On Again Off Again

We have had an on again off again winter here in Rapid this month with a few inches of snow one day and then sunshine and mild temps long enough to melt the snow. The above photo was taken on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon at the beginning of the month.

It was so nice out that I decided I would hike to the top of the hill, or at least try too. This is the view from the path leading to the hiking trail.

This map is located at the trail head and shows the various trails indicated in blue. The pink is the path I took on my endeavor to reach the top.

On one of the hills to the right of the park a beautiful home can be seen on the hill.

The winding path wound along going up then down and back up again, as well as making many twists and turns. I began to wonder if I would ever get to the wooded part of the trail.

It was so lovely and relaxing, even if a bit strenuous. The path I took was one that is mark as more difficult. More difficult than what I am not sure, because all of the ones I saw were marked more difficult????

I was not the only one enjoying the trails that day, there were a number of bicyclists and even one runner. I decided it would be best if I walked on the very edge of the trail and actually moved slightly off the trail when I heard the cyclists coming. I have decided the cyclists were much more courteous than the runner. 

Some said hi, some even thanked me for stepping to the side, and one even stopped and apologized for startling this white tail deer I was photographing. I told him it wasn't a problem and thanked him for getting the deer to move so I could get a shot of it standing. While I had a chance I asked if the trail went to the top of the hill. Much to my disappointment he said it did not, but that around the bend behind the deer was the highest point on the trail.

It may not have been the top of the hill but oh what a view! 

It was such a beautiful day and the hike up had been so very peaceful. I refused to let the rude  runner I encountered on the way down spoil my day. I guess he wanted to run were I was walking on the edge of the path, so as he came up behind me he barked at me to move.

Here we are the following morning, Mother Nature  must have decided we needed a reminder that it was still winter..... LOL

As far as the weather goes Rapid City is actually pretty mild by South Dakota standards. How about where you live, are your seasons extreme or mild?

 

Joining in with a bunch of great virtual world travelers at:

Nature Hike

The Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park trails are extensive and yet I have only seen a very small portion of the trails. Here is a bit from my last little hike.

When I headed out the sky was still pretty overcast from the brief thunderstorm that had quickly passed through. The color is a bit off in this first shot but it will give you an idea of how beautiful  the clouds were.

The sky quickly cleared and left behind a beautiful day. It was still a bit warm but not too bad and not too humid.

 Thankfully the ground wasn't too wet either.

I was a bit surprised when I came across this giant spider web. Along the interstate in Virginia I had seen humongous spider webs but never had I seen what I would consider even large spider webs here in South Dakota. Until I saw these.

They are no where near as large as those in Virgina but large ball of web was at least two feet in diameter. Needless to say this was one time I was kind of glad to follow the trail rules and not leave the trail to get a closer look.

There wasn't as many wild flowers as the last time I walked the trail but there were still a few.

 And there were quite a few little creatures enjoying the afternoon.

There were also a lot of these. They remind me of a dandelion seeds but are much larger, about three to four inches in diameter. Yes, I am clueless most of the time when it comes to names of flowers, birds and trees.

I even saw a dear, although it was too quick for me and I missed capturing it with my camera. I hope you have enjoyed this little nature hike in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Wishing all happy travels

both real and virtual!

Wandering The Hillside

I finally managed to get the time to go on a short hike in the hills behind our new home. Here is what I saw.

The prairie grass was nearly shoulder high on either side of the trail in some areas and when the breeze kicked up it was beautiful to see the grass sway.

Note cards and magnets of the Prairie Grass available here.

Viewing the hills through the prairie grass

In other areas it was barely knee high.

Looking back at the apartment complex where I live.

  Wildflower note cards and magnet available here

Wildflower note cards and magnets available here

I followed the trail a little way and then having forgotten to use some type of bug repellant I decided it was time to head back rather than be eaten alive by mosquito's and gnats.