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Friday, October 10, 2008
We departed from Mike's office again and we were on the road just before 5 PM due to a slight delay. The "service engine soon" light came on while Mike was hitching the trailer on Thursday night. So, not wanting to go several hundred miles with a potential problem, Mike dropped the truck off for service on Friday morning, after dropping the trailer in the parking lot where he works. Turns out it was the same issue we had last summer when heading north. The EGR valve was bad and needed replacement (again).
We made it to the campground around 9:30 PM. The place was pretty empty. We counted four other campers when we pulled in. We found our site and after a couple of attempts(backing in total darkness has it's challenges), had the camper positioned just right.
We departed from Mike's office again and we were on the road just before 5 PM due to a slight delay. The "service engine soon" light came on while Mike was hitching the trailer on Thursday night. So, not wanting to go several hundred miles with a potential problem, Mike dropped the truck off for service on Friday morning, after dropping the trailer in the parking lot where he works. Turns out it was the same issue we had last summer when heading north. The EGR valve was bad and needed replacement (again).
We made it to the campground around 9:30 PM. The place was pretty empty. We counted four other campers when we pulled in. We found our site and after a couple of attempts(backing in total darkness has it's challenges), had the camper positioned just right.
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Saturday, October 11, 2008
We started the day out with a bike ride around the park. We headed south to the viewing station for the bison range to see the buffalo but we were disappointed. We couldn't see a single buffalo!
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We continued on south through the park and biked the Lower Cliffline Trail where we saw this group of rock climbers climbing the cliff. Pretty cool. .JPG)
From there we continued south to the Interpretive Center with a stop at this quarry on the way..JPG)
The Interpretive Center was closed for the season so we took the hiking path the runs right next to the fence back to the campground. Still didn't see a single buffalo.
Back at camp we grabbed a cup of coffee and then headed to Pipestone. Our friend Nancy suggested that we check out the Pipestone National Monument Visitor's Center. What a cool place! The Monument was VERY cool and we recommend it to anyone visiting the Pipestone area. If you go, you'll find out how Pipestone got it's name!.JPG)
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The walking trail was beautiful. With the fall colors, the rock formations and the stream running through them, all combined to make a very serene and peaceful setting..JPG)
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On our way back into the campground we finally got to see the buffalo! They were gathered behind the gate house, next to ranch that feeds them during the winter. Got some good pictures and enjoyed just watching them graze and romp around.
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Back at the camper it was time to close out the season with the last campfire of the year.
Until next season……… (Turn your sound up and click the play button to enjoy the campfire!)
From there we continued south to the Interpretive Center with a stop at this quarry on the way.
The Interpretive Center was closed for the season so we took the hiking path the runs right next to the fence back to the campground. Still didn't see a single buffalo.
Back at camp we grabbed a cup of coffee and then headed to Pipestone. Our friend Nancy suggested that we check out the Pipestone National Monument Visitor's Center. What a cool place! The Monument was VERY cool and we recommend it to anyone visiting the Pipestone area. If you go, you'll find out how Pipestone got it's name!
The walking trail was beautiful. With the fall colors, the rock formations and the stream running through them, all combined to make a very serene and peaceful setting.
On our way back into the campground we finally got to see the buffalo! They were gathered behind the gate house, next to ranch that feeds them during the winter. Got some good pictures and enjoyed just watching them graze and romp around.
Back at the camper it was time to close out the season with the last campfire of the year.
Until next season……… (Turn your sound up and click the play button to enjoy the campfire!)
(P.S. Yes, we already have our reservations made thanks to the new one year window at Minnesota State Campgrounds!)
Want to see all of our pictures? Here's the link. http://5thwheeltales.smugmug.com/gallery/6371346_gEu3K//402793587_Qouex