Reptile Gardens

September 17, 2025

I am not excited about reptiles. Hence this is the first time we have gone to Reptile Gardens, a reptile zoo in Rapid City. I consoled myself that with gardens in the name. The grounds were probably going to be amazing. The grounds overall were not as expansive as we somehow thought they'd be, but there was still a lot to see. 

There were more snakes than I ever care to see again. Thankfully, they were all safely behind glass, as were the tarantulas, lizards, and poisonous frogs. The giant tortoises were impressive, and I never knew there were so many different species of crocodiles. 

The grounds were beautiful and artfully landscaped. I certainly appreciated something besides reptiles on which to focus!

Prairie Dog

Eurasian Eagle Owl

Maniac is 15 ft 5 in. long

East African Green Mambas

Time to escape!

Where Are We Going Next?

Chile Pepper Festival - In South Dakota?

September 12, 2025

We were watching the news one morning, and the roving reporter was at Jolly Lane Greenhouse in Rapid City. They were promoting the Chile Pepper Festival. Wait? A chile pepper festival in Rapid City? Yes! Jolly Lane imports over 800 pounds of Hatch green chiles and roasts them using four commercial roasters during the weekend. Green chile cheeseburgers were on the menu for us. 

Where Are We Going Next?

Dinosaur Skyline

 August 19, 2025

We skipped Dinosaur Park last year. The park was undergoing renovation as they added handicap ramp access to the top. Built in 1936, steps, and a number of steps at that, were the only way to the top prior to the access ramp. The view from the top is impressive. Well worth the effort to make it to the top. 

Where Are We Going Next?