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A Tranquil New Year

In this post, I review the goals I accomplished last year and the hopes I have for the coming new year!

Happy New Year! A fresh, clean page is available to all of us again…so NOBODY SCREW IT UP! 😂 (the 2020’s have been rough ya’ll! 😓)

I mean it! After four years of economic collapse, a worldwide pandemic resulting in repeated rounds of said disease for the Trekkers (and long-lasting COVID-brain as a result); wars in multiple parts of the world, being on the brink of nuclear war AND surviving another nasty, Presidential election in the US…a lot of us are very…TIRED.

…so, for the love of whatever you do or don’t pray to, PLEASE! 🙏 just let the New Year come in, offer it some tea, and welcome it, quietly. 🙏 🤞 😂

I always feel a little melancholy on New Year’s Eve. I don’t like endings or goodbyes. They feel drug out like we’re forcing something that should be left to rest in peace. I feel this way about most endings, whether that be of the calendar year, a birth year, etc. I find myself impatient to move on to the adventure that lies ahead.

For me, this makes New Year’s Eve somewhat bittersweet. I always have the urge to throw off the shadow of the old year as quickly as possible and embrace the brightness of the new one.

New Year’s Day, on the other hand, I love! I LOVE new beginnings, new journeys, that “new car smell” the new year brings! 😉 New years, new birthdays, they’re all ripe with potential for us to turn over a new leaf, to move away from bad habits, to improve ourselves and our relationships! They’re so exciting!

I’m not gonna lie, at this point, I’m literally anxious about what 2025 might bring. I’m usually really optimistic about the new year and all the fun things that I see on the horizon. Unfortunately, after the last few years, I feel like we’re going into 2025 with our hands over our eyes, sneaking a peak through our fingers, just waiting to see what horrors we may behold. 😮 😝

Some good in 2024!

2024 did bring a few good things for the Trekkers…

–I’m continuing my study of other religions! In the last few years, I’ve read the entire Christian Bible, the Gnostic gospels, the Apocrypha, the Book of Mormon and the Quran. I’ve also learned about the Jehovah’s Witness, the 7th Day Adventists, the Christian Scientists, the Wiccans and I read some lengthy portions of the Jewish Talmud. This past year I also read the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Wisdom of Solomon, and a book about the various Protestant denominations. Now I’m considering the Ascension of Isaiah.

Eventually, I may narrow my focus down to delving into the religious views of various American Indian tribes. So if anyone has any suggestions on reading material regarding these many groups, let me know in the comments!…

—One of us dealt with major surgery and lost all her inner girl parts (save one ovary) this year–“I wouldn’t say I miss them Bob” 😂😉. But I came out smiling on the other side with a gnarly scar to boot 💪!

—Once I was well-recovered the Trekkers gained a new tent-camper and continued with more travels in 2024! We enjoyed our new camper around the Black Hills and Bighorn Mountains some as well as our usual visits to Colorado and to see some family on the East Coast. You can read about some of those adventures at the links below:

—Visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes
—Colorado National Monument
—Go Fast Camper

I’m prayerfully hopeful 2025 is better for all of us!

This last year has been busy and stressful and I’ve been feeling kind of down in the dumps about life not looking exactly how I wish it would:

–With some nasty Google updates and the increasing influence of AI it has become even more difficult to get my blog where I want it…

—Work is going fine, just nothing exciting to report–which is fine. I like my job and it’s a good fit for me and where I currently am in life. My career future just isn’t offering any exciting opportunities at the moment…

—We haven’t gotten out to travel as much this year as we’d like. It took the first 3 – 4 months of the year for me to recover from surgery. Then we had a REALLY hot and humid summer and weren’t able to acquire our new tent camper until August–though we still enjoyed it a couple of times! But with work getting busy again in the fall we just weren’t able to get out and use it like we hoped to.

I tentatively (and QUIETLY) say this 🙏 but it seems like things may slightly be looking up for the new year…possibly…maybe? In 2025 one of my main goals is to really try to not let the small stuff get to me or to waste my mental energy worrying/stressing about the little things.

We are halfway through this “decade from hell” but I’m trying to really look for ways to focus on the positives (of which there are MANY)!

–We have decent jobs that provide us with benefits like good health insurance and enough money to pay for our needs and offer a little leftover at the end of the month for “fun”!

–We have relatively good health that allows us to engage in the activities we enjoy

–We enjoy strong family connections with relatively little drama

I also want to strive to be more mindful and to continue pursuing my goal of taking life as it comes. This is difficult for someone who struggles with anxiety and is more comfortable constantly worrying about and catastrophizing the future. But at some point we sap today of it’s joy if all we’re doing is worrying about tomorrow.

So, I continue to pray for a happy, healthy 2025 for everyone. Hopefully, we can find some healing of our divisions throughout our country and the world. I also hope we each have something that improves in our lives in the next year. I truly want 2025 to mean better things for all of us!

So Happy New Year folks! (and maybe get a helmet…just in case! 😮 😉)

What are your hopes for 2025? Tell me in the comments!

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A Very Trekker Christmas

In this post, I discuss some of my happiest memories from Christmas, as well as some new traditions the Trekkers have started.

Happy Christmas everyone!

This has always been one of my favorite holidays, so on this Christmas Eve Day I thought I’d reflect on some holiday memories from my childhood, and some new traditions that Mr. Trekker and I have been implementing into our own, little family.

Trekker Family Traditions

Family Christmas traditions are funny, and growing up, my family was no exception. Time for a bit of a confession…I never really believed in Santa (shocking, I know 😮). Some people think that’s sad, but I was always richly blessed during this time of the year, so I never felt like I missed out on much. Below are some of the reasons why I went without this holiday tradition:

1) We didn’t have a fireplace growing up, so even as a child, my overly logical, skeptical mind was like, “ummm…how would that work?”

2) My mom always put presents under the tree when she was done wrapping them. I’m not sure how this got started, but to me, a tree looks naked if there are no presents under it (and yes, I still do this too.)

Also, I always helped her shop for, and wrap, presents for my cousins, so I kinda figured that if she was “Santa” for them…it’s pretty obvious who Santa was for me! 😉

Also, also, inevitably, I always ended up finding one of my presents before the big day and it was ALWAYS on accident (truly!) One year, my mom sent me to her closet to get something for her, completely forgetting one of my unwrapped presents was hidden in there! 😂

3) I grew up in a very religious family, especially on my dad’s side, so that aspect of the holiday was always stressed more than Santa or the gifts (Grandpa and Uncle were pastors after all 😉). I think this was good though, as it always helped me to keep the commercialism of the holiday in perspective.

One tradition we had for a few years, when the kids were young, is to have a birthday cake for Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. We even got to sing “Happy Birthday” to Him (and there was cake so…😁!) I think that is such a cool tradition. It’s a fun way to help keep the true meaning of Christmas front-and-center for kids!

A box of Queen Anne cordial cherries sits on a table — Not everyone likes these sweet treats (I do!) but they represent a special memory for me. We would have them every year at my Grandma’s house at Christmas!

4) Most of my Christmas memories from my childhood are from the BIG gatherings we used to have at my grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve. The WHOLE family (we’re talking like 20 people) would gather there, with mounds of presents stacked everywhere. After dinner, we always dressed in our best (I usually got a pretty, new dress each year, several times my mom even made them!) and we went to the Christmas Eve church service, which has always been my favorite of the whole year!

The church would be decked out in beautiful lights and decorations, and it would always end with a moving version of “Silent Night”, lit only by candlelight. Then, the lights would be brought back up, and while we basked in the acrid, sulphuric smoke that wafted from the tips of the blown-out candles (I LOVE that smell), we’d be sent off to a rousing rendition of “Joy to the World!”

Then we’d return to Grandma’s house for…PRESENTS! (This is probably another reason why I never believed in Santa. 😂)

The story my grandfather told me for starting the tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve was that my mom and her three siblings used to wake my grandparents up REALLY early on Christmas morning to open presents (of course). The “old folks” didn’t like it, so…they started opening presents Christmas Eve instead, so they could sleep in Christmas morning! 🤣 (To be fair, my mom disputes this story. 😂) I always thought I was lucky, all the other kids had to wait a whole other sleep to get their presents, HA! 😉

Changing Holiday Traditions

As an adult, the holidays always seem a little weird, especially when you move far away and only return home occasionally. They say you “can’t go back again” and in many ways this is true. The experience is never quite the same as the rose-colored memories you have from childhood.

I have SO MANY amazing memories associated with this holiday. I find these days though, my feelings are somewhat bittersweet. I still LOVE all the shiny lights, carols, the beauty and peace of a candlelit church service, and time spent with family…but Christmas doesn’t quite feel the same as I remember as a kid. For the last 20 years, things have been changing, as all of us “kids” have been moving out (and away) and getting busy with our own lives.

You watch once-vibrant grandparents and parents age, slow, and eventually, one year, become only a memory…so all the memories made with them start to dim, as well.

It just never quite feels the same as the days when Grandma would crawl around on the floor with us kids, with silly string in her hair. One year the tree fell over on her as she rooted around for that last Christmas present (true story, there is video evidence of this somewhere! 😁)

A grandma lays on the floor laughing and playing with two grandchildren amongst wrapping paper — This is my favorite pic of that crazy lady, it shows her in her element…with her grandchildren. This was Christmas, circa 1986, and yes, that brown mop of hair you see on the left would be me.

Relatives or childhood friends you were once almost inseparable from, you may now find you have little to talk about outside the updates you’re already aware of from social media. While some family members are lost, new ones are added (both through marriage and birth). While these are, certainly, blessings, the additional people–and their responsibilities to their own families–create complexities of their own.

Traditions change. What used to be a gathering at Grandma’s house, of what seemed like 100 people (when you were 5), is now a smaller group sitting around another table, or even gathering at a restaurant where you can pay a stranger to cook for you and clean up afterwards! 😉

It’s almost impossible to get everybody together at the same time anymore. Everyone lives all over the country (sometimes all over the world!) and we’re all busy with our own families (and families-in-law). Even on the rare occasions we DO all get together, there are so many other distractions (many of us have young kids of our own now).

It just isn’t the same as when we used to stay up till 3 am on Christmas Eve, my cousins and I, playing with our new toys together, while the adults played cards in the other room…

Your concept of family may change too. It’s no longer just about blood relations (especially as various in-laws or step-family members are added). Not everyone was blessed with a close-knit, loving family. Others may have no close family left or those that remain may live too far away to visit with every holiday. For many, friends make a wonderful, adoptive family.

There is always a sense of loss of family members, and “the old ways”. One of the only real guarantees we have in life is that things WILL change. This can be a good thing, though. We can store up wonderful memories of bygone days, and continue some old traditions from times past while seeking to embrace new practices that will carry with them wonderful memories of their own.

New Traditions

Mr. Trekker and I have started to develop our own traditions. Christmas Eve, I make homemade lasagna, then we open presents with my parents (gotta keep that tradition alive!) and still enjoy a candlelit, church service. We also like to watch a “big” Christmas movie that night, like “It’s a Wonderful Life”. 😁 Then, before bed, we read “The Night Before Christmas”. (When I was a kid we often read the Christmas story out of the Book of Luke, from the Bible, but now we kinda figure we’ve just heard it at church, so… 😉) Then…for the big finale…we have a little slumber party in the living room with the dog, under the glowing lights of the Christmas tree! Who needs kids to have fun?! 😂

When Christmas morning comes, we start it off with homemade treats for breakfast! Then, there’s Facetime chats with Mr. Trekker’s side of the family (we “Zoomed” Christmas morning with relatives who live in far-off places for years, long before COVID made it cool! 😝) Then it’s time for the big, Christmas dinner! Finally, we end the evening on the couch watching “A Christmas Story” (the one with Ralfie…”you’ll shoot your eye out!”)

To Conclude

Change is inevitable, and I will CHERISH those Christmas memories from when I was a kid for the rest of my life. But I am also excited to make new memories, in the new situations we find ourselves, and with the new friends and family who may be joining us in the years to come.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Enjoy your traditions with your own friends and families (be they blood-relation or otherwise and whether they are in-person or virtual) this holiday. Merry Christmas to you all, and as Tiny Tim would say, “God Bless us, everyone!” 😉

Tell me about your family’s Christmas traditions in the comments!

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Christmas Tree Hunting in the Black Hills National Forest

In this post, I discuss a delightful holiday pastime, Christmas tree hunting in the Black Hills National Forest.

Well, kids, it’s that time of year again! Thanksgiving is over, the turkey has been eaten, you may have gotten some good deals on holiday shopping…or better yet, you said, “FORGET THAT!” and chose to #optoutside to enjoy some fresh air and work off those Thanksgiving Dinner calories instead. Either way, it is now, FINALLY time to enjoy the Christmas season!

The tree is decorated, the lights are sparkling (both inside and outside the house), and Trans-Siberian Orchestra is booming from the speakers. Christmas has now been fully embraced by the Trekker household! (I told ya I wasn’t a Grinch! )

This time of year the Trekkers take part in what has become an annual tradition: Christmas Tree Hunting in the Black Hills National Forest for the Trekker Family Christmas Tree!

Some years, thigh-high snowdrifts can make the hunt exceptionally challenging (this is especially true when you find yourself attached to a rambunctious pup who happens to LOVE the snow! 😝 {Mr. Trekker plays lumberjack, carrying the tree and saw. 😮})

We load up the “old family sleigh” (otherwise known as Mr. Trekker’s 4WD truck) and head out to our favorite, tree cutting spot (no, I’m not going to tell you exactly where it is. We’ve got our eyes set on other trees up there for future years! 😉)

Green pine tree on a snowy hill. Much larger trees surround it and tower in the background. — A Trekker Family Christmas Tree in its natural environment

Where do I get a permit for hunting Christmas trees in the Black Hills?

The Forest Service encourages the practice of hunting Christmas trees in the national forest to assist them in maintaining healthy forest spaces. Also, there is nothing better to compliment the Christmas Season than the smell of pine in your living room!

You do need a permit to cut a Christmas tree in these areas. They are $10 each (max 5 per person) and you have to go to a Forest Service office or certain private vendors to obtain one.

For information on how to go about acquiring these, check the Forest Service website (where you can buy and download a pass online).

There are some restrictions on which parcels of land you can acquire the trees from and all usual restrictions pertaining to vehicle travel still apply. Also, be sure you are on public, Forest Service land and not Private Property when tree hunting.

Something to be aware of if you’re going tree hunting in the Hills…these are not “tree lot” or “tree farm” trees. These are WILD, “free-range” trees. 😮 They haven’t been trimmed and shaped on a farm with others their size, placed a perfect distance apart for ultimate fullness. They’ve been forced to fight for sunlight and nutrients among others of their kind, some that are MUCH bigger.

They may have had to grow around other trees or obstructions or had to survive vicious storms and wind, or the damage caused by animals. Basically, these trees look how they are SUPPOSED to, without human intervention. 😁 The chances of finding “the perfect tree” are pretty slim, but you’ll know when you find the “right” tree. It calls to you. 😉

Where are good places to hunt for Christmas trees in the Black Hills National Forest?

There are a variety of pine trees available in the Hills for this purpose, ranging from the stereotypical, Christmasy, spruce tree to ponderosa pines. I personally recommend the Black Hills Spruce which is usually found on north-facing slopes of hills and wetter, lower-lying areas. We tend to favor the central to northern Black Hills in our searches.

Be warned, many roads in the Hills are Forest Service roads (or old logging roads) which means they are dirt, rutted, and not maintained AT ALL for winter travel. Conditions in this area this time of year can range from dry, dusty forest roads, to mud, to–frequently–several inches or even feet of snow!

I would not recommend driving on them without a four-wheel-drive/high-clearance vehicle. Some of the roads don’t require this but much of it depends upon current conditions and varies year-to-year (or even week-to-week and day-to-day. Heck, let’s face it, in the mountains, it can vary hour-to-hour!)

Usually, the roads are snow-covered, sometimes deeply. Some years (moreso recently) there is little snow and the roads aren’t muddy, so even my all-wheel-drive CRV could suffice, though these are not normal years. Also be aware, as with many places in the Hills, if you were to become stuck or mired…it will likely be quite a hassle (and quite expensive!) to get out–and that’s once you hike somewhere you can get a cell signal to call for a rescue!

A truck with a snow-covered tree sit on a snow-covered ledge. A lake backed by a forest is in the background. The clouds are grey and it appears to be snowing. — Lunch, by Deerfield Lake, after a successful hunt, on a snowy Saturday!

We have a favorite area we frequent (nope, still not going to tell you where it is!) I will tell you this much, the mountains west of Deerfield Lake have an abundance of spruce trees (assuming that’s the type you’re searching for.) Flag Mountain Road is one of our favorite routes that takes you to some good hunting spots. (That’s ALL the helpful info you will get from me!)

The difficulty with this location is that it usually receives some of the heavier snowfall in the Hills. Even if there is little to no snow in the lower elevations, what falls as rain in these locales often falls as snow in the higher portions of the Hills. And, as I mentioned previously, as is true throughout the Black Hills, cell service in this area is often spotty (if it exists at all). So if you do get stuck and/or your vehicle becomes disabled, you may have a lengthy walk–possibly in deep snow–before you can call for help. Also, watch your step when you venture off the roads. The deep snow can easily hide stumps, downed trees, and other deadfall that can trip you up.

A dry, grass meadow with many pine trees in the background under a blue sky. — Our favorite Christmas tree hunting area in less snowy years

A dry, grass meadow with some tire marks heading off into the distance. Tall pine trees are on all sides under a blue sky. — Usually, there are inches to feet of snow in this area.

Mr. Trekker and his truck usually handle the conditions well, we’ve only gotten stuck…a few times. 😇 Mr. Trekker didn’t mind too much though, it gave him a chance to expand his trail, snow-driving skills (and the opportunity to play with his tire chains. 🙄)

To be clear, we know this area well, such as which parts to avoid as the road winds through gullies that tend to drift. We always carry numerous options of recovery gear with us–and yes mom –we always bring extra clothing in case we get stuck out for a lengthy period of time or need to hike out to call for help. We also have bug-out plans if the conditions prove worse than we had anticipated. Click here for a short video of one wintery trip in the forest!

A snowy meadow. Tall pine trees can barely be seen in the background through the gloom and snow. The shape of a truck is in the far background. — The truck stalks its prey (said in my best, nature documentary-narrator voice 😉 )

Our usual MO is to wander around one of our favorite hunting sites for a while…until both of us look across the meadow…and see IT, standing on the border between meadow and forest, with its much larger brothers towering in the background. You always have to wait for that “Griswold Family Christmas Tree” moment (and yes, Trekker family tradition dictates we watch that movie the night we go tree hunting as a necessary part of the Christmas season. )

If you’re really lucky, as you begin the search for the perfect tree it may start to snow gently…then it looks like a Norman Rockwell painting! A word of advice, we’ve learned the trees look smaller in their “natural habitat”, surrounded by their MUCH larger brothers. More than once we’ve had to cut a tree more drastically than we initially thought was needed once we got home and tried to fit it in our living room. We’ve learned if Mr. Trekker’s 6’4 frame can reach the top of the tree…it should fit in the house!

To Conclude

So, if you’re looking for a great place to cut down your own tree, while also helping the local forest stay healthy, don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty. Get out to your nearby national forest and get yourself a “free-range” Christmas tree. (It’s more organic than those tree-farm trees! 😉)

Christmas Tree Hunting in the Black Hills (or anywhere really) is an enjoyable, family-friendly experience. I encourage everyone to try it out and as always, be safe and smart when venturing out. The experience of trekking out to the wilds to acquire a tree from its natural habitat is incredibly exhilarating. It speaks to the instinctual lumberjack who’s hiding in the deepest, darkest depths of all of us. It’s also a fun, family activity. As I mentioned earlier, there’s little cell service out there, so gather the kids up in the “old family sleigh” and head out for some good, old fashioned–sans-technology–family time!

…just don’t forget the saw! 🙃

A lit Christmas tree in a dark room with other Christmas lights surrounding it — The final product!

Have you ever ventured out to cut down your own family Christmas tree? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Little Elk Creek Trail

In this post, I review this great, fairly easy trail that’s found not far from Rapid City.

Little Elk Creek Trail is another great, local trail that is near Rapid City.

Where is the Little Elk Creek Trail?

You can reach the trailhead from Exit 44, off of I-90, for Deerview Road. Take this road to where it crosses Sturgis Road (which runs parallel to I-90 in this area) and then head north on Sturgis Road. After about 1/2 mile take a left at Little Elk Creek Road. You will find a parking lot at the trailhead, where the road ends.

What you will see on the Little Elk Creek Trail

The trail is around five miles long, one-way, though we’ve never actually hiked the whole thing. If you follow it far enough, it eventually joins up with a Forest Service road that will take you to Dalton Lake.

A hiking trail runs through a "tunnel" of pine tress mixed with other trees and their colorful, fall foilage. — You will see cool, “tree tunnels” like these, along the path.

At one point, the trail splits into two routes. They both go to the same place, and after about a mile they end up joining back together again. One of the trails stays “low”, and I think it is actually a bit more challenging, as it runs right along the creek bed. With this option, you will need to scramble over a few boulders along the way, and it can be made more difficult if the creek level is high, or if conditions are icy.

There are also a few scrambles up a short, steep hill or two if you choose the “high” route. However, to me, the most challenging part of this option is that it runs right along a ridge. The drop-off isn’t quite steep, or high, enough to consider it as being a “shelf”, but it has gotten my acrophobic heart pumping a time or two. (This is especially true when you’re walking with a rambunctious pup who is not apprehensive about heights in the least. 😝)

Back view of a woman walking on a hiking trail with a dog. Pine trees and others with colorful leaves surround them. — Doggo #1 and I on the trail several years ago

This route is pretty any time of the year, but especially in the fall, which is when we usually go. The aspen trees that edge the trail turn a vibrant orangish-gold, and contrast well with the ever-green pines that make up much of the rest of the surrounding forest. As it is much closer to Rapid City, this is one of the better places to see leaf colors without having to drive all the way to Spearfish Canyon or deal with the fall traffic that is common there.

During the summer this area can get pretty crowded. It runs right along the creek, which can be accessed many places throughout the route. It is also fairly shaded, so it makes for a cooler option when the weather is warm. During the winter months, this canyon doesn’t receive much sunlight, so be prepared for icy conditions (especially in the areas where the creek runs very near the trail). Yaktrax are highly recommended when attempting this trek during that time of year.

Bare trees in a forest scene. A creek runs through the middle with a bit of snow on fallen logs. — Little Elk Creek in the snow!

If you’re looking for a good, family hike, that’s easy to reach and close to Rapid City, check out Little Elk Creek Trail, near Piedmont!

Have you hiked the Little Elk Creek Trail? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

If you’d like to read about the other trails in this series, you can click the links below:

Flume Loop Trail
Coon Hollow Trail
“Secret” Hiking Trails off Sheridan Lake Road
Hiking the Boulder Hill Trail
Willow Creek Trail Black Hills
Stratobowl near Rapid City

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Happy Thanksgiving!

In this post, I discuss what I’m thankful for on this Thanksgiving holiday, as well as why we eat that giant, delicious bird.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! (or at least to our friends in the US. 😁)

Tomorrow is Turkey Day! I think this is such a great holiday because no gifts are expected. We can just focus on good food, a day of celebrating the blessings in our lives, and getting to spend time with people we care about.

Did I mention the food? 😉 If you love to eat, how can you not delight in this holiday? 🤤

I think it’s spectacular to have an entire day (or even an entire weekend) geared toward giving thanks for the blessings that surround us. We would do well to engage in this practice many times throughout the year, but at least we’re on the right track…

With how crappy the last few years have been: COVID, political and social unrest, wars, and the awful economy, I think it’s especially important to be aware of and thankful for the blessings that are present in our lives.

How Thanksgiving Became a Holiday…

Harvest celebrations have occurred throughout the world since the first people successfully gathered crops in the fall, from seeds they planted in the spring. The tradition is officially recognized as coming to the US with the Pilgrims.

Growing up, we were always taught that the Pilgrims had it rough that first year in the “New World”. They didn’t know much about what the local climate was like, how long the growing seasons were, or what plants grew well in these soils. Had it not been for people from the local tribes, who knew this land well as they had come to it LONG before, who saved the colonists’ sorry butts, they may not have survived at all. That definitely seems like something worth celebrating!

Of course, history tells us that for centuries thereafter, the newcomers went on to repay the kindness of their saviors by violently evicting, and in many cases trying to eradicate them, but I digress…😔

I also find it interesting that this is not just a special day in the US. Many other countries celebrate a similar holiday (though at different times of the year) including Canada and various places throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa. Obviously, Americans aren’t the only ones who see a Day of Thanks as being worth commemorating.

Why Does the US Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving?

There doesn’t appear to be any evidence that a large, roasted bird was served that first Thanksgiving in the “New World”. It’s possible, as the fowl were present in the US at the time, but other critters, such as geese and deer, were more commonly hunted.

It seems the tradition of eating turkey arose more from the fact that, because of their size, turkeys can feed many mouths. They also didn’t offer much additional worth, aside from food (people didn’t harvest their eggs or feathers) so they weren’t considered a loss. Also, the bird is readily available in the wild and has since proven fairly easy (and relatively cheap) to mass produce for food. Therefore, it made economic and logistical sense to use it for celebrations where large amounts of people needed to be served.

The turkey has become so well connected with this holiday that in the US, we have one particularly odd tradition where the President gives an official pardon to a few turkeys! 😮

What I am thankful for…

On this coming day of thanks, I have much to be thankful for:

…a loving and supportive spouse..
…caring family and friends…
…we are blessed with healthy bodies (I’m especially thankful for health this year after having major surgery in January–to which I am 99% fully recovered!)
…I have a steady job, with decent pay, that allows me to help provide for my family…
…there is food on my table…
…there is a roof over my head…
…I have clothes on my back…

…and, perhaps most importantly of all, we live in a country that relishes personal freedoms (there are SO MANY people the world over who can’t say that).

Also a shout-out to all the companies who choose to put profits aside and allow their employees to spend the entire holiday with their families. Good on you!

What else does one need, really?

I know it’s probably wishful thinking (especially after a tense, presidential election in the US) but I also hope that on this day, maybe we can put some of our many differences aside, and just enjoy being with others…crazy idea, I know. 😝

Now, go enjoy some turkey and mashed potatoes! 🦃🍗…forget shopping on Black Friday, #OptOutside instead, enjoy some nature, exercise and wear off all those holiday calories…and get excited because after tomorrow…we can FINALLY enjoy Christmas!

What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Tell me about them in the comments!

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Flume Loop Trail, Black Hills

In this post, I discuss the Flume Loop Trail, found in the central Black Hills.

The Flume Loop Trail is another in my series of trails that are found close to Rapid City.

Where is the Flume Loop Trail?

This trail is found off Boulder Hill Road west of Rapid City. You can reach that road from both US 16 (a little way south of the Rockerville area) as well as off of Sheridan Lake Road. Either direction works, though the Sheridan Lake Road entrance is closer to the trailhead.

This is a dirt road, though it is usually in very good condition and can be managed by any 2WD car. (The exceptions to this would be in snow, or occasionally, due to heavy rain.) The parking lot where the trailhead is found is the same one you use for the Boulder Hill Trail.

What is a flume?

A flume is a chute, generally built out of wood, used to transport materials (such as logs or gold) using water. This trail in the Black Hills travels along a former flume route from more than 100 years ago, during the gold rush. Today, it is mostly comprised of a wide, grassy, leveled grade along the hillside, where the original structure once stood. In a few areas, the rotting ruins of the original flume can still be spotted. (On other portions of the trail, you can actually travel through old tunnels in the rock that were created for use by the flume.)

The picture at the top of the post is an example of what a flume would have looked like, NOT specifically of the one in the Black Hills.

The rear view of a woman and dog walking along a flat, wide trail in the forest. — This is actually another part of the Flume Trail, but it shows the flume bed well. You can see how flat and wide much of it is.

The entire flume trail runs for more than 15 miles throughout the Black Hills from Rockerville, south of Rapid City, to Sheridan Lake, west of town. Near Boulder Hill, the path forms a loop, and it connects to other portions of the trail.

What is the flume loop trail like?

This is a great trek! It can be completed in either direction, though we usually travel it counterclockwise. (My following description of it will follow that route.)

The Flume Loop Trail starts by traversing some lower-lying meadows through the oak and cottonwood trees that grow along the nearby creek . Watch out for cows in this area during the summer months (or more importantly, what they leave behind. 🤥 This is national forestland, and open grazing is allowed here.) Also, during hunting season, I strongly encourage people to wear bright colors when enjoying this area as you’ll be sharing it with hunters.

As you continue down the trail you’ll pass a small, dank-smelling pond that is often covered in green scum during the warmer months. 😝 There are some logs you can use to cross the small stream that feeds from it. Be aware, this area can get VERY mucky in wet times of the year.

After crossing Boulder Hill Road, you then make a short climb up a nearby hillside. You are now on the flume bed itself. From here on out, the trail is fairly level, with a few short climbs and descents, and the occasional clamber up some boulders. The remainder of the trail traverses the pine forest that is more common in the Black Hills.

Sometimes, as you leave the brighter, open spaces behind, walking into these darker, pine tunnels, can seem almost spooky. Not to worry though, the scariest sites we’ve seen here are the local mule deer and rabbits who frequent the area.

This trail is nice because much of it is shaded and in the trees, regardless of the time of day you visit. We have often used it for a quick, evening escape after work, or when it’s too hot to attempt more difficult, or more exposed routes. The early portion of the trek is great in the fall, as this is a more leaf-prone part of the forest. The dusty smells of dried leaves underfoot, mixed with the sounds from the ones still clinging to the trees, that rattle in the wind, with the gurgle of the small creek nearby, make for quite the bucolic, autumn setting.

Is the Flume Loop Trail hard?

I would rate this trail as “easy” as it encompasses very little elevation gain. It can be completed in 1 – 2 hours, depending on your speed and ability level, how many stops you make, etc. It is appropriate for children of almost any age, and dogs.

Our previous dog enjoyed it, arthritis, bad hips, and all, well into the final year of her long life. Puppers has put her stamp of approval on it as well.

So the next time you’re looking for a family-friendly trail near Rapid City, consider the Flume Loop Trail!

Have you hiked the Flume Trail? What did you think? Tell me about it in the comments!

If you’d like to read about the other trails in this series, you can click the links below:

Coon Hollow Trail
“Secret” Hiking Trails off Sheridan Lake Road
Hiking the Boulder Hill Trail
Little Elk Creek Trail
Stratobowl near Rapid City
Willow Creek Trail Black Hills

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Hiking the Prairie Trail at Custer State Park

In this post, I review a great, moderate trail found off the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park.

The Prairie Trail, in Custer State Park, is one the Trekkers really enjoy and have hiked on multiple occasions! It is a loop trail that is around three miles in total length.

This trek traverses multiple ecosystems throughout its duration. From cottonwoods and oaks that line the lower creek beds, to the higher, pine-forested hillsides and rolling prairies, this trail has it all! It’s crazy how you can experience multiple habitats in just a matter of minutes by ascending or descending just a few hundred feet.

Where is the Prairie Trail?

The trailhead is located on the south side of the Wildlife Loop Road, around six miles from the Blue Bell Campground, or 13 miles from the State Game Lodge, in Custer State Park. It consists of rolling hills, bits of pine forest, and grassland areas. The hike can get pretty steep in a few spots, while you climb or descend the next hill. Fortunately, none of these rises is overly lengthy.

What animals you will see on the Prairie Trail

You’ll see all sorts of critters on this trail, namely prairie dogs, turkeys, and buffalo.

This path actually has some of the busiest and most regular buffalo activity we’ve experienced in the Black Hills. They seem to enjoy lounging along the trail itself, so you should always be ready to turn around or alter your course if you come near them. We have hiked here on several different occasions, and rarely haven’t had to skirt a herd of bison. Dogs are allowed (and both dogs we’ve taken on it thoroughly enjoyed themselves). I would STRONGLY encourage you though, unless you have your pup under ABSOLUTE voice control, to keep them on a leash so they can’t antagonize the buffalo.

A few water crossings may be required depending on the level of the creek, and recent snowmelt or rainfall. Depending on its height, you may be able to cross it by jumping rocks or using the well-placed logs. There can also be times, during dryer spells, when the creek will almost run dry.

Hikers should also be watchful for rattlesnakes along the route. They are especially active during the summer months and tend to frequent the tall grass that flanks both sides of the trail.

What sites you will see on the Prairie Trail

Great views of the surrounding prairie and park are available from the tops of the hills. You may even be able to see the Badlands, far to the east, on a clear day.

Much of the trail crosses the open prairie, so be prepared for lack of shade when it’s warm out. This is supposed to be a prime area for spotting wildflowers in the summer (though I can’t speak to this personally. As the park tends to be pretty busy that time of year, we often avoid it, so we’ve never actually tried this trail during the summer).

We can complete the entire loop in about an hour, though this will vary on your speed, ability level, and if you choose to take any breaks or not (or if you’re required to take a detour around a buffalo herd). There are plenty of scenic spots that would be good for a picnic lunch, or just to view the surroundings and critters found nearby.

If you’re looking for a fun trail to hike in Custer State Park, that the whole family can enjoy, check out the Prairie Trail! In a short amount of time and space, you can experience much of the flora and fauna that is offered throughout the park!

Have you encountered buffalo on the Prairie Trail? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Why the Time Change?

In this post, I discuss the Time Change; why it’s “a thing” and the effect it has on me!

Want to travel back in time? Thanks to “Fall Back”, you get to, and in a couple of months, you get to travel into the future when we “Spring Forward” again. 😝

The time change is so weird! Why do we do it? 😋

For the first 18 years of my life, I lived in a state that didn’t observe Daylight Saving Time. So, during my formative years, we never changed our clocks. In the winter, prime-time TV would start at 8 pm and the late news would come on at 11. During the summer, Prime Time would start at 7 pm with the late news coming on at 10. Other than that, we never noticed any differences at all (though we lived near the Michigan border and I knew that state did this weird, time change thing 😜).

I always reach a point in the year that while I’m not excited for the sun to go down before 5…I can’t WAIT for it to come up before 7 again! It isn’t fun getting up in the dark…walking Puppers in the dark (while still half asleep)…even eating breakfast before the sun peeks over the hills on the eastern side of town…😝 …I can’t imagine how hard it would be to wake up if we didn’t follow the time change and we lost another hour of daylight (at least) in the mornings before hitting the shortest day of the year in December!

By the time Christmas rolls around the sun will be coming up almost as late again (but not quite! Oddly enough, once the time changes the sun never rises quite as late as it does the last week before the Change. The difference is only about 5 minutes, but it’s still BETTER! 😉) Also, by Christmas, I’m excited about the holidays and there are lights and pretty decorations all over!

My first Time Change experience

My freshman year in college, I got to experience my first “Fall Back”, I was so excited! 😉 Do you know what’s really crazy? I went to college in the same state I grew up in! 😂

“Huh?!” you may say. So, it’s complicated. Back then, the very few counties in Indiana, that were near Chicago, did observe the Time Change. This was because many of the people who lived there actually worked in Chicago (or at least northeast Illinois).

My new college friends thought my reaction was a little strange. I found the idea that we got a whole extra hour added to our lives to be fascinating.

There was one particular guy there, that night, who found my weird reaction amusing…I guess it didn’t bother him too much though since he asked me to marry him a “short” eight years later! 😂

The History of Daylight Saving Time

Time Change has been “a thing” in the US since the early 1900s, at least in some areas. It became popular in the ’70s (before my time, for the record 😉) during the gas shortage/energy crisis because, in theory, it would help to reduce energy use.

This may be true in certain locations, but in western South Dakota, we have less than nine hours of daylight during the darkest points of the winter. Whether those hours fall 7 – 4 or 8 – 5 doesn’t really matter…you still have more than 14 hours of darkness to contend with. 😝

Various state governors have also implemented the Time Change to help keep school children safer, as falling back an hour allows more daylight around the time the kids are traveling to school.

Standard Time is actually helpful

I do think the Time Change is ultimately a good thing, at least for those of us living in the more extreme latitudes. If we stayed on Daylight Saving Time all year, the sun wouldn’t come up until AFTER 8 am during the darkest months…no thanks!

In contrast, if we stayed on Standard Time all year, the sun would (literally) be coming up around 3:30 in the morning in the summer–especially seeing as we have an east-facing bedroom, I’m gonna pass on this one, as well. 😋

So, while it may be a complete pain in the a$$, I think the time change does make the best use of the extensive variations in the amount of daylight we experience over the course of a year.

The effects of the time change

I’ve talked at length about my struggle with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and the time change usually triggers it fully. Funnily enough, I don’t remember EVER experiencing it growing up in Indiana. Not even when it seemed like we didn’t see the sun from October through March (unless temps were below zero 🥶)–for anyone who isn’t aware, the Great Lakes region is known for being rather cloudy, especially in the colder months.

Other Vitamin D3 options: Nature’s Bounty, Nature Made 2000 IU tablets, NOW softgels,

I don’t even remember noticing the dark so much in college, which was the first time I experienced true darkness before 5 pm. I’m not sure if it was because I was so busy with classes, homework, and college life, that I just didn’t have time to pay attention? Or if life was relatively easy, being that I was a college student without any major responsibilities 😇?

Another funny note: Indiana’s full state does now participate in Time Change (they started after I moved away), but they’re STILL weird. The vast majority of the state is in the Eastern time zone and changes with New York City, but those few counties near the Illinois border are still in the Central time zone and change with Chicago (for the same reasons I mentioned above).

November is a bad month for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

I struggle with SAD the most during the three weeks before Thanksgiving. The weather in the Black Hills is usually fairly decent, but Fall does tend to be one of our cloudier times of the year. That, and the lack of daylight, tends to exacerbate any SAD symptoms I’m currently feeling.

It’s INCREDIBLY frustrating when you’re already feeling lousy and Mother Nature just smiles at you and keeps kicking your emotional butt with Her cruddy weather…but there’s something oddly calming about it too. Like She does not give a SH*T about how we feel. She just does her thing, completely oblivious and ambivalent about our needs or comforts. It’s humbling, and I find the consistency of it somewhat comforting, strangely enough.

Fortunately we tend to have GORGEOUS sunsets this time of the year!

This time of year, the excitement and decorations of Halloween are over, but it’s too early for Christmas (despite what some might tell you. 🙄) I’m not sure which is the chicken, and which is the egg, but I also find my SAD symptoms compound (or are worsened) by any other stressors/worries I have going on. I think SAD heightens your sensitivity and lessens your tolerance overall, making you more susceptible to the negative effects of these other triggers.

Other therapy lamp choices: Happy Light Luxe; Happy Light full-size; Happy Light UV-free; Happy Light Alba; Happy Ligh Lumi; Happy Light Compact; Happy Light Touch

I LOVE Thanksgiving though, so once we get to that week it gets easier. Then the Christmas Season is in full swing, complete with all the lights, music, and holiday spirit, so I’m happier. Things are also a bit easier with my rambunctious, four-legged “office mate” to keep me company (she doesn’t seem depressed. 😉🐶)

So, for the next few weeks, I’ll be hanging out in front of my therapy lamp while popping the Vitamin D3. 😋 We just gotta buckle down and “embrace the darkness” for the next few months. Fear not though…it’s only about seven weeks till the Winter Solstice, and then the days will start getting longer again! 🌞

Are you #teamtimechange? Tell me your opinion in the comments!

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Halloween, a Creepy Holiday?

In this post, I’ll discuss my thoughts on this fun holiday, and explain how some of its quirky traditions came to be.

Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, has mysterious roots, but is it really creepy?

Some people think this holiday is based on harvest festivals from the Celtics or Pagans, such as Samhain. The Christian faith celebrates All Saints Day on November 1, so “All Saints Eve” falls the night before (October 31). In Mexico, the celebration for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) begins on October 31st. Wiccans believe that on this night, the barrier between our world and that inhabited by the dead is at its most minute point throughout the entire year…

Whatever its true origins may be, it seems obvious that throughout history, this day seems to have been a common time to commemorate and honor those who have gone before us.

As a Lutheran from childhood, All Hallows Eve holds a special place in my heart for another reason. Reformation Day, which falls on October 31st, is said to be the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of his local Catholic church, thereby forever splitting the Christian religion and initiating the rise of Protestantism. (I like to think Martin Luther was the original Libertarian 😆.)

Sometimes this holiday is affiliated with evil. To be honest, I’m not really sure why. In my research, I saw many references to Pagan practices connected with it. However, they all seemed to be intended to respect ancestors or honor the memory of those we have lost. Many of these predate the rise of Christianity. (That religion is often wary of Pagan practices, which I think is incredibly ironic when arguably, one of the most important Christian holidays has all sorts of Pagan connections, ahem…but I digress. 😋)

By its very name, the word Halloween has Christianity at its source, as it means “Saints Evening”. This is because important Christian feasts were historically held on that night, as it proceeded All Saints Day.

Unique customs are practiced on Halloween

There are some interesting traditions affiliated with Halloween. Carving pumpkins, dressing in costumes, and begging for candy on our neighbors’ doorsteps are some of the most well-known. But why do we engage in these activities on this holiday?

Jack-o’-Lanterns

Ever wonder why we disembowel pumpkins, carve their flesh into designs, and then stick candles in them? Well, that dates back to an old, Irish legend. According to the tale, an unscrupulous fellow named Jack tricked the Devil into not being able to claim his soul. He then lived a life of debauchery thinking he had rigged the system.

Jack didn’t bother to get God’s seal of approval on his plans though, and the Big Man Upstairs refused to allow Jack’s soul entrance to Heaven when he died. True to his word, the Devil wouldn’t claim his soul either, he would only give Jack one, glowing coal from the pits of Hell. Jack put that coal in a carved-out turnip and uses it to light his way, as his soul is destined to wander the world aimlessly for all eternity. (I’ll let you unpack all the moral lessons of that fable on your own time. 😜)

Trick-or-Treat!

This custom has been seen across time, cultures, countries, and religious practices. An old Christian tradition was for parishioners to go door-to-door, wishing blessings on people or praying for the souls of their loved ones.

In other cultures, children sang songs on people’s doorsteps in exchange for food or money. If neither was forthcoming, “mischief” might result. 😮

I mentioned earlier that some cultures believe this day is when the spirits of the dead souls return to visit their former homes. The tradition of “trick-or-treat” may have come from people impersonating those souls.

Halloween gets more enjoyable with age…

I find I almost enjoy this holiday more as an adult than I did as a kid. I get to choose what candy to buy, and I can eat as much of it as I want, whenever I want (ha, Mom, you can’t keep me from eating Snickers for breakfast anymore! 😉)

I always enjoy handing treats out to the neighborhood kids (even though I am quickly humbled by just how OLD I really am!) I’ve learned not to “guess” the kids’ costumes anymore, I just ask them what they’re dressed as. In the past, I’ve frequently guessed something like Harry Potter, and am quickly corrected by a very annoyed-looking 10-year-old who informs me it’s a character I’ve never heard of before. 😋

It also helps that our neighborhood is so charming. We basically live in Mayberry (and if you don’t understand that reference, PLEASE, Google it! 😮😉) I mean that in the best way possible. I LOVE our neighborhood. It’s so nice to see kids still dress up and go to their neighbor’s door bleating the singsong “trick-or-treat!” (and most of them are SO polite, I get MANY “thank-you’s!” throughout the night!) Some bring their younger siblings, while some are older teenagers who are still kids at heart…

And yes, I DO NOT care how old you are. If you are willing to throw off societal convention for a few hours, dress up like a goofball, and unleash your inner six-year-old, you can get candy at my house! 😀 Anything that gets kids off their devices and encourages them to just act like kids is ok in my book! 👍

Trekker Halloween Traditions

The Trekker Halloween starts with a trip to the pumpkin patch a week or so before the festivities begin. Then, the night before, we carve our pumpkins (we can’t do it any earlier, the neighborhood deer eat them! 😮 ) We snarf down on pre-Halloween candy 😉 and listen to Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds. We also try to sneak in a reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s Nevermore as well, for good measure. 🎃

Then, the night of, it’s a frozen Tombstone pizza for dinner (they aren’t even that good, but Tombstone is pretty fitting on Halloween, right? 😉) If we’re lucky, and it’s a warm night, the Trekkers and Puppers chill out on the front porch and wait for the kiddos to arrive. If it’s cold, we just hang out inside, instead.

Once the miniature goblins and superheroes have ceased casting shadows on our doorstep, we’ll retire to the basement, with our own bucket of reserved candy (hey, we paid for it! 😉), to watch two of our annual favorites, It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and The Crow. (Those two aren’t complete contradictions of each other…right?) 🤷😉 We’ve also started adding Sleepy Hollow to the mix!

So feel free to let your freak flag fly a little on this holiday. We all deserve to tap into our inner child from time to time. Happy Halloween everyone! 🎃

What are your Halloween traditions? Tell me about them in the comments!

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Dinosaur National Monument: the Colorado Side

In this post, I discuss the Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument.

**Author’s note: Just a word of warning, as this is a federal, National Monument, no dogs are allowed on any trails (exceptions for Service Animals). They are only permitted in the campgrounds and parking lots.**

In this post, I reviewed the Trekkers’ visit to the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument. In this post, I’ll be discussing the Colorado side (as the park spans both states).

Scenic Drives on the Colorado Side of Dinosaur National Monument

One of the main things we enjoyed on the Colorado side of the monument was the scenic drives. There are several found throughout this portion of the park, though all but Harper’s Corner Road are suggested for high-clearance vehicles only.

As I mentioned in Part 1, under good conditions most of these roads are great to drive (honestly several of them were less bumpy than some of the paved, county roads we drove on). I would have felt comfortable taking any vehicle with a higher wheelbase on these (such as an Outback), and we saw several SUVs.

I cannot stress enough though, that we were there in the most ideal weather possible. According to the park, several of the roads are completely impassable when wet. This seemed likely as we crossed many dry stream beds that could easily fill with stormwater runoff. It also makes sense that the powdery dirt that covers the surface of many of these routes could quickly turn into slippery ooze when wet. Many of the roads also only have one way in or out, so, if you reach the end, and then a rainstorm comes…you may not be able to get back out again. Several also lead through low-lying canyons which are likely to flood quickly in a heavy rain event. So please, be wary before attempting these roads if any bad weather conditions are present or expected.

Click here for the NPS website for the park which will have up-to-date info on current road conditions.

Harper’s Corner Road

This is the main road through the Colorado section of Dinosaur National Monument. You access it near Dinosaur, Colorado. This is also one of the only paved roads in the park. At the end of it is the Harper’s Corner Trail which offers INCREDIBLE views.

Hiking on Harper’s Corner Trail

This trail is beautiful! At times you are hiking on an almost knife-edge of rock, with the Green River winding along beside you on one side, and the Yampa River on the other. Did I mention you are up to 2500 feet ABOVE these waterways throughout the hike? 😮 It got my acrophobic-heart pumping a bit! (It really wasn’t too bad. I only felt nervous in one spot where you get a healthy view of a chute, down a cliffside. 😋)

I would rate this trail as “easy”. It’s about three miles in total length (out and back) and it doesn’t have much elevation gain. Just about anyone wearing tennis shoes should be able to handle it (though I should note the park is at an altitude of over 5000 feet, so “flatlanders” may want to take it slow. 😉) At the end of the trek you are treated to an AMAZING view down the canyon, and of Steamboat Rock from above, behind which the Yampa and Green Rivers meet.

A narrow river valley in a desert landscape as seen from above. Short trees are in the foreground while a thin, green river can be seen far below. — One of the incredible lookout points from the Harper’s Corner Trail. That’s the Green River far below, you can maybe see how it got its name.

Looking out over a desert, badlands landscape from above. Short trees are in the foreground with a large, rock formation in the background. — Steamboat Rock, from above…

Echo Park Road

This route takes you from Harper’s Corner Road, east, to Echo Park and its campground. This area is called a “park”, like several other locations in Colorado. It is really just a flat, meadow-like area. It was cool! (Hint, it’s called “Echo Park” for a reason, I encourage you to experiment with this 😁.)

This route traverses the lower “benches” of land that can be seen from above when traversing the Harper’s Corner trail. They are called this as they are wide sections of terrain. They literally look like benches, or steps, that rim the lower, river canyons.

The road winds through an incredible canyon where sheer rock towers over you on both sides. From here you can see Steamboat Rock from the bottom, where it’s much more impressive.

There is a short hike along the river’s edge that is around two miles long (out-and-back). It takes you to the confluence of the Yampa and Green Rivers. There is also a place on this road called Whispering Cave. It appeared fairly unassuming, at first, as it’s just a vertical slit in the rock wall of the canyon, that you can stand in. This was until we figured out its secret (and how it got its name). If people stand at either end of this long slit and whisper REALLY quietly…you can hear each other VERY well (thanks to the unique acoustics of the rock structure). And it’s far more effective than if you try the same thing outside (we checked! 😉)

Click here for a short video of the drive!

Yampa Bench Road

This route takes you from Echo Park Road, east, all the way to US 40 in Elk Springs (though there are a few places you can bug out before you get that far, dependent on road conditions). This was the most difficult route we encountered. The drive was beautiful though, with yellow grassland and scrub brush spread before you, all the way to the rock walls that rise above you on two sides.

Even this road wasn’t bad at this time of year, though I could see it being difficult if it was wet. It was the steepest drive we took and it had the sharpest turns. This was also the longest route we attempted, by far. It was fun, but we covered less than half of it (around 20 miles) and that took almost two hours. This did appear to be the most difficult part of the trek. According to the map, the rest of it looked flatter and easier (and some parts may have been roughly paved). We did finally escape, through a blessed hole in the rock wall called Thanksgiving Gorge (I think I know why they give it that name!) just as daylight was waning. We were rewarded with a herd of elk…and LOTS of cows! 😋

Beautiful Canyons in the Colorado section of Dinosaur National Monument

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

On Sunday we took US 191 north of Vernal, Utah, to the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. It was named for its vibrant, red cliffs that were cut by the Green River. The gorge spans both northeastern Utah, and southeastern Wyoming, just to the north. It is absolutely beautiful, and the dam that created the reservoir is pretty stunning, as well.

Gates of Lodore

From the dam, we then continued north on Route 191, just across the Wyoming line, and picked up Brown’s Park Road. This we took east, back into Colorado. From here we followed signs to the Gates of Lodore, another INCREDIBLE canyon that was cut by the Green River. It sits on the northern tip of the monument. This route was a mixture of well-graded dirt and rough pavement, though any passenger car should be able to handle it, at least in good weather.

I was pronouncing this location like “Gates of Mordor”, from Lord of the Rings, but was quickly corrected by a local. Apparently, it’s supposed to sound more like “Gates of la-DOOR”. 😂

There’s an easy, and fairly short, hiking trail that leads to the mouth of the canyon, from the parking area. Due to its sheer, rock walls, there is no access through this rocky cleft, except by watercraft on the river itself.

A river winds through a desert canyon. Tree-covered, steep, rocky walls line both sides of the canyon. — Gates of Ladore!

Crouse Canyon/Brown’s Park Scenic Backway

We returned back to Vernal by way of the Crouse Canyon/Brown’s Park Scenic Backway. This is another route that cuts through a beautiful canyon, and then a meadowy area.

This road was one of the rougher routes we traveled on and was basically only one lane wide. This was unexpected as it was listed as a scenic drive in one of the local tour brochures, and wasn’t suggested to be high-clearance. Our truck handled it easily but had we known how rough it would be we would have aired the tires down, just for a smoother ride. In good conditions, any SUV with a higher wheelbase should be able to handle it (we passed a CRV or two) but I wouldn’t suggest attempting it in a typical passenger car (just because there were some rocks and ruts that had to be navigated). An Outback probably could have managed it, but we would have been extra cautious.

The drive was BEAUTIFUL though, with the yellow and orange leaf colors set against the red rock of the canyon walls, which contrasted with the blue of the sky above. Click here for a short video of it!

We returned home via US 40 east, through Craig, Steamboat Springs, and Rabbit Ears Pass. This is the one portion of northern Colorado we hadn’t been to yet.

Colorado is one of my favorite places to visit. Click here for more posts on this awesome state!

From there we took Route 14 north to Walden, then headed north to Laramie, Wyoming, and back to the Black Hills. FYI, this is a great way to avoid the traffic in the Denver area, and much of I-25, if you’re heading north from northern Colorado! It offers some great views too!

You won’t find a better time to visit this park than Fall. Tree colors are bright, crowds are light and temperatures are cool. So the next time you’re looking for a good autumn vacation spot, think of the out-of-the-way Dinosaur National Monument!

Have you visited this incredible place? Tell me about your favorite parts of it in the comments!

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