A Busy Day in the Black Hills

We could tell we were in cowboy country as we saw these horseback riders coming toward us as we approached Custer State Park.

We have not been here for many years. Since our last visit they have made a walk so you can get much closer.

This is such a beautiful lake. In fact, Lee and Marsha spent their honeymoon here back in 1973. We hiked around the lake today.

This is part of the hike around Sylvan Lake.

Many inprovements have been made to Mt Rushmore. We liked the nice walkways and improved facilities. Vic said we should get up there before all the people arrived. I am pretty sure that every Dad and husband said the same thing judging from the amount of people there this morning.

OUR LAST DAY IN COLORADO

Wild Roses along our walk this morning

Colorado loves thier dandelions. There are some very healthy crops in this area.

This evening we went to eat in Breckenridge - we had some really good Italian food. Before we left we notice some smoke in the mountains from our upstairs window. It was still going pretty good when we got home so Vic took off to see what he could see. If you're interested, check out: www.vicluikenpics.blogspot.com

Friday - A Perfect Day in the Mountains

Here's what we saw this morning on our walk.This afternoon we went to Breckenridge and walked the entire main street. It is a great town in the summer. I'm sure it looks a lot different in the winter! The flowers are so pretty. This picture is taken in front of a restaurant.

June 25th

Today Vic and Marilyn celebrated 42 years of marriage. It was such a nice day. We took a walk in the morning and then went to a Himalayan Restaurant for lunch. We all enjoyed the food a lot. After lunch we drove to Vail and walked around that little village. The flowers are always so pretty there in the summer time and today was no exception.

Columbine in bloom

TUESDAY

This morning we meet Jerry & Sue for breakfast. They are from the Steamboat Rock area and were with us in Colorado Springs for Mark and Erin's wedding. We've know them for many years.We packed a picnic lunch and took it to one of our favorite walking places. It was so warm so it made for a great outdoor picnic. As you will notice the scenery wasn't bad either.

These two could pass for sisters - and several told us that while we were with family.

Lake Dillion - a view from high up looking down toward Frisco and Dillion.

A WALK TO REMEMBER

This morning we decided it was a perfect day for a walk. We started out with 4 people and 4 cameras. You can see our complex in the background.

The flowers along the way were beautiful. Our condo is near Lake Dillion and the path is through the trees and along the lake.

Here you see Pat getting a shot of some driftwood.

These clusters of white flowers were along the path. The picture below is a view up to the mountains as we walked.

This is our condo as we looked back.

One of the sad things, Colorado is fighting the pine beetle that is making a mess of the pine trees. You can see it in this picture there are many dead trees.

Check out the snow on the mountains.

I can't even describe the beauty of this Iris. It is the most unusual color.

Billings to Casper

We enjoyed our ride today as we left Billings. I have to say neither of us expected such beautiful country. We saw so much wildlife and the scenery was spectacular. Rob's parents grew up in Montana and now we understand why they talk of the beauty of the State.

This metal sculpture is inside a Native American Monument at the Battlefield. We stopped at Custer Battlefield and spent about 2 hours walking around reading the signs and enjoying a beautiful day to be outdoors. We sure understand more of the history of this event now that we have been here.

Grand Forks to Billings

The Yellowstone River

We left GF at 6:15 this a.m. and had a great drive. We only stopped 3 times. Got to Billings at 5:15 MDT and checked into our motel and then went to a place called Cactus Creek for a bite to eat. We enjoyed the Yellowstone River as we got into Montana. The best stop was at Pompey's Pillar. Vic put more pictures and explained some of it on his blog. www.vicluikenpics.blogspot.com if you would like to read more.

ROAD TRIP ROAD TRIP

Tuesday morning we leave on a 2 week trip. We will head west first to check out some Lewis & Clark sites. Then to Denver to pick up Carrie. Rob isn't able to come because his brother is coming to Oahu for a wedding. We are attending the wedding of Don & Cheryl (Vic's neice) Watson's son Mark. It was a good excuse to have a Luiken Family Reunion. We will also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Norm and Jan. After that we will go to the mountains for a week. I know there will be some pictures along the way as the pile of photography equipment is ready to be loaded in the car. Keep tuned.

FIRST TERRYTOWN GUESTS SINCE RETIREMENT

We received a guest book as a retirement gift for TerryTown. The first entry was Jay and Ilene. We were able to get them out in the kayak. Thankfully, we had a really nice day on Saturday.

MINNESOTA BOUND WEBSITE

Cut and paste: www.mnbound.com/c-74-.aspx

Vic had some pictures posted on the Minnesota Bound Website. If you like loons, you'll enjoy this site. Carrie told him she always thought he was a little loony.

RAIN BRINGS BEAUTIFUL THINGS

We spent a few days at TerryTown. Saturday was a beautiful day. We have a steep hill that needed some attention. Vic mowed the top and the bottom and used the weedeater in the middle. It's a big job so he was happy to have it done. He'll have to do it at least once more before the summer is over. Sunday afternoon we were finally able to get the kayak on the lake. We felt like MAYBE summer would actually come. The yellow flower is called:

Large-flowered bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)

It was taken in Itasca State Park. The twisted petals are so unusual.

When we got back to Grand Forks we thought our Palace Purple and Hosta were so beautiful. Marilyn thinks they may find their way to the wall in the house.
This bogonia is the most beautiful color. Vic took the picture right after the afternoon shower.

RAIN, RAIN, RAIN, RAIN

We have had so much rain the past few days. It just won't stop. This evening we drove to the little town of Dorset to have some Mexican food. On the drive we saw an eagle, deer, 3 legged dog and Mr. & Mrs. Goose with one baby. Isn't life exciting!!! We sure hope it clears up because we want to get on the lake. Also, we have outside jobs that need to be done.

Fog on Eagle Lake

The lake was beautiful Saturday morning when the fog was lifting.

Swans, Flowers & Birds

We spotted this swan nest along the road as we drove to Park Rapids.


Visitors at our neightbors bird feeder
We have had lots of bluejays this spring.