Jacksonville Colors of the Wild

 I had a wonderful day visiting Jacksonville to see Emma, Marlon’s daughter. I met them at the Jacksonville Zoo to see Colors of the Wild, and I had a great time hanging out with them! The zoo was amazing. I saw a girl shoot a balloon with a bow and arrow using her toes to bust a balloon.

Daddy & Daughter swinging.  When they swing it makes the wings of the butterfly move.

Wedding of Grandson Joshua

 Not just one big event today but 2. Joshua Nunamaker got married to Allison Nunamaker on The San Antonio Riverwalk. Listening to them read their vows to each other put a lump in my throat. More tears of happiness for them.

Pompeys Pillar

 The drive to Pompeys Pillar was interesting. We got off the highway and drove 17 miles down a gravel road.  We only drove around 20 mph as the dust was kicking up so much and the road would make the car get a little squirrely. 

On this drive, we passed some old buildings so thought I would share them with you. Arrived at Pompey Pillar and checked in at the guard shack.  This place is so peaceful and tranquil. When we arrived and got out the first sign we see is a sign showing us the Montana Indians.

I have such an adorable husband.

On July 24 they lashed the two ready canoes together for stability and headed downriver. It is easy to see why Clark’s journals talk of the strong currents and dangers of the Yellowstone River. On July 25, the nine floaters noticed a huge sandstone rock “200 feet high and 400 paces in circumference” not far from the river. Clark climbed it and saw “Eminence herds of Buffalos, Elk, and wolves.” Indian pictographs were on the rock, and to them, he added his name and the date: Wm. Clark, July 25, 1806. He named the rock Pompy’s Tower (now called Pompeys Pillar) after Sacagawea’s baby, whom she carried on a cradleboard strapped to her back for the 14 months that she accompanied and aided the expedition. Marlon took the high road and walked up the stairs to the top of Pompeys Pillar.  I on the other hand stayed on the ground and took the scenic trail.
Donna's scenic walk on Pompeys Trail along the Yellowstone River.

Nature items along the trail. The variety of grasshoppers I spotted was everywhere.  When they would jumped they flew like a butterfly.  I think they are called blue legs.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

We are up and eating breakfast at 6:30am and out the door at 7am to head to The Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit. On the way to Roosevelt park which took an hour to get there.   The land was filled with many pumps pumping for oil.  The steer was right there among the oil rigs.  Many fields were full of large round hay bales.  Does anyone know why there are round bales along the highway?  I thought it was odd to see the highway lined with bales of grass/hay.  I have to say this national park was very exciting as I got to see bison so close I could have touched them but I didn't.  Check out these videos before seeing the rest of the park.

We have arrived at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Marlon & I have never been to this park before.  So excited to see what the day holds for our journey.  I am happy we are here early no traffic just a few cars beside us. We didn't get very far into the park and I spotted this bison all by himself.

 As we were driving along I spotted this deer down by a small river. 
The next stop is the Cannonball Concretions Pullout. Marlon and I hiked around this area to get up close to the cannonball-like stones.

Lots of cannonballs

There weren't a lot of flowers in this area and there weren't a lot of water sources.  The grounds are mostly prairie grasses.

River Bend Overlook was a breathtaking sight to see. This place is all a part of the Badlands.  The Civilian Conservation Corps built the structure.  We walked down the trail to the building and the view was breathtaking.

We have now come across lots of bison.  Small herds and a lot of the herds had lots of calves.  Calves are born with fur that is red or tan. They are referred to as "red dogs" or cinnamons.