 for 99c!!!)

Fort Worth Stockyards District (Monday)

This morning we decided to drive to Stockyards National Historic District in Fort Worth - about 30 miles from Dallas.

'It was once the biggest and busiest cattle, horse, mule, hog and sheep marketing center in the South-west, where more than 160 million head of livestock were sold. Today, the 125 acre Stockyards National Historic District attracts over 2 million visitors a year and is home to restaurants, hotels, saloons, galleries, shopping and family-style entertainment. Take your next trip back in time to Stockyards Station.'

We parked the car for $5 for the whole day. It was pretty quiet when we arrived at almost 11am so we wandered the main street. There were several cowboys and a cowgirl on horseback meandering around and we stopped to look at them (of course). Two of them were quite happy to chat to us and told us about their period costumes, one had an authentic Texan saddle, the other had a Mexican saddle (and pointed out the differences) and they told us about their horses.

At 11.30 was the first (of the twice-daily) longhorn cattle drive, where 'Authentic Fort Worth cowboys drive the herd down Exchange Avenue. Head 'em up and move 'em out.' Loved it - have never seen anything like it! We were standing on the edge of the footpath and the herd moved right by in front of us. We followed the herd around to their holding pen afterwards and learnt a little more about the longhorn breed, each animal has a name and photo on a board. There are 7 different breeds of longhorn and my favourite was the spanish styled with the very curled long horn - and my favourite was 'Sancho'. We found out that the herd animals have been donated from ranches all over the US, and when they are no longer able to participate, they go back to their home ranch to live out their days in pasture. The cowboy was telling us that once upon a time, people could offer to adopt the longhorns in retirement and the waiting list was 600 people long!!! People love 'em!

Wandered the streets and found a recommended cafe for a coffee (and cake) - delicious! We decided to split up and look around. David and I ended up in a store called 'Maverick Fine Western Wear'. I was attracted by something in the window and dragged David in there. Well - what a lovely place inside! Along the left wall, was a very swish looking timber bar - with beer - and a tv showing the football.... that's where the husbands get to sit whilst the ladies shop!!! We looked around and David found a very Texan shirt to try on and he looked so handsome in it, I had to buy it for his Christmas present. At the counter, whilst paying, he met the owner/manager - Sam - and I left to have a look at clothes. Upon my return a few minutes later, David is sitting at the bar, beer in hand - having a lovely chat with Sam! He reckons it was the best place to shop he'd ever been to! Sam was a veritable source of information, we learned a lot. He recommended we eat at H3 restaurant across the road for lunch, because they served food 'Texan style' better than anyone else in the district.

So much happened today, I can't possibly write it all down here. Lunch was excellent, Texan style beef and ribs - complete with a full corn cob in its husk on the plate! The Native American jewellery, pottery and artwork was exceptional - Fiona and Robyn had a ball! We watched the second cattle drive at 4pm before leaving. By this time, there were many more people in the district and we were really glad we'd seen the earlier one, too.

Driving to Fort Worth and back today was a very 'interesting' experience (perhaps I should have said frustrating) with the number of road work detours which our GPS of course, didn't recognize; and then in the afternoon we were battling peak hour traffic as well. So we just turned up the music - 92.5 'Where Cowboys Come to Rock' - until we made it safely to the Grapevine Mills - had to get a few last minute things.

Back in our rooms by 7pm - we had cheese & crackers and wine - I don't think we got to bed before midnight! It was lots of fun! One of the best days ever!!!

To Irving, Texas! (Sunday 25th)

Up early and on the road out of Abilene for a drive of about 140 miles into Irving - one of the suburbs around DFW airport. Roadworks made the trip a bit tricky in places - poor GPS couldn't cope - but we made it in around 1pm.

Fiona and Robyn were waiting for us at the hotel! They'd flown in from Nashville! We spent the afternoon having lunch, driving around - finding Walmart for 'supplies', out to the outlets and then went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner! Oh - and takeaway cheesecake, of course!

Amarillo to Abilene, Texas!

Today we were "up and at 'em" early because we had another day of driving before us - 280 miles to Abilene.

A big Thank you!! to my family and all of my wonderful friends who remembered that today is my birthday! I received lots of emails (some very amusing ones, especially thank you Susan!!) and even phone calls from Australia! - and a card from my husband which fronted with a picture of a 'Holy Cow!' I think as a reminder of all the cattle we have been seeing here in Texas!

The first photo today is what we've been looking at along those 400miles yesterday and 200 miles today.... 600 miles of very flat, very dry plains (Holy Cow!). I have invented new and interesting ways to fill in the time whilst not annoying David - just ask him!.... (I think)

The region is known as the 'llano estacado' - spanish for 'staked plain'. David says he couldn't find in his research the reason for it being named this way. Might have to ask a few locals and see what they have to say....

We stopped in Lubbock for an early lunch. Lubbock's claim to fame is that it was the home of Buddy Holly. There is even a museum here dedicated entirely to him. We really only had time to get some food because we wanted to get to the winery and then on to Abilene. There were lots of people standing outside of Denny's, then we saw a Pancake House across the road and began approaching - only to see people lined up outside it, also. It was about 11am and we couldn't work out why it was so busy? We parked the car and joined the queue - then realised that the people were on their way to the football match! (Come to think of it, we couldn't book accommodation when we were planning the trip either...) The waitress told us that today was also 'Parents' Day' and people were out doing the lunch family thing. I think the staff at the Pancake House were fairly exhausted too!

After lunch, we drove out of Lubbock (Holy Cow!) about 5 miles and found the 'Llano Estacado' winery. Their website is http://www.llanowine.com

David had read about them on their website - they are one of Texas' best - and he noted that their varieties were ones we prefer to quaff.... So we walked in and were offered a wine tour (Holy Cow!) as well as the wine tasting! What could we say but yes.....!

Enjoyed the tour, liked the shirts, savoured the samples, bought a few take-aways..... brilliant! (Do you like my take away box?)

Continued on our journey, arrived in Abilene (Holy Cow!) about 5pm - it was 101 farenheit (38 C?) when we exited the car.... OMG!

Staggered over to 'Outback Steakhouse' restaurant (after the sun went down) for a good steak and Dave enjoyed some ribs. Met the manager as we were paying the check - he heard our accents and thought we were from New Zealand! Had to sort him out on that one! He was wondering what we were doing in Abilene and whilst we were explaining, he organised another drink for us, which we thought was very hospitable of him. It was a lovely way to end the evening - what a great Birthday!!!

PS from David:- Scarlet didn't tell you about the "Retail Therapy" at the Abilene Mall, specifically Dillards where she came running out of the store in a panic because she did not know which of the three plus outfits to buy. Like telling an Irishman to take his pick of the shovels in the corner!!! It was the first time I have seen Scarlet in "Retail Overload". I'm sure Uncle Frank was guiding her!!

To Amarillo, Texas

A very early start this morning, leaving Denver before 8.30am. We had a long drive ahead of us because we wanted to get to Amarillo, Texas - distance some 423 miles (700+km). The first half was on I-25 (interstate) through Colorado and New Mexico. We found the scenery through Colorado very interesting and pretty with the mountains to our right. Still managing to see pronghorn in the fields, and warning signs for deer and bears - which we did not see.

We crossed the border into Texas and had to drive along a state highway which was only dual carriage way (1 in each direction) due to road works. The landform changed into flat plains - very different from Colorado - where we could see to the horizon, including the road, and not much to see except very dry land. There were 'ranches' along the way and lots of cattle!

We arrived in Amarillo thinking it was 5pm but we were back on central time in Texas so we had to put our clocks forward an hour, making it 6pm. Nightfall didn't happen until after 8!

Amarillo, originally named Oneida, is situated in the Llano Estacado region. The availability of the railroad and freight service provided by the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad contributed to the city's growth as a cattle marketing center in the late 19th century. Amarillo is the regional economic center for the Texas Panhandle and is economically important to Eastern New Mexico and the Oklahoma Panhandle.

The city was once the self-proclaimed "Helium Capital of the World" for having one of the country's most productive helium fields. The city is also known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas" (as the city takes its name from the Spanish word for yellow), and most recently "Rotor City, USA" for its V-22 Osprey hybrid aircraft assembly plant.

Amarillo operates one of the largest meat packing areas in the United States. Pantex, the only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility in the country, is also a major employer. The attractions Cadillac Ranch and Big Texan Steak Ranch were located adjacent to Interstate 40. U.S. Highway 66 also passed through the city.

Across the road from our hotel is a Mexican Restaurant, 'Acapulco' so we wandered on over there with an idea of having a bite to eat. Lesley had phoned us from Australia wishing me a Happy Birthday (because it's Saturday morning there) so we decided we should start celebrating my birthday because it's Friday night here!

You'll enjoy the photos below - that's a 'Regular' margarita I've ordered and David had to try the concoction he ordered. Several other patrons were drinking them and David had to ask the waiter what it was - of no name really and they've only been making them for the last month!

It's a stubby of beer upturned into a frozen margarita - and they come in different flavours depending on the beer chosen!

We liked our waiter who also obliged with our request to speak in spanish - I think he found us slightly amusing - and after two margaritas, we thought we were slightly amusing too! Let's hope we can keep the Birthday celebrations in 'top gear' for tomorrow!!!

Colorado - Boulder excursion

We had a slower start today, especially because we had laundry to do! We decided to go for a drive to Boulder - as recommended by the lady at the supermarket check-out last night, and the young man who was next in line to us! David reminds me it is the home of Mork and Mindy (Remember that TV show??).

Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,430 feet (1,655 m). The city is 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Denver.

Boulder is famous for its status as one of the most liberal cities in Colorado, its colorful Western history, being a choice destination for hippies in the late 1960s, and as home of the main campus of the University of Colorado, the state's largest university. Furthermore, the city of Boulder frequently acquires top rankings in health, well-being, quality of life, education, and art.

In the early-to-mid-19th century, the nomadic Southern Arapaho Native American tribe frequently wintered at the base of the foothills in the Boulder area. Chief Niwot and his tribe called the site their home. Other nomadic tribes included the Utes, Cheyennes, Comanches, and Sioux.

The City of Boulder is in Boulder Valley where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains. Just west of the city are imposing slabs of sedimentary stone tilted up on the foothills, known as the Flatirons. The Flatirons are a widely recognized symbol of Boulder.

One of the most popular sections of Boulder is the famous Pearl Street Mall, home to numerous shops and restaurants. This four-block pedestrian mall is a social hotspot in Boulder, with dozens of restaurants of all kinds and specialty stores that include artisan shops and unique gadget shops. In the summer and on weekends, many street shows and acts can be found throughout the mall, along with street vendors and henna tattoo artists.

We found a place to park the car and walked around looking at the city. Very impressed with a Native Indian 'Zuni' style store and wanted to buy many of the items, they were so beautiful. We asked the shop assistant where to find a good place to eat and she recommended 'Mountain Sun' across the road.

Further, we slipped into the post office -after I photographed a squirrel (much to the amusement of the locals - who think they're no more than rats) - and we had a very friendly associate who also recommended 'Mountain Sun'. What could we do? We went to Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery for lunch.

We had a very helpful waiter who offered to give us samples of their many beers - David chose ones with a more 'hops' flavour, I asked for 'pilsener' style. David's samples are pictured, mine were similar except that the colour was lighter. David chose FYIPA (India Pale Ale) and I chose 'Bombshell Blonde' (of course!) - both excellent! We ordered burgers for lunch - absolutely fresh and fabulous! A walk to the restroom was interesting - past the brew kettles and processing machinery!

We then walked the full length of the Pearl Street Mall - to work off lunch. Picked up the car and drove out to the 'Chautauqua Park' where the Ranger Station and Visitor Center was. We were able to get a good view of 'The Flatirons' and walked half way (?) up the first rise. We found the warnings dated 1 September very interesting: 'Bears spotted in the area. If you see a bear, do not run but back away slowly.' Bear bins (with dints and scratches) throughout the park. Another sign: 'Cottages available this evening.' I would have LOVED to rent a cottage for the evening - in the hope of seeing a bear (from the safety of my loungeroom, of course)!!!

Returned to our hotel in Cherry Creek after a really interesting, fun day. Early start tomorrow!

Denver, CO (Wednesday)

Lots of buffalo pictures in Colorado!

There aren't many other pictures from Wednesday as we went into the downtown area to do a tour of the Denver Mint! This would be the first time I've toured a mint in my life! The advice we received with the reservation booking was that we were not allowed to take any cameras or backpacks, so we left our hotel with bare essentials - wallets and passports. I even left my phone in the hotel's security box.

We're staying in a suburb called Cherry Creek. (Yesterday at the mint, we were told that gold was discovered on the banks of Cherry Creek and so began the city which became Denver.) The hotel clerk told us we could walk (or drive) to the light rail station 1.9miles away and pay $4.50 for a return ticket to downtown. Easy. Along the 1.9mile walk, we passed many shops - Safeway supermarket, IHOP etc - all the extras we like within walking distance! This was a lucky hotel selection!

Tours of the mint are free. We had to produce our reservation papers. We lined up in single file to enter and went through a security scan. I kept setting the scanner off - embarrassing -because I had a lipstick in my pocket. Doesn't set off the airport scanners but these ones are more sensitive. The tour was excellent and the gentlemen running the tour were happy to answer all questions. I found the process of manufacturing very interesting and also the architecture of the building - Gothic Renaissance. It was modelled after the Riccardi Palace in Florence, Italy. The granite wall at the front of the building where we lined up is granite, which we admired because of the pink colouring in it. It is from Arkins, Colorado.

Lunch in town at Rio Grande where we had a meal escaping the cold 7 years ago. Again it was a very appetising and filling meal. A bit more of a walk around downtown Denver then back on the RTD light rail to Cherry Creek.

Checked out Cherry Creek Mall then back to the room for the night.

Cheyenne, WY to Denver, CO Tuesday 20th

Really felt at home in Cheyenne and would like to return. It was a cool morning and we wanted to check out a few things before leaving town. David had heard about the Sierra Trading Post from our friend, Lesley. We found it a most agreeable shopping excursion! A pair of shoes David wanted were not in stock in his size. The assistant said, 'No problem, I'll check the warehouse next door.' They did have the size, so we were sent over to the 'fulfillment center'. David thought that was so funny and he reckoned that I should have been going over to the shopping 'fulfillment' center more than him!

We had an easy drive to Denver, crossing over the state line. It is 114 miles from Cheyenne.

Monday - Into Wyoming

We had a few little jobs to do in Rapid City before we left yesterday morning - post office, Walmart and local shopping. We are always on the go - and Sunday being such a big touring day, we ran out of time for the souvenir hunting. So we didn't leave Rapid City until almost 11am! We had 318 miles to drive to get to Cheyenne, Wyoming - which the GPS said would take 5+ hours. Luckily the sun isn't setting until nearly 8pm here at the moment.

We couldn't take the interstate for the first 3 hours, we were on a highway which skirted us around the Black Hills. It was very interesting to look at - prairie plains and then the hills rising up and looking 'black' from a distance - like a big, black island. We took some photos but they just don't do the real thing justice, David would have needed his SLR camera and a tripod, and hours to perform 'artistic license'!

Crossed the border into Wyoming. Because we were on such a quiet road, David was able to pull over and we took a good photo. The black Angus cattle watching us must have thought we were crazy people!

Not much more to tell really, except that we enjoyed the drive. The last two hours along the highway and then along the interstate (I-25) were enjoyable because we kept seeing groups of animals - we suspected that they were pronghorn (antelope) but weren't sure because the road advisory warnings kept showing what looked like a deer picture (probably generic we summised).... We pulled over to take this group, just outside of Lusk, WY. David also handed me the video camera so I could zoom in more. They became quite nervous and started to move away, showing their white behinds, which pronghorn use as a defense mechanism.

Upon arrival at the Sleep Inn (a delightful hotel) the reception clerk was so friendly and happy to talk to us. I asked what the animals were and that I thought they were pronghorn - she was very impressed because she says most people call them antelope - which is technically not correct. (Shows I read my tourist pamphlets!) She reckons there are more pronghorn in the state of Wyoming than people!

Our hotel - not far from the refinery or the air force base - or the shopping district where David chose 'Olive Garden' as our restaurant for a yummy italian dinner.

This quote from the Mayor's welcome:

'From its rough and tumble beginnings in 1867, when the population consisted of 600 construction workers, entrepreneurs and camp followers of “dubious character and rowdy habit,” Cheyenne has grown to almost 60,000 residents of diversity. And, yes, we still have residents of “rowdy habit,” however, I believe you will find the majority of Cheyennites to be friendly, welcoming, and helpful.

The City of Cheyenne itself is inextricably linked with the military. In fact, the City was “born” on the same day that Fort D.A. Russell (now F. E. Warren Air Force Base) was selected as a site for an army post. Since that time, not only have military personnel and Cheyenne residents lived side-by-side, but we have worked together for the betterment of both the City and the base. Cheyenne welcomes and values our military personnel who so admirably serve our country including the Wyoming Army and Air National Guard.

Cheyenne is the home of the “Daddy of ‘em all,” Cheyenne Frontier DaysTM. CFDTM is the largest outdoor rodeo in the nation and the pride of most of our residents. The “Daddy” is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. These men and women are the backbone for the CFDTM experience, which includes parades, pancake breakfasts, western art shows, Native American arts and culture, night concerts and, of course, the famous rodeo itself. This event is always held the last full week in July.'

Touring Rapid City, SD!

This morning we had an IHOP breakfast (International House of Pancakes) before heading out to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

'This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the completion of the Mount Rushmore carving. Please enjoy its beauty and reflect upon the symbolism of the four Presidents, the magnificent feat of engineering required to carve a mountain and the artistic accomplishment evident in the four faces.'

The National Park service has been entrusted to preserve and protect this iconic symbol for future generations. It is recognised internationally as a symbol of freedom, patriotism and democracy.

I had no idea of the history of this carving nor the reasons for the choices of the faces. The four Presidents are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Rosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. We paid an entry fee of $11 and were able to park in the undercover section of the carpark. Our ticket was valid for the light show this evening, but we decided not to go back.

I also paid $5 for the audio tour and was really glad that I did. As we walked around the memorial, we were able to listen to further information - especially from the perspective of the Lakota Indians who were opposed to the carving of the site. To the Lakota (Ogalala Tribe) the Black Hills area is sacred. We spent more than three hours walking around and taking in all of the information and sights. A trip to the gift shop was also fruitful, finding a unique piece of Black Hills Gold jewellery to bring home!

Next, we drove another 15 miles to the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Crazy Horse is not a federal or state project. It is a non-profit, educational and cultural project financed primarily from an admission fee, which for 2011 is $10 per adult.

Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear stated in 1939, 'My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know the red man has great heroes, also.'

In 1948, work began on the mountain.

This is history in the making. The men were working on the sculpture as we were there today, Sunday. We enjoyed walking around the Memorial, learning about the Lakota people, the Indian culture and the history of the USA over the last 200 years.

Crazy Horse, as far as the scale model is concerned, is to be carved not so much as a lineal likeness but more as a memorial to the spirit of Crazy Horse - to his people. With his left hand thrown out pointing in answer to the derisive question asked by a white man (when Crazy Horse was detained) - 'Where are your lands now?'

He replied, 'My lands are where my dead lie buried.'

For us, it was an interesting, sobering day. We really enjoyed the hospitality of the Lakota Indians and learning about their culture. We left for home very late in the afternoon!

+ More!

More pictures from today: 'Babyland' (junior bear, less than a year old) playing; a grizzly bear - think he's a bit of a show-off, loves the attention; otter and bison family!

I've asked Dave if we can go back tomorrow! I'm going to see if I can adopt a bear or two!!!

Bear Country USA!

Today we ventured out early - and straight into dense fog! It was coooooold this morning!

Travelled on Highway 16 south to find Bear Country USA!

Enjoy a leisurely 3-mile drive through this unique North American wildlife park. It is nestled on 250 acres of Black Hills beauty. View black & grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, elk, bobcats, buffalo and more! After your drive through tour, walk around Babyland where young and smaller animals frolic in the outdoors!

We paid the $16pp and entered the park. All people must stay in their car, windows up. We also received a warning about several species which are 'mating' at this time of year, and the males are possibly aggressive. If anyone is in any difficulty, they are to put their hazard lights on and blow their horn.

We enjoyed the drive through immensely. The animals were right outside the vehicles and mostly lying down or grazing without any care or concern about us watching. It was amazing to see the bears!

More from Friday afternoon!

Prairie Dogs!

We pulled of the I-90 to head into Badlands National Park. On the way in, we saw the 'Ranch Store' advertising the opportunity to 'feed the prairie dogs' - so naturally, we pulled in.

They were visible from the carpark! We went in to the store and bought two bags of food - raw peanuts in their shells - and went outside to feed them. What fun - they were SO cute! We even fed them by hand. Ranch Store and two other places have the only white prairie dogs in the world - they are extremely rare, with black skin and white hair but not classified as albino (I have a photo of a white one, but these are regular PD's).

Prairie dogs got their name from the sound that they make when danger is near which are warning 'barks' or 'yips' (yep - we have that on video!).

We entered Badlands National Park - a geological landscape of buttes, spires and rolling grasslands. $15 per car load, valid for visits for 7 days. It is part of the largest undisturbed mixed-prairie rangeland remaining in the US! Within its 244 000 acres roam bighorn sheep, coyotes, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, bison (buffalo) and mule deer.

We drove the Highway 240 Loop Road. We stopped at various lookouts to take in the beautiful scenery. At the Ben Reifel Visitor Center we were lucky enough to be in time to see a 20 minute film which gave us a general orientation and explanation of the Badlands Park. It was excellent in explaining the chronological history, the story of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (inhabitants) and immigrants from the New World.

How the Badlands were named: The French trappers who explored the west in the early 1800's called the area a 'bad land to cross'. The Dakota Sioux Indians labelled it 'makosica' meaning 'land bad'. When you look at it, you can understand why. There are very few trees, so very few places to shelter from the hot sun and little water. I don't know how those explorers did it, they were made tough in those days..... (and the flies! Drive you mad)

As we continued on our loop drive, we scanned the horizon for any signs of animal life. Looking for bison mainly, but we didn't see the herd. We rounded a corner and suddenly, there on the edge of the road were two pronghorn (antelope). We didn't know that at the time, we were a bit puzzled as to what they were. They weren't frightened of us and we got some really good video and pictures.

Pronghorn are the fastest animals in the Western Hemisphere. They have horns rather than antlers and their horns are unique in that they have prongs and they are shed and regrown each year. Most horned animals never shed their horns. Pronghorn form herds as a defense against predators. If one detects danger it flares its bright white rump patch, signalling the others to flee.

Wow - we certainly had a great afternoon. Arrived in Rapid City by 6pm - tired and very dry from being exposed to both sun and wind all afternoon. Crossing in to South Dakota we are now on 'Mountain Time' so we had to turn our clocks back an hour! Found an excellent Italian restaurant for dinner - oh and red wine, of course!

Mitchell-Rapid City, SD (Friday 16th)

Mitchell's Corn Palace was built in 1892. The city was just 12 years old. Early settlers used their bountiful produce to decorate the building's exterior, proving the fertility of the soil and hoping to attract more immigrants and farmers to settle here. Over 100 years later, the tradition of the Corn Palace and the Corn Palace Festival continues....

Each year a decorating theme is chosen, the outside of the palace is stripped and a new decorating process begins with new corn and grains. It costs something like $130 000 to decorate the palace each year. Inside the palace is a huge auditorium, adorned with more corn pictures!

We started on our journey west, on the I-90. Stopped for fuel at Chamberlain. As we drove over the Missouri River bridge, the landform changed almost immediately. The pictures below show the 'prairie land'. Very few trees, covered only in grasses and fairly flat! The reason the prairie is flat is because the land is too dry for tree roots to find water, too windy and frequent fires from lightning strikes.

The US 'interstates' are known as the 'Eisenhower Interstate System' - it requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections mean that the interstate highways are useable as emergency landing strips. (Smart man that General 'Ike' Eisenhower!)

Stopped at a rest area to do our 10 minute quick walk, which we try to do on long days in the car. We had seen several of these trucks transporting blades of wind turbines, and were so excited to be able to take this photo when we saw a truck parked at the rest area. That's me walking alongside the truck, I am about 2 metres to the right of the truck. It's a wide load and very long (the truck - not me)!