Pactola Reservoir, SD
After waiting out the storm that raged over the Black Hills, we found camp and got set up for the evening. This is a lovely, peaceful spot and the campsites are very private with plenty of space between them.
Can I tell you about the tent I'm using? I have had it since 2000. There is not one hole or scratch in it. This is after considerable use. Snowstorms. Terrible wind. Dogs. My husband's friends during backpacking adventures. You name it. It is Mountain Hardwear. I guess they were bought by Columbia years ago but nothing has changed as far as how they produce their gear. It was worth every penny.
Something else I'm glad I bought...a mesh duffle bag. I pack up and leave so early that there is always dew on my tent and all I have to do is toss the fly in the mesh bag, strap it loosely to the trailer somewhere, and drive down the highway. Coop tossed his breakfast in the back of the truck today, so I can wash the sheet he threw up on using this...
https://www.amazon.com/Scrubba-Wash-Bag/dp/B01G9P33ZS
Then toss in mesh bag and I'm good.
Last night I complained on the phone to my husband that the worst thing about camping the whole time as opposed to getting hotel rooms is the fact that I haven't seen night jars. I love them; love to see them dart to chase abnormally large Midwestern bugs in the lights of the Denny's parkinglot; love to hear their calls. And then just as if to make up for it, here go two over my camp!
Does anyone care about what's going on with Lewis and Clark? They thought they had lost George Shannon, one of their party, only to have him wander into camp weeks later, having survived on his own for weeks! How bonkers is that?
Here are shots of camp and Coop and obligatory Hundy shot.