Reflection in the Cove

A quick shot from Veteran's Point on the north side of Pactola this afternoon.  Tried to make it to Deerfield, but to much snow when driving the car.  

There was just enough sun making it's way through the clouds to create a little reflection today.

Seriously, It's Gotta Go

Last week we FINALLY had some spring like temps, all the snow was melted, the ground was quite soggy, but it felt like spring.  Winter has hung on like a bad hang-over this year.  I'm over it!

Mother Nature can be cruel.....I woke up yesterday to 6" of fresh, WET, spring snow and some awesome wind to go along with it.  This, of course, was after it had been raining hard the night before.  I don't know when it changed it snow, but it certainly piled up.  Seriously, this white stuff has GOT to go!

After getting the driveway plowed, I needed to do something to change my attitude.  So, after a tan, I decided to see if I could get a decent shot of Bear Butte.  There were a couple of holes in the clouds that the sun was trying to peak through - maybe, just maybe I could get lucky.

Photo bombed by a pair of Canadian Honkers.  Sturgis area I don't believe got quite as much snow as we did.

 As the evening continued, the clouds were trying to break up; I new this morning might provide a pretty sunrise.  First thing this morning with cup of coffee and camera in hand, me and the dog headed to same spot to see what I could capture.

Sun just starting to peak up.

Sun is officially up and starting to shine.

Not enough cloud bank to create a lot of color over the Butte it self.

And now the sun is shining bright - bring on the mud season.

A Stop at Pactola Lake

This hitch is a little crazy for Bill; he had to go back yesterday to cover some work for the week - right smack in the middle of days off.  Oil field life, the only thing consistent is constant change, but it is a life that has afforded us many awesome opportunities and we've grown to 'love' it.

Any who.......I've started spending the afternoons driving through the hills after Bill and I's traditional lunch as he heads out of town.  Sunrises have been quite spectacular the past several days so I decided to head up to the lake to see what kind of sunset might be in store.  Once I got up there, I was dismayed at how many ice fisherman were out - not only on Pactola but Sheridan also.  Really?????  Casey fell through the edge of Pactola......how long do you seriously think that ice is going to hold you or your 4 wheeler?  You may have guessed - I don't do ice!  Unfortunately, sunset wasn't very colorful, but it was still nice to sit by the waters edge.  And Casey burned a little energy also.

Just a little color as the sun slips behind the hills.

Slowing down for a little reflection is always a good thing.

Busy!!!

Hiking Sylvan Lake & Harney Peak

Yesterday I had the opportunity to join in on a snowshoe around Sylvan Lake that was sponsored by Custer State Park.  It was supposed to have been last weekend, but because of the ridiculous below freezing temps and awesome wind, it was postponed one week.  Crazy how the lake received 12" of fresh snow last weekend, then this weekend so much of the snow was melted that snow-shoeing kind of sucked.  No worries, just take those shoes off and hike. 

 

Looking toward the spillway.

Back side of the spillway.

After making the trek around the Lake, three of us decided to hike up to the look out on Harney Peak.  (Harney Peak Lookout used to be used as fire lookout by the Forest Service.  It has since been 'retired' for that capacity.)  One of the gals is from Connecticut, only here for a month while doing an internship so is wanting to see as much of South Dakota that she can squeeze in.  It was a beautiful day for the hike; and thankfully my hiking companions didn't mind waiting me......not near as fast as I used to be I tell ya.

Along the trail, looking westward.

Almost to the top, looking toward the Bad Lands.

'Alien' rock formations looking south from the floor of the tower.

From the top of the lookout, looking east, over the Bad Lands.

Thank you ladies for a wonderful day!

Roatan, Honduras Photo's

OK, OK, I know we've been home for a month.  And I know I probably should have had these photo's posted earlier, but cut a girl some slack!  Please?!?  I had a hick-up with the computer plus I had to get the taxes ready for our accountant.  Yeah, yeah, excuses, you say.

I didn't divide these photo's by day, but rather by subject.  It just worked better to showcase them this way than my usual day by day.  Hope you enjoy!  And hope you are now thinking about where you to can go enjoy the tropics......sooooooonnnn.  As normal, just click on the links to view.

Around the island:

Standing outside Monkey Island Beach Bar, having a drink at Sundowners, and on the porch near Grand Roatan.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5988048213681243409&authkey=Gv1sRgCMXdg-St4suV2AE&feat=email

Swimming with dolphins:

This was SOOOOOOO much fun!

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Around the house:

Hummingbird, house sign, shells on the porch.

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 Snorkeling Half Moon Bay, West End, Roatan:

Yellow tailed snapper, angelfish, parrot fish, several different species of fish.

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Hanging out and snorkeling West Bay:

Blue striped grunt and angelfish, grouper.

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Lunch at Pristine Bay Restaurant overlooking Palmetto Bay and French Harbour:

Baby iguana (?), French Harbour, hummingbird.

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The island of Roatan is one of the few places in the world that you can reach the reef snorkeling right from the shore, making it a superb spot for a winter get away.  We had a fabulous time!  Our only regret, of course, is that we couldn't extend our stay.  We have really enjoyed our world travels with Curt and Renan and this trip was no different.  Cheers Matee!