outdoor campus for 2

I killed myself a deer, y'all.  Okay, a fake deer with a fake arrow.  I was still impressed with myself.  Visiting the Outdoor Campus West in Rapid was on our Passport list.  I need to find the actual list to see what number it was because we don't have many more to go.  I think we are down to 21.  

We decided to go when they were having their Outdoor University Day.  It was wonderful.  Tons of families were out enjoying the many outdoor activities and gorgeous weather.  I'm pretty sure the Outdoor Campus is free for all with the exception of some of their classes.  They are having an archery class soon.  We missed so many good classes over the summer, so I guess we'll just have to be more prepared next June.  I was delighted with the amount of activities to do as well as the actual museum indoors.  Really neat and really beautiful.  

 Inside was split up by different "regions" of the area.  Animals found in each area, i.e. Badlands, Black Hills, were found together in the museum.  Hope that make sense.  I can never remember which belonged to which region.  If Tyler was around I'd be sure to ask him, but he is out playing fetch with Billie Bear.  

To prove that we were at the Outdoor Campus, we had to take a picture with the beaver and his den.  Ty is going to have to really work on his camera skills.   A little blurry but I'm sure the Passport officials will still accept it...they better!

This was the closest I was getting.  For some reason, I just knew that if I stuck my hand in the den it wouldn't come back the same.  The flash lightened up the area.  It was dark and kind of scary.  Yes, Tyler, I'm being dramatic...but that doesn't change the fact that I refused to stick my hand next to the beaver.  

So many beautiful trails out here.  One family seemed to have biked from their home to the Outdoor Campus.  This place is a great spot to do some walking or bike riding.  

My first tries were unsuccessful.  I did have to try and "shoot" the smallest target so I'm going to pretend that was why I missed by 5 feet each time.  

 Does he have to be great at everything???  So not fair.  

Told you I killed a deer.  We would have had supper if this was real...ha.  Who am I kidding?  We all know I probably would need to have a stationary deer 10 feet from me to actually think I might kill something.  We all also know that I would never be able to shoot a deer.  They are just too beautiful and graceful and remind me of a Disney character...

 You'll shoot your eye out!

 I now want a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas.  With lessons.  

Not too shabby if I do say so myself!

I sent Marci my camera so she could use it on her upcoming AMAZING trip, so you'll have to do with the above and below pics.  After playing at Outdoor Campus Tyler and I drove to Spearfish for the Art in the Park Festival.  It was incredible and HUGE!  Most art fairs are pretty small but apparently this Spearfish fest is well known and well traveled.  We were only able to see 1/2 if not less because the festival shut down on account of 60 mph winds and hail coming.  

My favorite part of the fest was the beautiful creek and waterfall running around the park.  It's gorgeous out there.  I had never been to the Spearfish park and will definitely go back the next time I'm in town.  With Bridal Veil Falls and Devil's Bathtub located in Spearfish, I will be bringing visitors to this park as well.  Ty and I have decided to kayak down these rapids.  

The water is crystal clear and cold.  It was perfect for a hot day.  No, LA peeps, not as hot as what you've been experiencing this summer.  But hot enough.  

Did you see where the below vendor is from?  I passed by his tent and immediately saw art that had to have been inspired by New Orleans houses.  I turned to show Tyler, but as I'm turning to face my adorable hubby Tyler shouts, "Who Dat!"  Dave, the owner of the art, was wearing a Saints hat.  Hilarious how Tyler and I freaked out.  We talked to the guy for a while.  He has been coming to Spearfish for this festival for over 7 years.  He and his wife leave LA for the summer and do shows in Denver and the surrounding North West.  It was so nice to talk to another southerner.  Especially one with Duck Dynasty hats, New Orleans inspired art, and a thick Monroe accent. 

This park reminded me of my incredible childhood.  If anyone knows the "Wooden Park" in Lafayette, then you recognize how perfect this park is in SoDak.  Marci, my twin, always had her birthday parties at the wooden park.  I don't think it's still there but now we know there is one in SoDak waiting for her to come and play.