My visits to see family in South Dakota have historically been confined to summer months, when the weather is good. However, my parents aren't getting any younger, and now that I'm retired there's no excuse for me not visiting more frequently. So I decided to do something I haven't done in nearly 30 years - go to South Dakota in the winter.
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| Three does checking me out |
I planned my trip for the end of January. Checking the local weather a few days before my departure, things didn't look too bad. But after I arrived, the forecast changed dramatically. A snowstorm dropped 12 inches one day, and the temperatures plunged below zero (Fahrenheit) for two straight days.
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| Another curious doe |
What was I thinking? The frigid weather had me realizing why I hadn't done a wintertime visit in many years.
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| Turkey in the snow |
Despite the weather, I still had fun. All that time spent indoors provided great opportunities to catch up with family members.
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| Turkeys huddled under the neighbor's bush |
And I didn't have to travel far to photograph wildlife. The resident deer and turkeys made daily visits to my parent's backyard.
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| Young buck |
So enjoy these photos of the hardy animals who make South Dakota their home. (I think I took more critter photos than family pics!)
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| Snow on the pine trees |
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| Lone turkey |
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| Snow-covered turkey |
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| Another trio of does |
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| Huge turkey flock |
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| My dad plowing the driveway |
My dad is amazing. Even though in his mid-80's, he still gets out to shovel and plow the driveway.
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| Time to shovel again! |
One thing for sure, visiting an area that has real winters makes me appreciate the rainy, mild climate where I live.
...Linda, you captured some gorgeous images!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of the wildlife in these harsh conditions. I'm not jealous of those who have this weather for weeks on end. Our usual ration of one snowy day per winter is sufficient for my present needs.
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful from afar. I don't think I would like to live through winters like that.
ReplyDeleteYes, your Dad is amazing! I checked google maps to see what your route would look like. That is quite the adventure to take on during winter. Oh the things we do in retirement when we have the time and can be spontaneous and flexible. Your photos are beautiful and I bet you had some beautiful sights during your drive there and back home again.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I usually drive, this time I flew. That's just too long a drive to do in the winter.
DeleteBeautiful winter shots.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteWinter must be particularly harsh for the elderly, but your Dad looks amazing. Love all the photos but I had a real giggle re your comment about more photos of wildlife than family!
ReplyDeleteYour Dad needs a Ranger with an enclosed cab to snowplow! Snow removal is such hard work. Glad you had a good visit!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have never gotten such good pictures of turkeys!
ReplyDeleteThat is a big flock of turkeys! We see one or two now and then, but never as many as you saw. Deer in the snow are always beautiful to see. Bravo to your Dad! I like his sit on snow plow.
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