While visiting friends who lived in nearby Port Charlotte, we decided to run down to the Punta Gorda harbor for sunset. Punta Gorda harbor had lots to see and do, lots of good places to eat, listen to live music, and just sit around for the evening as the sun set. It was a pleasant, relaxing evening. We even got to see some manta rays swimming close to shore!
Circle B Bar Preserve
Circle B Bar Reserve (or Ranch) is not a place that is on most people’s list of places to visit while visiting Florida in their RV. You can’t camp there and there is definitely no room to pull an RV through, however, a Class C RV may barely have enough room to drive through and park. There are miles of trails through some of Florida’s iconic habitats with lots of wildlife to be found.
Circle B Bar Reserve, on the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, is a former cattle ranch that today boasts a wide variety of plants and animals. You can see several distinct ecosystems in this reserve of 1,267 acres. You’re almost guaranteed to see alligators in Lake Hancock, often considered the headwaters of the Peace River, which flows more than 100 miles from Polk County southwest to the Gulf of Mexico.
Here are a few of the marshy vistas and wildlife species you might see on your trip through the reserve:
Don’t Be THAT Person
One of the sights seen along the Shark Valley Tram Tour was a party balloon – a nitrogen filled balloon that the locals surmised was released, either purposefully or accidentally – from somewhere in nearby Miami. Of course these balloons can be released from anywhere in the country…or the world…and are hazardous for the local ecosystem wherever they may land.
Releasing nitrogen-filled balloons into any ecosystem can have several harmful impacts on any unique and delicate environment. In the case of the Everglades, a vast wetland in southern Florida, it is a critical ecosystem with a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are already facing various threats. Releasing nitrogen-filled balloons poses several hazards to this ecosystem:
- Wildlife Ingestion: When balloons are released into the air, they often travel long distances before descending. In the process, they may burst or deflate, landing in the Everglades. Wildlife, such as birds, reptiles, and mammals, can mistake the deflated balloons for food, leading to ingestion. The ingestion of balloon fragments can result in injury or death to these animals.
- Habitat Pollution: Balloons, whether fully inflated or as litter, can become entangled in vegetation and other structures within the Everglades. They can disrupt the natural flow of water and damage the unique plant and animal habitats. Balloons can also persist in the environment for extended periods, posing an ongoing hazard to the ecosystem.
- Water Pollution: Balloons that fall into water bodies within the Everglades can lead to water pollution. Nitrogen-filled balloons may release nitrogen gas into the water, contributing to nutrient pollution. Excess nitrogen can cause water quality issues, including algal blooms, which can harm aquatic life and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
- Harm to Microorganisms: Excess nitrogen in the environment can also affect the delicate balance of microorganisms within the Everglades. Nitrogen runoff from balloons can disrupt nutrient cycling and lead to shifts in the composition of microbial communities, potentially harming the overall health of the ecosystem.
- Contribution to Debris Accumulation: Releasing balloons contributes to the problem of plastic and debris accumulation in the Everglades, which can negatively impact the environment. These debris items, including balloon fragments, can accumulate in various areas, becoming a long-term threat to the ecosystem.
- Fire Hazard: In Florida, the Everglades are vulnerable to wildfires, particularly during dry seasons. Balloons that land in the wetland vegetation can act as potential fire hazards, as they may become entangled and dry out, making it easier for fires to spread.
To protect the Everglades ecosystem in particular and all natural ecosystems in general, it is crucial to refrain from releasing any type of balloons into the environment. Many states, including Florida, have enacted laws and regulations to address balloon releases due to the hazards they pose to both wildlife and the environment. It is important for individuals and organizations to use alternative forms of celebration and avoid contributing to the degradation of this unique and sensitive ecosystem.
Theodore Rosevelt National Park – South Unit
The south unit of Theodore Rosevelt National Park lies just north of the town of Medora, ND. The entrance to the park is actually inside the town. After passing through the gate you’ll find the visitor center immediately to the right. Continuing on you’ll pass I-94 before entering the park itself. Be prepared for vistas, pullouts for hiking and horse trails, and wildlife. The main campground is located a few miles inside the park which we found would be really too small to allow 35-ft fifthwheel to park easily.
There are so many things to see and do in the south unit of Theodore Rosevelt National Park, I think I’ll just leave you with a gallery of photos you can look through.
Medora, ND; Gateway To Theodore Rosevelt National Park
As you’re coming into the town of Medora from the east on I94, you get your first view of Theodore Rosevelt National Park from the nearby rest area. Medora is a town rich in history and holds its roots deep in the North Dakota Badlands.
Also noted at this rest stop were a couple of “wanna be” camping trailers, both looking longingly at their “big brother” which happened to be my RV just beyond. You’ll never know what you’ll find at these rest stops unless you, well, stop!
Native American tribes, including the Arikara, Mandan, and Hidatsa, inhabited the area long before European settlers arrived. The Badlands’ rugged terrain provided challenges and opportunities for these indigenous communities. The town’s namesake, Medora von Hoffman, was the wife of Marquis de Mores, a French nobleman who established the town in 1883. The Marquis aimed to build a meatpacking plant and develop the region as a hub for cattle ranching. The plant’s operations were short-lived, but the town’s foundation had been laid.
The legacy of the town is closely tied to President Theodore Roosevelt. After the death of his wife and mother on the same day in 1884, a grief-stricken Roosevelt sought solace in the Badlands. He became enamored with the area’s natural beauty and engaged in ranching and hunting. His experiences here significantly shaped his conservation views and ultimately led to the establishment of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The town faced challenges over the years, including economic setbacks and population decline. However, efforts to preserve its history and connection to Roosevelt gained momentum. The Chateau de Mores State Historic Site was established to commemorate the Marquis’ impact on the area.
In the mid-20th century, Medora underwent a revival as a tourist destination. The Medora Musical, an outdoor theatrical production, debuted in 1965 and became a significant draw for visitors. The town’s Old West ambiance, historical sites, and proximity to the national park contributed to its appeal.
In the mid-20th century, Medora underwent a revival as a tourist destination. The Medora Musical, an outdoor theatrical production, debuted in 1965 and became a significant draw for visitors. The town’s Old West ambiance, historical sites, and proximity to the national park contributed to its appeal.
A Stop in Mobridge, South Dakota
We broke up our drive between the Badlands and our next national park by making a stop in Mobridge, SD. Why Mobridge? Well it had a relatively inexpensive state park we were able to grab a site for a few days (Indian Creek Recreation Area on the Missouri River) and it allowed us to relax a little and restock for our next adventure. Little did I know…
Mobridge is a picturesque town nestled along the banks of the Missouri River in South Dakota and offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its breathtaking sunsets over the expansive river, Mobridge offers traveler a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The region’s vast and diverse landscapes cater to both relaxation and exploration, making it an appealing destination for a wide range of interests.
Mobridge’s warm hospitality and small-town charm are evident in its local shops, eateries, and accommodations. From charming bed and breakfasts to modern lodges, the town caters to various preferences and budgets whether one seeks a serene retreat, a cultural exploration, or an outdoor adventure.
Now this is a sight you won’t see everywhere:
This unique sculpture, officially called the “Walleye Up Statue” is a representation of the annual event called the “Mobridge Chamber of Commerce Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo.”
The sculpture depicts a cowboy riding a leaping fish, which may seem whimsical and unexpected at first glance. However, it’s a playful symbol of the rodeo’s “Fish Riding” competition, a lighthearted and entertaining part of the rodeo festivities. (I haven’t been able to verify it’s still held as part of the rodeo though this description comes from the year 2021.)
The Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo is an event that celebrates the Western heritage of the region and pays homage to Native American history. It attracts locals and visitors alike, and the Fish Riding competition is a beloved tradition within the rodeo. Participants mount large fish-shaped floats and attempt to stay on while they’re pulled through water by a vehicle. It’s a fun and quirky event that adds a touch of humor and excitement to the rodeo.
The sculpture captures the essence of this event and reflects the community’s spirit of embracing both its cowboy and Native American roots. It has become a recognizable landmark in Mobridge and serves as a reminder of the town’s unique blend of traditions and festivities.
The Sitting Bull Monument is located about seven miles southwest of Mobridge. Chief Sitting Bull, or Tatanka Iyotake, was a Hunkpapa Teton Sioux spiritual leader. In the 1870s, Sitting Bull had relocated to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near the Grand River in present-day Corson County. He became a great spiritual leader and organized a resistance movement against US expansion on treaty-reserved lands. On December 15, 1890, nine years after surrendering to the US government, he was shot to death by Indian police. The police had been executing an arrest warrant in order to prevent Sitting Bull from attending a Ghost Dance revivalist ceremony. The warrant was issued by Indian Agent James McLaughlin, the namesake of the current local community of McLaughlin, SD. Sitting Bull was buried about 500 yards south of the agency cemetery in present-day Ft. Yates.
From the Mobridge Chamber of Commerce web site (I can’t describe it any better):
The story of his remains has compounded the tragedy of his death. In 1953, one of Sitting Bull’s descendants by marriage, Clarence Grey Eagle (the son of one of the Indian police who arrested Sitting Bull), and a group of businessmen from Mobridge obtained an opinion from the Bureau of Indian Affairs that the descendants of Sitting Bull should determine his final burial site. On April 8 of that year, the group used the BIA letter as justification for the clandestine relocation of the great chief’s remains to a site in the southern portion of the Standing Rock Reservation that overlooks the Missouri River near Mobridge.
Less than five months later, South Dakota dedicated a memorial to Sitting Bull on the site of the relocated remains. A bust created by famed sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski (well known for the Crazy Horse monument in the Black Hills) was erected to commemorate the gravesite. Ziolkowski boycotted the dedication ceremony for the monument by Governor Sigurd Anderson because exploiting the ceremony for political and economic gain was against the wishes of Sitting Bull’s descendants.
Both the original gravesite in Ft. Yates, ND, and the current site have tremendous significance today. Sensitive to the exploitation of Native Americans and the suspect way Sitting Bull’s remains were handled in the past, a commitment has been made not to exploit or commercialize the Sitting Bull monument for financial gain. The statue is in an isolated park that remains serene, impressive, and free to visitors. A beloved local landmark with huge importance, it remains strikingly undeveloped and a beautifully secluded spot for picnic lovers and history buffs.
The Sakakawea (also spelled Sacagawea) Monument near the Sitting Bull Monument in Mobridge, South Dakota, pays tribute to the important historical figure who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Sakakawea was a Lemhi Shoshone woman who served as a guide and interpreter for the expedition, helping the explorers navigate unfamiliar territory and forge connections with Native American tribes.
The Sakakawea Monument stands as a testament to the vital role she played in American history and her enduring legacy as a symbol of strength, courage, and cross-cultural understanding.
Sometimes not making plans and just “landing” someplace for a few days can yield some interesting surprises! I may have to make some definite plans to return to enjoy some of the events held here.
Roadside America
Roadsideamerica.com is a website that offers a comprehensive guide to offbeat tourist attractions and unusual destinations in the United States and Canada. The website was created in 1994 by Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, and Mike Wilkins, who were fascinated by the quirky and unusual attractions that dotted the American landscape.
The site features a vast collection of articles, photographs, and reviews of strange and fascinating places to visit, such as giant statues, bizarre museums, eccentric art installations, and other oddities. Visitors to the site can search for attractions by location or by category, such as “biggest, smallest, and tallest” or “weird food and drink.”
There is also a mobile app for users to discover roadside attractions on-the-go, and a user-contributed database for visitors to share their own finds and recommendations. Roadsideamerica.com has become a go-to resource for travelers looking for unique and quirky destinations that go beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
I’m going to share more photos and locations as I encounter them over time. They won’t necessarily be in time sync with where I am at any given time.
The first one is Clown Hamburgers in Haltom City, Texas. It turns out my nephew’s wife, who grew up in the Dallas area, has been here many times during her youth!
The 2023 Season Begins!
The 2023 camping season has begun! Our first stop was close to home – Tyndall AFB Fam Camp, all of 15 miles away. Wanted to make sure we remembered how to camp and use everything in the RV. And also to ensure we didn’t forget anything. (We actually had to make three trips home to pick up a few minor things we could have done without but we were only about 20 minutes from the house so… Shhhh; don’t tell anyone!)
After a couple of days at Tyndall, we headed west a couple of hundred miles to another military base at Gulfport, MS – Shields RV Park, a Navy facility. We stayed 5 days there as we got our camping feet underneath us. We explored the area a little and looked for some “offbeat tourist attractions” as described in a unique web site. More about that site and what we’ve found in the next update.
The Bad Lands
Our next stop after the Dignity rest stop was the Badlands. Specifically the free camping area called “The Wall” or “Nomad View”. This was our view out of our RV for the next two weeks as we explored Badlands National Park, the town of Wall, South Dakota, and the surrounding area. More info upcoming.