Today we are heading to one of the many lakes in Custer State park here in the Black Hills area of South Dakota so Jim and John can do some fishing, and Becky and I are taking the dogs on a hike.
Jim is coaching John on fly fishing techniques and getting him equipped. Today, Jim is putting John in a float tube and sending him out into the lake.
Special waders, a life vest and flippers are worn to keep the user dry and safe, and the flippers are used for propulsion.
He wasn’t out there long before Fish and Game rolled up on him to check his safety equipment and license.
In the meantime, Becky, Sadie, Eli, Jake, and I headed for the Grace Coolidge trail.
Eli and Jake are really enjoying this trail so far. There is a lot of water. The trail, apparently, follows and crosses a stream the entire way to the bottom. There are several step down dams that not only create fishing holes but quaint water falls.
Well, we haven’t been hiking more than 10 minutes and the boys are in the water. They were in an out of the water the entire trip.
The trail is fairly flat and winds its way through forest and meadow. The sun is warming the pine trees, grass and ferns. If Febreeze could replicate this smell I would be in heaven.
There are plenty of small ponds along the way that offer fishing spots and beautiful photo opportunities.
The foot bridges that have been constructed to keep your feet dry at stream crossings are barely wide enough for our feet. The fur kids opt for the stream.
The part of the trail we are walking is about 2.3 miles one way, so not too long. Short or long, Sadie, Eli and Jake are happy to be on the trail.
Becky and I are enjoying just hanging out. A lovely walk through beautiful scenery makes it more memorable.
