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Jul 23, 2022

Nautical Birds, Prairie Dogs, the Badlands and a few Bears

Hello and welcome! 

I'm back from our road trip to the Black Hills (I'm sharing some pictures today and a few more the following weeks as I took too many to squeeze them all in one post.) If you're here here to see some travel photos simply scroll past the card. 

We had a really good time and beautiful weather on our trip but the hiking we did makes me feel like I  need another week to recover LOL. It was hard to get back to the craft room but I managed as I got a chance to use a couple new goodies I treated myself to for my birthday which were perfect for this week's theme at Allsorts challenge which is............Summer chosen by our dear Brenda. We're having 2 fabulous prizes this week, a fun summer themed stamp set by Stampendeous from  Oakwood Direct and a choice of 3 digis from Ruth Hamilton Designs. Hope you'll join in with us!


This post may include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always, this is at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting this blog!



Another blogger (sorry I forgot who) recently introduced me to this gorgeous retired PSX stamp (G2891) and I was lucky enough to find it on eBay at a reasonable price. Then I also finally got a set of Brushos, been admiring work done with them for years so I was really excited to try them.

I started out by spritzing my Bristol Vellum card stock with water then sprinkled some brushos powder onto the paper. (A tip I learned from others: do not open the containers, instead simply poke a few holes into the top (I poked 6) using a paper piecing tool or  needle. You only need a tiny amount of powder on your project. 

I was impatient to wait on it to dry completely so I placed a piece of paper over it to speed up the process and to help the ink distribute too. 

The image was stamped on a separate paper, lightly colored with Zig Clean Color markers and fussy cut. I think cheese cloth fabric is a great accessory for nautical themed cards so I layered a piece under my fussy cut image. I also used Lavinia's Bulrushes stamp around the image for an extra detail. 

The sentiment is from this retired Hero Arts My Monthly Hero stamp kit and it's been cut out using a retired Whimsy Stamps die. natural jute twine was tied around the card. The stamp with the 3 birds are also from the Hero Arts kit, the single small bird close to the image is part of the PSX stamp. 

Linking my card up here:
The Four Seasons Challenge - Summer // A Gem of a Challenge - AG // Crafty Catz - AG // Creative Fingers - AG // Cut It Up - Summer Loving and a die cut // Aud Sentiments Challenge - AG with sentiment // Cardz 4 Galz - Get Inky // Craft Rocket Challenges - Summertime // Moving along with the Times - Inky Background // Crafty Animals - AG with Animals // Daisy Chain Challenges - No Design Paper // Dies R Us Challenge - AG with Dies // DL.Art Linky Challenge - AG // Happy Little Stampers - Dies // Mix It Up Challenge - AG // Mixed Media Lovers - AG // Fab n Funky - AG // Paper Shelter - AG // The Paper Funday - AG // Paper Minutes - Maritim // A Place To Start - AG // Crafting Happiness Challenges - AG // Get Creative Challenges - Red, White and Blue // Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges - AG // Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Let's go on vacation // 

Always Anything Goes:

The Badlands National Park, South Dakota and Bear Country USA

Below are some pictures taken at the Badlands National Park. If you are ever in the area or drive through the area I hope you make time to visit. There is a small fee per vehicle to enter the park. If you or your significant other are a US veteran or active Military member be sure to get the annual America the Beautiful annual park pass which is free for Veterans and Military members and all those in the same vehicle, and good at any National Park within the US for one year.  

We drove into the park from the east and entered via the town of Interior entry. Before we even got to the park we stopped at the Ranch store to buy food for these cute prairie dogs that live right next to the Ranch store. They were plain peanuts and very inexpensive. We spent a little time here and fed these cuties and watched the run around. They surely look like they enjoyed posing for pictures.




And into the Badlands...
You don't even need to get out of your car to enjoy these amazing views as there is the Badlands Loop Road that will take you all around the Badlands, and there are plenty of scenic overlooks where you can stop to get a closer view.




These below were taken by the Window and Door Trails. Both are fairly easy to begin with but you can hike further into the Badlands and that's what we did this time. Last time my dad was visiting with us who has bad knees so we mainly stayed on the boardwalks which gives you beautiful views just the same. 


If you look really closely at the photo below, you can see a hiker all the way up there. I'm not sure that there is a trail leading up there or if this person just made their own trail...


Believe it or not but on our last visit I never noticed any Cacti. But this time I found plenty!


This trail below - Cliff Shelf - was my favorite on our last visit and I wanted to be sure to check it out again. It is a moderate trail that includes quite a few steep wooden steps. (My dad was waiting for us down below when we hiked this in 2016 so it may not be for everyone). The park is full of Rattlesnake warning signs. This was the only area in this park where I heard one but luckily never saw one!!

Amazing views once again!




Below we stopped at the Yellow Mounds Overlook. We missed this area last time. I love the various layers of colors found on these mounds! I really wanted to get down to the trails a bit but my husband and son somehow got sunburned on the back of their legs on the  other trails so we skipped hiking here and only just enjoyed the views from a nearby hill we climbed.




We originally thought about hiking the Notch trail too but then we (I) decided to skip it once again as it's classified as strenuous and we aren't really seasoned hikers... plus how much better can the views really be??? Maybe there will be a next time at this park!


We did stop for a visit at Bear Country USA in Rapid City which is partly a drive through nature park where you are surrounded by bears, wolves, local wildcats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk, etc.  Then there is an area where they keep the young animals and the only area where you can get out of your car. They had about a dozen baby bears and they really kept us entertained. 

In the "drive through" part you had to keep all windows rolled up so these aren't the best pictures but I still managed to take a few...





And this is the area where you can walk around to see the young animals too young for the main drive through park.
 

It may look like they are dancing but these young bears were constantly wresting and fighting with each other. 

Pool time :)


They loved climbing up here!! 
The cost to this park is a bit higher than National or State Parks. We had to pay around $75 for the 4 of us but that is the maximum they charge even if more people are in the vehicle. It's a cute and unique park to visit though I just wish there was a way to drive another loop around it. 

By the way if you are looking for some very comfortable hiking shorts, I found mine at Poshmark by Athleta. I actually purchased 2 pairs. This exact style is an older style (The Dipper). Their current style is the "Trekkie" and they look equally comfortable made with the same great hiking type material. 



Next Saturday I'm sharing more photos from our trip along with my weekly Allsorts card, hope you'll stop by again!


I am linking the travel portion of this post up here:

Dare to Share //  Sunday Showcase - First Sunday with Ada and Mireille  //  Inspire Me Monday //  Link Up Potpourri //  Random-osity Good, Random, Fun //  Travel Tuesday. // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures // Anything Goes with Your Hosts @ My Random Musings // Jenerally Informed The Happy Now // Spread the Kindness Linkup @ Shelbee on the Edge //  Wonderful Wednesday // My Corner Of The World //Thursday Favorite Things // Little Things Thursday // Encouraging Heart and Home @ Slices of Life //  Funtastic Friday //   Link Up On The Edge // Friday Favorites




41 comments:

Glennis F said...

This all looks so amazing, thanks for sharing your lovely photos

Sarn said...

Gorgeous card for this week's Allsorts theme. It seems you and Brusho's are getting along nicely!

Thanks for sharing pictures of your trip. Such amazing views and wildlife. But I'm thankful I didn't have to hike to see for miles on one of your photo's! xxx

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous card, I have the stamp too ( somewhere in the stash)! Beautifully done background!
Belated birthday wishes, it's so busy time for me. You had a fab trip, lovely pics;-))m

Amy Johnson said...

Your card is so pretty. I love the Badlands, the Yellow Mounds were my favorite part of the park. I didn't know about the bear park. That would have been fun to see.

coldwaters2 said...

WOW Ellie what an awesome post I totally adore your card such a fabulous summer scene and your pictures are fantastic I think I would feel right at home in the badlands
hugs
lolo x

Linby said...

Love the texture and details on your card. Your photos are amazing, especially the cute prairie dogs and the bears.

Pauline C said...

Great summery card Ellie - lovely image and I love the texture with the cheesecloth. Glad you are enjoying brushos ... I got some 2 weeks ago when i went to the Lavinia shop, and I am now in the midst of an advice trail on the FB Lavinia group as i wasn't very successful with them ... I've seen all the videos but when i poked my Hole in the top and inserted a push pin, I could hardly get any brushos to come out ... and like you no way did I want to take the top off!!, nor did I want to shake the tub too violently!! I have now received various advice, so watch this space for my next attempt when I get chance to play!
I love your pictures form your trip - the views are magnificent, and the pictures of the baby bears so cute!! Glad you had an enjoyable time
Pauline xx

HilaryJane said...

What a great card, I love how you have used the cheesecloth. You won't regret buying some brushos, your only issue will be remembering to use them. Looks like you have enjoyed a pretty special holiday xx

Anonymous said...

Love your card. Your pics are amazing, what an experience, xx

brenda said...

Wow Ellie, what a bumper post with some fabulous photos of your trip. A super Ocean inspired card as well for Allsorts this week.

B x

kiwimeskreations said...

A gorgeous card Ellie - and thank you for sharing your photos - I love travelling vicariously as with covid, and the costs, "real" travel is not really an option anymore.
Blessings
Maxine

Joanne said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful trip!

Dawn Phillips said...

Beautiful scene card. Thanks for joining us at Cardz4galz. Love Dawn x

Rika said...

Love your card!

Furrbster said...

Fabulous pictures and very, very cute prairie dogs!! The background on your card is amazing!!

Thanks for playing along at MAWTT and also sharing with us at Creative Moments,

Hugz Tinz

Rainey's Craft Room said...

A fabulous card Ellie and stunning photos too - your trip looked amazing!
Lorraine

Karen Letchworth said...

thanks for sharing all the awesome pictures. Your card is lovely. Thanks for sharing with us at The Four Seasons, and I'm looking forward to having you join the team.
Blessings,
Karen L
www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com

Marilyn said...

Pretty card! Awesome photos of your trip!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading your post and looking at your amazing pictures. What a fun trip! Your card is very pretty. I'm glad you had a good time making it. Thanks for sharing your process, and thanks for participating in our Summer Lovin’ challenge at Cut it Up!

Evelyn
http://mylittlecraftblog.wordpress.com

ScrappyHorses said...

Wonderful sea side card with the beautiful background! So happy you shared with us at Cut It Up! Also enjoyed your photos!! ~Katrina

Diane said...

Fabulous card and stamp, I can see why you had to have it!! Great vacation photos too, how fun!! Thank you for joining our challenge at Four Seasons!
Diane FS Co-Owner {Nellies Nest}
{Four Seasons}

mireille said...

I am loving these pictures: what a cool adventure! I am trying to plan our anniversary trip and trying to make the right decision: we are thinking Costa Rica but it will be during the rainy season so trying to figure out which side of the country we should explore.
www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Dena J said...

What amazing photos from your trip! It's a part of the country I have not visited.
Your card is gorgeous! I love the Brusho watery sky and your whole design is stunning.

Kim Carberry said...

It sounds like you had a fantastic trip. What wonderful photos. The prairie dogs really are cute.

Cheryl | Time To Craft said...

What an amazing place to visit. The scenery looks spectacular and how wonderful to see bears and prairie dogs. They do look so cute in your photos.

Lynda said...

A great inky background for your card - and loving your travel pictures - a definite bonus to reading your post. thank you for joining us at Cardz 4 Galz xx Lynda/Loopyloo DT

Cazro said...

Congratulations on your first go with Brushos. I love them. A wonderful first card with the Brushos. Thanks for joining us at Cardz 4 Galz. Caz, DT

Jane Savage said...

Wonderful stamped card! Love the Brusho background and the added texture of the cheese cloth. Incredible photos of your trip too!
Thank you for joining us at Polkadoodles Gem of a Challenge! Jane S (DT) Paper, Pencils & Pretty Things! xxx

Doreen said...

Love your card and the fabulous photo's, thanks for sharing with us at Cardz 4 Galz.

Lovely said...

Your card is cute! The trip looks fun and the pics are beautiful.
xoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com

Helen said...

Fabulous photos and a great card too.

Thanks for joining us at the Crafts Galore Encore Challenge.

Helen x
DT

betty-NZ said...

That's one part of the country I never got to see so I am loving your photos! What wonderful scenery, no wonder the old westerns were made there :)

Thanks for sharing your link at My Corner of the World this week!

Veronica Lee said...

Love your card. How pretty!
Your photos are amazing too.

Jackie Cornfield said...

Loving these photos!
What a smashing project!
We always love to see all the entries at Classic.
Thank you for sharing in our challenge at Classic Design Challenge
We really appreciate you joining in.

Jackie DT

Creaine said...

So glad you’ve joined our challenge at Mixed Media Lovers! I just love what you’ve made. Hope to see you again next time.
Blogowner: Ine http://creaine-cards.blogspot.nl/

Creaine said...

So glad you’ve joined our challenge at Mixed Media Lovers! I just love what you’ve made. Hope to see you again next time.
Blogowner: Ine http://creaine-cards.blogspot.nl/

Create With Joy said...

What an amazing vacation you had - LOVE the photos especially the bears! Was tempted to share one but I couldn't pick a fave so I featured your lovely card instead at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy - congrats and happy belated birthday to you!

Jayne said...

What a fab card, I love the nautical theme.
Stunning views on your trip. Seeing a rattlesnake on a walk sounds like my biggest nightmare! Glad to hear that you didn't encounter any! #MMBC

Janis Lewis said...

Great card! Thanks for playing along at Crafting Happiness Challenges. We are now a weekly challenge blog with themed challenges. Come play this week. I'd love to see more of your crafting projects. Hugs!
Janis

Chana Malkah said...

Lovely card! Thanks so much for sharing with us at 613 Avenue Create.
Hugz,
Chana Malkah, Owner

Anonymous said...

Wonderful card that goes with the wonderful pictures of your trip. Thanks for sharing both. Thanks for joining the challenge at Love to Craft Challenge Blog.