Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Debi Walter

Our final day on this amazing road trip of a lifetime.

We arrived on Sunday to our beautiful townhouse in Estes Park. The view from the balcony was just a snippet of what we were to see the next day.

We had secured our timed entry pass at 9 a.m. and surprisingly we were nearly on time.

We took the Trailhead Loop which nearly encircles the whole park. We climbed to 12,200 feet, which is above the tree line. The weather was cold and extremely windy. The views? Amazing!

The trail ended at Grand Lake, Colorado, where we had a picnic in the town park. Afterward, we had to turn around and drive back the way we came. All in all it was about a 5 hour drive. Beautiful coming or going.

The aspen trees were in peak color providing such breathtaking beauty. Every turn we saw more of God’s glorious creation!

The pictures speak for themselves…

Last night God provided this stunning rainbow

Thank you, God for allowing us to have this time away as a family. We laughed, we ate, we teased each other (S.U.B.) 😂 We took lots of pictures and ate lots of good food and ice cream. We visited 4 states—Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska in 7 days. We drove 1300 miles and took hundreds of photos! Nebraska was a bonus state for us, where we drove to Chadron one day for lunch, just so we could say we’d been there. And the Mexican Restaurant was one of our favorite meals—well worth the hour drive South.

Crazy Horse Memorial and a Touchstone

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Debi Walter

On Day 4 we drove to Custer, South Dakota, for lunch on our way to the Crazy Horse Memorial. We enjoyed out lunch so much at Custer Wolf Cafe. The service and food were delicious, and the cooler weather made everything better about this day.

When we were driving North to the Memorial we had no expectations. Other than my sister had heard that the entire Mt. Rushmore monument would fit in Crazy Horse’s monument with room to spare. Impressive. But what’s more impressive is that this project that began in the 1940’s has been built without any government assistance. I like that the Lakota Nation wanted to do this themselves and with the willing donations of others.

There is no known picture or impression of Crazy Horse, so the sculptor interviewed those native Americans who knew him. They described his appearance which led him to create his likeness on the statue.

At this point they’ve only finished his stoic face and his outstretched arm over the mane of his horse. This is the miniature created so you can see what the finished sculpture will look like…

This is the poem written by Korczak Zholkowski…

While there we sat in on the demonstration of a Native American playing the songs of many different tribes. Imagine my delight when he began talking of the Creek Indians and their requirement to follow the Trail of Tears to Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma.

The book I wrote about my Grandmother, Through The Eyes of Grace, is steeped in this rich history. My grandfather and Great-Grandfather were both listed in the Dawes Rolls. This allowed them to receive the full benefit of 160 acres of land each, granted to all known members of the Five Civilized Tribes—Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians.

When he spoke of this horrific part of our history, he mentioned how many of the tribes had become Christian. As a result the song that united them on this trail was Amazing Grace. This just so happened to be my Grandmother’s favorite song. Such a touchstone that nearly made me cry as he played it on the Creek Nation’s native instrument. Listen in…

Crazy Horse died at the young age of 35, lying on the bare floor in Ft. Robinson.

This Memorial is due to be finished by 2035. I may never see it, but this visit inspired me to be grateful for the stories that shaped my ancestral history.

Do you know the stories that have inspired your history? I encourage you to seek and discover your hidden stories. They matter more than you know.

South Dakota Wildlife

Posted on October 1, 2023 by Debi Walter

Anyone who knows my sister knows she loves all animals. That’s why I had to devote a post to the animals she adored on this trip.

I’ve mentioned the prairie dogs already, but I didn’t share the benefit they provide to the prairie. If they lived in our yards we would call them pests. But here the way they burrow in the ground turning up the roots of the rich grasses, helps the larger wildlife eat the rich nutrients with ease.

I love that.

We also saw for the first time antelopes in the wild. This one was among the bison and the prairie dogs minding her own business. Of course my sister and I started singing, “Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam, where the deer and the antelope play.” 😂

These were all taken in Custer State Park, the largest state park in the country. It covers 71,000 acres filled with all sorts of wildlife.

When we got to the Bison Center we were surprised to see wild burros, as they called them, in the parking lot. My sister couldn’t wait to get up close to pet them. And they were just as happy to greet her.

We spotted this wild one hiding behind a rock…

It was a beautiful day. We kept thanking God for the perfect weather and for allowing us to enjoy His creation together.

I’ll close with this video of the prairie dogs chattering as we passed.

It’s hard to believe we still have more to see. Next time we’ll share our experience seeing the Crazy Horse Memorial.

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Debi Walter

We left in the morning to reach Custer State Park in time to see the wildlife enjoying the cool of the morning. We were not disappointed.

We began along the southern Wildlife Loop. My sister couldn’t contain her joy—so many animals from bison to prairie dogs. They all seemed to anticipate her arrival. The prairie dogs were standing to salute her retirement—yeah, we have big imaginations in my family.

But the highlight of the day was driving through one of the Custer State Park’s tunnels and seeing Mt. Rushmore gazing at us from a distance.

My sister nearly exploded. She has dreamed of this day her whole life. What a gift to bring her here together as a family. She has always sacrificed for the good of all who know her, and today was her turn to be blessed.

George Washington is seen stern and steadfast with the conviction of leading this new nation. Thomas Jefferson is gazing upwards anticipating the future with his words penned, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

Theodore Roosevelt is next looking down as he sees the beauty our country has to offer. He secured lands for generations to enjoy in their natural state. This park was included in his vision.

Finally, Abraham Lincoln is the one who gave our country the pathway to freedom for all Americans. His resolve is the foundation of our United States.

My sister nearly cried when she approached the magnificent memorial.

And she nearly cried when she left.

When you dream of a moment like this, there are no words when your wish comes true; only gratefulness. And what a privilege to witness the moment.

Grateful to Tom for helping to make it happen

Wyoming to South Dakota – America the Beautiful

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Debi Walter

We started our journey with a fantastic breakfast in Ft. Collins. Yay for Yelp! We always find the best places because of the recommendations on this app. Try it when you’re in a new area and see if you don’t enjoy your experience that much more.

Tom loves corned beef hash and eggs. This restaurant knows how to do it well.

After we were satisfied we hit the road east through Wyoming. The countryside of Wyoming is beautiful. We saw “Amber waves of grain,” and lots of bison grazing under “spacious skies.” 🎶

Stopping at a rest area we were greeted by this sign. Yikes! It must be how tourists feel in FL when they see our signs saying “Beware of alligators and water snakes.”

We finally arrived in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The weather is refreshing after our scorching hot Summer in Florida. Our home for the next few days is spacious and has a great view.

This trip so far has been a fresh reminder of the beauty in God’s creation of America.

“God shed His grace on thee.”

Tomorrow I’ll share the day my sister has only dreamed of happening…Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park.

And So It Begins…

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Debi Walter

We are celebrating my sister, Bettie’s retirement after a lifetime of nursing care. She and her husband, Dennis also celebrated their 50th anniversary on August 31st. We couldn’t miss the chance to help her lifelong dream come true—to visit Mt. Rushmore. So they along with our sister-in-law, Sherry, flew out this morning to Denver International Airport.

Fun Fact: Bettie and Dennis haven’t flown in 50 years.

Our flight was full—every seat. And no one happier to land in Denver than Bettie. She is literally sore from being so tense all morning.

We had quite the challenge getting our rental SUV, but after an hour and unfortunately lots of steps for Tom, we ended up with a nice, roomy Suburban. Ahh! It happened Planes, Trains and Automobile style—and I’m not exaggerating.

Our first stop? In and Out Burgers. We were so hungry since the flight only provided snacks, these tasted like Prime Steaks. Once full we piled back in our SUV and drove North.

After an hour we made it to Ft. Collins where we’ll stay in our comfy (albeit 3 levels with steep steps) Airbnb. But it is brand new and beautiful.

We will drive east to Hot Springs, South Dakota tomorrow.

Just BE

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Debi Walter

In 2013 Tom and I bought a cabin in the high country of North Carolina.

We named it Barefoot Cabin in order to mix our love for the beach with our love of vineyards. And it’s a cute play on words since it’s former name was “Bearfoot Cabin”.

We chose the small town of Banner Elk (BE) elevation 4300’, thus the title of this post.

It is conveniently located between Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountains—the closest ski resorts to Florida. This area is affectionately called, The Florida Alps.

It has the best restaurants all located near the intersection with the only traffic light. This also happens to be the place where our youngest daughter got engaged during the 4th of July Parade in 2017. The only gas station is located at the same intersection and still offers full service. If you don’t know what that means—look it up. A bit of history that makes me smile.

We bought Barefoot Cabin right after my Mom died.

She and I took many road trips to NC when I was a kid to pick blackberries, huckleberries and go ruby mining. It’s one of the finest parts of my childhood. She would have loved it here.

I say “here” because Tom and I drove up after Thanksgiving to pack away the Fall decor and spruce the place up for our winter guests. It is my favorite time to decorate.

Due to family needs we didn’t make it here last December. I realize how much I’ve missed our cabin.

Below are photos of our progress thus far. If you’re looking for a place to rent either to go skiing this winter, or to have a nice cool Summer retreat in 2022, you can check out information on how to do that HERE.

My advice for today? Just BE!