South Dakota

So we were in South Dakota for a few days without phone service, internet or TV. That was all ok, but it was also cold and rainy.  We finished hiking in Rocky National Park and then went to South Dakota passing through Wyoming. We learned two interesting facts about Wyoming. First, it has the fewest people of any other state, and second, it produces about 40% of the coal in the United States.  Then we went to Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. Has anyone ever heard of this National Park? We had not, but it was pretty awesome.  The cave is one of the biggest, if not the biggest in the world, with over 130 miles of caves paths. We had a great tour. It was the seventh National Park, and I bet most people never heard of it.  You must visit if you are anywhere near South Dakota or Wyoming. Then we went to Badlands National Park. It is also very cool. Both of places you would not see every day. I am so thankful that our forefathers thought to preserve some of these places for future generations to enjoy. Once again, we see God's handiwork all around us. We serve an awesome God who can make beauty out of anything. The first couple pictures are of a cute church we found in Colorado built upon a rock. That is what all of us have as a foundation. The rock of Jesus Christ.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Yesterday we visited Rocky Mountain National Park.  The snow was crazy! Sondra had to get in the snow because she hadn't seen snow since the 1970s. What a road, Trail Ridge, the highest continuous road in the United States. We rode from east to west, and then back again, about 50  miles each way. Sondra white knuckled it in several places, but since I am such a good driver, no worries. The first  picture is from our campsite. The last picture is of the continental divide. The weather finally turned a little warmer, so we are glad of that. We have been most blessed to find a great church each Sunday, and today was no different with a challenge to our hearts. God is awesome, and we are so blessed to be able to experience first hand His handiwork. Pictures can not really describe how beautiful our country is.  Retirement is suiting both of us, and we haven't killed each other yet.
Today I about killed her though, because we had a five mile plus hike around Lake Estes, but I did let her get lunch in the middle of the hike.

Dillon

Had a great visit with Josh and crew. In the picture is Josh and his sweetheart, Mandy, the old lady, and Molly. I love these kids, we had a lot of laughs and a good time. never enough time with them. We went yesterday to get a few minor things fixed in the motorhome. The people at Discount RV in Longmont were beyond nice and helpful. They had everything fixed in half an hour. We moved from one cold place in Colorado to another, but the sun is shining and we are going to visit Rocky Mountain National park today. The scenery is breathtaking.

Colorado

We are in Colorado for a few days visiting my son Josh. It is very cold here. We went on a very difficult hike today. We are hoping that we can walk tomorrow. We even drove through snow getting to our hike today!

Sondra Hiking

Well, I don't know if it was because we were in her home state, or why, but Sondra did a lot of hiking at the lake of the Ozarks. We went to Ha Ha Tonka state park, which was gorgeous. The name means laughing water. We did quite a bit of hiking, I am pointing out our map. Then we went to the booming town and bought some fudge. See all the weight we have gained. Last night we went to a 60s, 70s and 80s show which was excellently done. The tickets were $20 and was as good as any 80 show I have been to.  We move on tomorrow, passing through the long state of Kansas before we go to see my son Josh for a few days. Weather is cool, but we are adjusting.

Missouri - Sondra's Home State

We have been in Missouri a few days. Sunday we had lunch with Sondra's cousin, Mike and his wife Liz. Those in Sunday Bible study will remember we prayed for him last year as he had very serious surgery and rehab. He is looking good and doing well. Yesterday, we went to the top of the arch. I had never been there and was very impressed. Busch stadium is something else as well. While I am not specifically a cardinal fan, the stadium is awesome.

Today we did not travel that many miles but we went through 4 states; Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri. We will be in sondra's home state for a few days bringing back childhood memories for her.