43 Degree Weather Doesn't Get In Your Way

Friday May 31st, 2013

Yeah...you read that right. A lovely 43 degrees F on MAY 31ST! If the sun doesn't show itself tomorrow I am going to...I don't know. I haven't thought of a good enough punishment for Mother Nature yet.

Anywhoozles, it was a busy day for this naturalist. Early in the afternoon I did my duty of cleaning Rusty the Turtle's tank. She seemed like she needed her home rearranged as well, so I went and found her a nice basking rock. TA DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

The process of cleaning however...not so enjoyable. Imagine all things disgusting that could be in a turtle tank...then add stairs...and sloshing water...and my face. Yep, it was wonderful.

Then after trying to eat as fast as humanly possible I headed out on my first Wildlife Caravan! Despite the cold we had a lot of fun and the visitors got to see quite a bit of wildlife up close and personal.

And then...off to an Evening Program in the freezing cold. While huddling in the "comfort station" for warmth trying to get the feeling back in my hands there was a tug-of-war taking place in my mind.

"It's so cold that no one wants to come to my program..."

"But if no one comes I get to leave!"

"But if I leave then I have to clean the bathrooms..."

And so it went until 9 PM came and went and not a soul for tents and campers around wanted to spend their night outside in the freezing cold. Ah well, such is life. Well, I better continue downing my nice warm pomegranate Emergen-C so I can fight off this cold that keeps trying to work its way into my life. "Ain't nobody got time for that!"

You Freak Out When You Visit Fauna-Based Tourist Traps

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

Okay, so I know what you may be thinking. "Beth, you've been there for almost a whole month, and you are WAY behind on informing us about your life." Well, before everyone gets their pantaloons in a bunch, today is the first day I've had a dependable internet source and time to blog, sooooooo...here we go.

Today was my "Sunday" (we have weird days off as our weekend) so the gang and I headed out to Reptile Gardens and Bear Country U.S.A. To the native South Dakotan this may not be a big deal, but I haven't been to these places since I was so little that all I remember is sleeping the entire time and a giant tortoise (who sadly passed away). But honestly, I squealed at just about everything.

Like when we stopped in the middle of the road because Sarah was waving at us like a crazy person. Save ALL the turtles!

Or when I witnessed "turtle-ception" at Reptile Gardens.

Or when I got to feed out wandering garter snake... (clearly not at Reptile Gardens...but still).

Or when I got to hold a gigantic albino burmese python. Also not at Reptile Gardens, but Terry Phillips from there comes to CSP every year and we get to do the introductions for his programs. YAY! (I can hear my mother freaking out from the other side of the state.)

 Or when I got to pet a giant tortoise like a dog.

And when I saw this lazy bum of a bear at Bear Country U.S.A. Charlie and I were the only two in my car, so we held back no excitement when we saw all things awesome and cute.

Not so much squeal at the bison, but more gloating that CSP rolls over 1200 deep..and here were only 3 plus a calf (who we did squeal at).

Needless to say it was a pretty fun day off. I'm going to continue attempting to catch you up on everything that's been going on...it's going to be a long night, isn't it?

Baddest Group in the Whole Bad Town

Sunday May 12th, 2013

After a nice morning run we took off to the Badlands on many a sketch roads. 2 hours later after wondering at any moment if we were going to run out of gas and be in one of those terrible horror movie scenes we finally reached the main entrance!

We hit the 6 miles of Castle Trail which we only thought was 2.5 miles..,clearly it took a little longer than anticipated. We had fun regardless!

The gang climbed up a batch of rocks and yelled out a battle cry. "MERRRR!" Long story.

Don't worry. I'm clearly alive.

We found some clay streams, so clearly I had to put on some war paint...I mean...totally functional sunscreen.

Finally on the last stretch (or so we thought) of Castle Trail. We were extremely disappointed to learn that there was in fact NOT a castle at the end.

Went down the short Window Trail to check out the rockin' scenery. See what I did there?

Last thing for the day was a small jaunt on the Door Trail. Lots of climbing and jumps, but we're young, right?

After Dennis jokingly tried to push me off the cliff and was trying to hide my intense rage. Good thing I'm in theater! Some of us also took the time to call our mothers for Mother's Day while we had any reception at all.

Stopped by the Firehouse Brewery and enjoyed a Hawaiin burger and "Honey Badger" ale. SOOOO GOOOOOD! Had a statue hold the phone because I didn't trust any of the hoodlums running around. Now to heas home and enjoy a nice and toasty campfire. Overall a great end to the weekend! MERRRR!