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“Yellowstone” by N&J.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (Oct 23/13) – The drive to Yellowstone National Park is filled with anticipation of what to expect, the vast array of natural wonders, nature’s history in full display… whereas Canada has many wonderful national parks, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park created in 1872. click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery What captured the eye most of all, was the devastation from two decades of wild fires that have destroyed 75% of the parks 2.1 million acres of forest. It is overwhelming in the least. Although nature is quickly replacing the void with new growth… the emptiness is startling.…
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“Happen Chance” by N&J.
West of Cody, Wyoming (Oct 22/13) – Having learned along the way that the best maps and source of info is at the State Information Centre, N&J make sure to stop everytime they cross a state line. Eager to learn about the vastness and uniquenes of Wyoming they are told not to miss Thermopolis. A unique town centered around a natural hot spring, being the largest in North America, it is truly stunning. Located within Native Land, a treaty was signed entrusting that the Hot Springs would be free to everyone… and it still is. N&J were thrilled!!! After a hot soak, completely relaxed and clean they continued on to…
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“…Dancing Through our Heads” by N&J.
The Black Hills of South Dakota (Oct 21/13) – While cruising down the highway at Gizmo speed, N&J were afforded the opportunity to read countless (seemed like thousands) of billboards expounding the virtues of WALL DRUG. “Coffee 5 cents – 120 miles to Wall Drug”, “Free Ice Cold Water – Only 78 miles to Wall Drug”. What the heck is Wall Drug??? click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery Well, after arriving in the town of Wall, South Dakota (just outside the Badlands), N&J finally discovered what all the hoopla was about. This small, quaint town of a few hundred has it’s own historic…
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“We Got the Cookie Monster Blues !!!” by N&J.
Badlands National Park in Wyoming (Oct 20/13) – N&J certainly didn’t waste anytime getting themselves back into the ‘on the road’ routine after the Habitat gig. Since leaving Fort Thompson they have already clocked quite a few kilometres on Gizmo. The first stop was Badlands National Park located in the south-west corner of South Dakota…. in fact just outside the eastern park gate where they stopped for the evening after driving across the state. A great place to sleep, very quiet except for the nearby dairy farm and the faint ‘mooing’ heard all night (HEY!!! Who is milking the cows tonight???). click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to…
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“Eyes Wide Open” by N&J.
Crow Creek Indian Reserve, Fort Thompson, South Dakota (Oct 19/13) – What are N&J feeling?… Sad to leave??… Ecstatic ??? … A bit of both. Certainly bittersweet. One thing is for sure, they have met some amazing & interesting people in the month and a half stay… some who were surprisingly different from the expectations. click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery N&J’s neighbours, the ‘park’ residents have definitely taught a few things about ‘Life on the Res’. Not always what it appears on the surface; it can be very disturbing, but also very heartening. Thomas (a native elder in his 70’s who prefers to…
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“Last Day at Habitat!!!” by N&J.
Fort Thompson, SD (Oct 18/13) – It has been 6 weeks that ‘Team NJ’ has been at Habitat for Humanity on the Crow Creek Indian Reserve. This is N&J’s last full day working as volunteers on the project. A lot has transpired since their arrival. They have managed to complete the work on the inner workings (framing, plumbing, electrical, etc) to the point that installing the drywall has begun and there is about 20% left to go. It was their initial wish that they would have had all the drywall board installed before leaving… much has been accomplished. With lots of cheekiness, having dress up days, and hiding stuff in…
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”The Princess Journal” by J ‘all about’ N.
Crow Creek Indian Reserve, SD (Oct 13/13) – Princess??? N??? Yes she is definitely a ‘Princess’ in J’s book. Considering the zany, crazy antics that you have previously read about, what has transpired since (there is more? how can that be??? Believe it!!!). Never a dull moment in the Gizmo household. NEVER. Yeah there has been the teeth brushing incident (wow that really broke your last distance record); the pee-pot moments (seems like forever waiting outside the door in sub-zero weather, cookie-monster pyjamas notwithstanding), bathing/washing dishes (same place, not at the same time)… click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery Not sure what sport…
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“Rescued!!! UPDATE #2” by N&J.
Gregory, South Dakota (Oct 12/13) – Visited Daisy (aka ‘Ears’) and her family of new-born pups at the Rescues Unlimited facility in Gregory, SD. Marie and Dale currently have a total of 31 dogs that they have rescued. Their house, lives, finances, time and energy are dedicated to the rescue. Their animals have been mended back to health after a dismal start; broken limbs, amputations, damaged eyes, etc… click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery Daisy within a mere 3 weeks after giving birth to 9 puppies (yes count em’, previously it was thought there was 8… she snuck an extra pup into the…
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“Under Construction” by N&J.
Fort Thompson, SD (Oct 03/13) – The Habitat for Humanity (H4H) visitor centre here on the Crow Creek Indian Reserve is moving forward rather quickly. All the electrical, plumbing, framing, and HVAC is almost complete. A few more soffits to be built, and the entire area will be ready for drywall. N&J have been using some new construction skills along the way. Jim Huntley (H4H Executive Director & construction guru) has been sharing some of his tricks, giving additional insight into building technique… N&J have each done considerable renovations in the past, but have benefited from this experience, improving the efficiency by ‘measuring twice, cutting once’. click on pic to…