Request for content
If any of you in attendance have pictures or text you think should be added here (because I did not sign up to be the recordkeeper), please forward to me and if I like it, I will add it to the story below. Thanks!
FRIDAY
We arrived at our Sylvan Lake Cabin at around 3:30 pm on Friday after driving from our home in northern Colorado. We joined many from the group for dinner at Black Hills Burger & Bun Company, then headed out to see Mount Rushmore. It was pretty foggy and sometimes rainy most of the weekend, so you will see that influence on many of the photos.
Mount Rushmore in the Fog
Rushmore in the Rain. Matthew, Lauren, Me.
Rushmore in the Fog After Dark
SATURDAY
Since the chance of rain was 90% on Sunday, we decided to make Saturday our hiking day. We all met at the Cathedral Spires Trailhead and ventured on the trail, which was short with a moderate climb. The rain and fog were intermittent adding a bit of flavor to the hike, but eventually we all made it to the trail's end.
At the trailhead. Sis-Bro-Sis.
About half way up.
At the Trail End
Leslie, Matthew and Mark decided to hike back to Sylvan Lake and pick up their car at the trailhead after the hike. They stopped at Little Devil's Tower along the way where they met Bob, the keeper of the Tower Gate. The vistas were, uh, foggy - but the hike was nevertheless spectacular.
Bob the Gatekeeper
Mark, Bob and Matthew
Matthew and Leslie
A Colorful Tree
Sylvan Lake
Saturday night was campfire night where Terry and Chris hosted and an awesome burrito bar, a game of horseshoes, hobo cakes and moments of reflection.
SUNDAY
Happy Birthday Lauren!
The plan was to meet Sunday morning at 8 am at Legion Lake Lodge for pancakes. After late night deep conversation with scattered tornadoes and thunderstorms Leslie, Matthew and Mark decided to make scramblets in our cabin kitchen and head down to Legion Lake and the Wildlife Loop after that. We drove the loop in search of wildlife and had fun taking the gravel roads that traversed the inside areas of the loop.
We found buffalo! for a fleeting moment, so it was tough to get more than this one photo.
We continued exploring and ended up on a beautiful hike from Fisherman's Flat along French Creek.
We then returned to see George, Tom, Teddy and Abe - trying to get a clearer view - the weather cooperated, somewhat - but the drive was awesome (and very wet at times).
That evening was a great birthday shindig hosted by Derek - I hope someone has pictures of that, 'cause I don't.
Monday
We all went our separate ways.
Closing Comments
It was great to get together with family, to connect with those we haven't seen in a long time, and to make new friends. Great to see you all: Lauren, Sandy, Derek, Terry, Chris, Sharon, Jerry, Michelle, Frank, Matthew, and Leslie.
Mark
Thank you!