Orange pickin to blackberry pickin

One can tell that we have been on the road for a long time when you read that title.
Sad as we were to see Madison, WI in our rear view mirror, it felt good to know we were on the road headed west again, another leg closer to home. We were sad to leave Dave, Jackie and Dan and their wonderful hospitality but the open road beckons us. Being the early starter that we are, we felt lucky to make it another state before late.
Traversing country we passed by before felt like déjà vu, only you have pictures to prove you have been here before. Such was the case as we passed over the Mississippi near Wyalusing State Park. Before we were fleeing the icy grip of a cold front and this time we could turn on our air conditioning carefree of the heat outside (thanks again, Stick). This time we could stop and appreciate Effigy National Park where prehistoric Indians made mounds that are remnants of some ancient sophisticated culture. It felt good to hike up the hill and appreciate the effort of those who came before us.
You might think we made it to another country for we spent the night at Lake Louise……….….Minnesota. A lovely park in the middle of now-here, it felt good to be 1 of 4 in a park in the middle of summer that had room for 50. The morning was cool enough for a long bike ride and the girls and I went on one and along the way picked blackberries for our breakfast (I should say theirs, I am allergic). Pricked and stained, we headed back to the camper with our water bottle full of berries for dad who opted to stay for hot shower instead of the ride.
Ever westward, our destination is the Pipestone National Monument which doesn’t have a campground but the town nearby has a city park dedicated to a Rapunzel looking water tower. This is a mecca for people throughout the area and for centuries. They came here for the special stone which was soft enough to carve but sturdy enough to hold fire within. Even today, only Native Americans are allowed to mine the unique stone. Also called “Catlinite” after the famous painter of the residents of plains in the early 1800’s, George Catlin, it is a red ochre color and carvings upon it are very durable.
Although the quarries are not that impressive to look at the visitor center and associated gift shop is well worth the visit. The sacredness of the location is very evident as you walk around appreciating the waterfalls and wildflowers. We are very lucky in that the weather has cooled off considerably (reviews of past attractions!) so hiking is more fun.
Back in South Dakota, the feeling is more western than eastern and we breather easier for we are at heart westerners. Till our paths cross that is the news of the road. Hugs to all, the Meanderthals

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