Traveling Fool

It has been quite a year, hasn't it? When I began my journey to Japan, China and South Korea a year ago, I had no idea what the next 12 months would look like. Nobody did. It is so hard to believe a year has passed and the world has been stuck in this nightmare for over 9 months. I feel like when I returned home, chaos broke out immediately and I didn't really get to enjoy sharing my experiences or my photos the way I normally do. If you missed it the first time or long for some pre-COVID memories, here you go . Part 1 - Japan China - the whole reason for this trip: the winter snow and ice festival. Something to be seen to be believed. It was a trip of a lifetime, experiences that are so hard to express and convey, from the food, to the transportation, the weather and the people.  This was more than just a 'polar bear' plunge, there was some serious swimming involved. Brrr. My trip ended in South Korea. I didn't know what to expect, but I loved it. I really enjoyed ...

 I was skeptical about Bear Country USA , and was tempted to nix it, but I am glad we went. We saw more wildlife, some animals we had not seen on our drives through the Badlands and Custer State Park. We had another beautiful day and I think I got some great pictures. You tell me. Dinner time We started the drive home by heading back to Deadwood. I was hoping I would like it better in the daylight. I really wanted to go to the Mt. Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane are buried, as are many other past citizens of Deadwood. The cemetery is on a hill, so there is potentially a lot of walking, depending on where you park and how much you want to see. It's $2 a person; please don't be a douchebag and ask if there is a discount.  The next day, we were back in Minnesota, and somehow left all the gorgeous sunshine behind us, and we had cold, windy and wet. Pipestone National Monument has been on my list to visit for sometime now, and my friend/navigator pointed u...