Today we ventured up to Black Elk Peak Hike (El. 7,242 ft). Ade, Tracie and Anna turned around just before 3/4 of mile. Caio, Eric and I made it up to the top on peak. We took Trail 9 up and Trail 4 down. I was thinking Trail 4 was easier but I was wrong...very wrong. haha!  The total length was 7.3 miles and took us just under 4 hours. I've learned my lesson...Trail 9 is the one you want up and down! After we got back we drove the Needles highway back to Rapid City.

 

Eric and I made our annual trek to Rapid City for vacation and see family. We were shocked when walked in the door and saw Tracie. She came to visit for the week. Terry and Judy had to go to doctors appointments. Carrie was working so we had to "kidnapped" Sofia and went to Bear Country USA and Wildlife Loop today.  More pictures can be found Bear Country USA

Day two of our Labor Day state park tour took us to the middle of southern Minnesota. 

We started at Rice Lake. Eric and I have camped here a few times and went canoeing several times as well. Unfortunately due to Covid no canoe rentals. :(

Next stop was Nerstrand. This place was packed!  Eric let us out while he waited in line to park. Nancy, Danielle and I were able to hike down to the Hidden Falls and back. When we got back Eric said he just got a parking spot!

We stopped briefly at Sakatah but with out a bike it really isn't fun. We finished the day at Minneopa. We checked out the fairly new bison area. The bison were far away. :( We also stopped by the waterfall. And like Nerstrand...it was packed!  Busy weekend at the MN state parks.

Danielle, Nancy, Eric and I ventured out to some Southwest Minnesota state parks. We hit Lake Shetek. Sadly the pelicans were not to be seen. :( After that we stopped at Fort Ridgely to check out the Dakota War Fort. It was a fun day.