Hawks View Cottages

This is probably one of the most interesting places we have ever stayed at.  First, the driveway is very steep with hairpin turns.  Then the 85 steps up to the cottage!  But in the end it was worth it.  It was like staying in a tree fort!

Train Ride with the Grandkids

We went on a train ride in Osceola, WI. 

 

The 30 minute train ride took us to a pumpkin festival in Dresser, WI.

  Even though it was a cool fall day, we had lots of fun!

Our shirts glow in the dark!

Piper 4, Liam 2 1/2, Paxton 1 1/2



Fall Colors in October

One of the perks of this semi-retirement is 4 day weekends.  Since my husband worked all weekend, we had to fit everything into a Monday!  We started the day off with breakfast at Perkins, followed by a trip to Maplewood State Park.  This is why we love central Minnesota in October!

Last we had to stop at The Loon Cafe for lunch and their famous 99 cent coffee and pie!

My favorite little pumpkins!

South Dakota Trip

My daughter asked why I had not blogged lately.  Just too busy! 

We did finally get a trip in to the Black Hills in South Dakota.

 I found the scenery of South Dakota to be mostly roung hay bales and cattle, until we reached the Black Hills.

Our hotel was in Keystone, right below Mount Rushmore.  You can see the monument just above our car.  We could see this from the balcony of our hotel room.

We spent two hours touring the grounds and we ate lunch in the cafeteria.

A trail runs along the base of the monument.  Many steps!

When you looked between large rocks along the trail.

you could catch a glimpse of the monument above you.

Our next stop was Crazy Horse, just a few miles down the road.

Much had changed since my last visit in the 70's.  At that time it was hard to see what was being carved into the mountain side.

This is monument is much larger than Mount Rushmore.  The hole under his arm is 7 stories high.

When competed, this what the monument will look like.

There were many Native American and western artifacts on display.

Next we took the drive around Custer Park.

Mount Rushmore was visible around the many turns in the park.

Because of the one lane tunnels and narrow roads, no trucks or RV's were permitted on this section of the park road.  Some roads were so windy, they were called "pig's tails".

Interesting rocks along the drive, can you see the face profile in the rocks?

You have to stop at Wall Drug, if you are in South Dakota. 

Free ice water and the best homemade doughnuts!

Lots to see at Wall Drug.

Last stop, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD.  (I don't know why the firetruck was there.) 

17 hours total, just driving. and we're glad that we are home!

A Visit to Munsinger Clemens Garden

These gardens are very impressive.

Bill and Virginia Clemens donated the land for the gardens.

A few of the many fountains.

A walk through an arbor.

I love all of the ironwork.

The brick walkways lead from one garden to another.

The "red garden".

The "yellow garden".

The "white garden".

I love this small tree.

How do they mow such a perfect lawn?

Who would think a grass could be so interesting?

This is why the gardens look so picture perfect,

lots of volunteer weeders!