What's New

We are privileged to be in our Beloved Black Hills this week. I have lost track of the number of trips we have made to this area. Of course we have our favorite haunts. The Wildlife Loop is one of them and it did not disappoint this year. Pronghorns, Bighorn Sheep, Bison and Burros entertained us. A special surprise was at the Bison Center where crews were working with the park’s bison after the Buffalo Roundup. The veterinarian who was wearing the shoulder length plastic glove was a reminder that “interesting” jobs abound. We watched her deftly perform her duties with nary a complaint. The rest of the crew kept everything moving despite the reluctance of many bison participants.

We also like to explore places we have never been to before. On a warm and sunny day we headed down the road to an area south of Hot Springs. Here are a few pictures from our adventure. 

In the 1880s, the town of Cascade was established as a place to enjoy the healing waters of the warm mineral springs that are naturally found in this area. J.H. Keith and his wife J.G. were the founders of the community. Bad blood between Hot Springs and Cascade, as well as an economic crash resulted in the downturn of Cascade’s prosperity. Eventually J.H. and J.G. donated land around Cascade to the Forest Service. This picnic sight is in their honor.

The warm healing waters continue to attract people. This little “spa tub” is available for soaking. We did not partake but it looked very inviting with the sights and sounds of nature enveloping the spring-fed tub. The waters also appeal to those who want to drink it for its restorative properties. A gentleman schlepped many gallons of water from the spring to his vehicle. If anything, he got a workout. I cannot vouch for the promise of magic healing. 

A little farther down the road is Whitney Preserve. This property belongs to the Nature Conservancy and features a very gentle hike along Cascade Creek. The cottonwood trees are a massive reminder of the resilience of this area. The beautiful fall day made everything pop with vibrancy and the trickling of the creek rivaled any music playlist. 

Near the trail is a crumbling foundation of a former resident of Cascade (The Allen House). I can only imagine the hardship they experienced but, certainly, they had a lovely setting for a home. Apparently, the home survived until the 1960s but eventually succumbed to the ravages of time and lack of tenderness.  

The real star of the area is Cascade Falls. The warm rippling waters and cascading falls are a favorite swimming destination for those in the know. A sweet little family asked me if I had been swimming as they headed toward the Falls. I was amused by their belief that I could actually swim. I did not tell them I failed most of the swimming tests of my youth. I simply stated that I was a birder and they nodded as they eyed my binoculars. We were all rewarded with a the sound of a noisy, flashy Black-billed Magpie. I think Mr. Mags was reminding us that activities abound by the Falls.

I would highly recommend this area for a day of exploration. You have your choice of interesting hikes, a natural spa tub, comfortable picnicking, warm water swimming and stunning scenery. The area is also home to unique vegetation due to the year-round warm waters. And the birding is great, too!

Keep tootling down the road. You never know what surprises are around the next corner.