Moon Walks

This was the schedule for 2009 Moon Walks, posted right after our May 9th walk to Camp Bob Marshall for an introduction to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The final event was Saturda ...

2009-11-12T16:10:01Z

Galey Media
This was the schedule for 2009 Moon Walks, posted right after our May 9th walk to Camp Bob Marshall for an introduction to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The final event was Saturda ...

SEPTEMBER 5, 2009 -- BALD EAGLES As the number of hikers has grown, so has the challenge of parking for Moon Walk participants. Nonetheless, parking arrangements for the final Black ...

2009-11-12T16:09:56Z

Galey Media
SEPTEMBER 5, 2009 -- BALD EAGLES As the number of hikers has grown, so has the challenge of parking for Moon Walk participants. Nonetheless, parking arrangements for the final Black ...

Okay.....in the spirit of full disclosure, we've got to fess up here. This is NOT one of our photographs. Rather, it's provided by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website that allows "non ...

2009-11-12T16:09:55Z

Galey Media
Okay.....in the spirit of full disclosure, we've got to fess up here. This is NOT one of our photographs. Rather, it's provided by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website that allows "non ...

The Moon Walks were created to provide a "family-oriented activity that introduces visitors to the cultural and natural history of the Black Hills." The walks are held on the Saturday night ...

2009-11-12T16:09:54Z

Galey Media
The Moon Walks were created to provide a "family-oriented activity that introduces visitors to the cultural and natural history of the Black Hills." The walks are held on the Saturday night ...

These are but a few of the dozens of folks who appeared for the Moon Walk. Well over 11,000 people have participated in Moon Walks since they began back in 1996, usually averaging between ...

2009-11-12T16:09:45Z

Galey Media
These are but a few of the dozens of folks who appeared for the Moon Walk. Well over 11,000 people have participated in Moon Walks since they began back in 1996, usually averaging between ...

Amy Ballard, a Recreation Forester with the Mystic District of Black Hills National Forest, has been coordinating the Moon Walks for some 14 years. She said she's often approached by folk ...

2009-11-12T16:09:55Z

Galey Media
Amy Ballard, a Recreation Forester with the Mystic District of Black Hills National Forest, has been coordinating the Moon Walks for some 14 years. She said she's often approached by folk ...

Every Moon Walk has an introductory talk, allowing participants to hear more about the subject of the Moon Walk for that month -- and an opportunity to ask questions!

2009-11-12T16:09:44Z

Galey Media
Every Moon Walk has an introductory talk, allowing participants to hear more about the subject of the Moon Walk for that month -- and an opportunity to ask questions!

Amy Ballard noted that "Shirley, Vicki, and others" have been attending Moon Walks all 14 years. When Amy asked for a show of hands by people who've been participating in Moon Walks sinc ...

2009-11-12T16:09:54Z

Galey Media
Amy Ballard noted that "Shirley, Vicki, and others" have been attending Moon Walks all 14 years. When Amy asked for a show of hands by people who've been participating in Moon Walks sinc ...

Not all of the September walkers were captured in this shot -- but most of them were! It's been gratifying to see the enormous response that the Moon Walks have had. An estimated 160 per ...

2009-11-12T16:09:54Z

Galey Media
Not all of the September walkers were captured in this shot -- but most of them were! It's been gratifying to see the enormous response that the Moon Walks have had. An estimated 160 per ...

As always, hikers of all ages were in the contingent trekking to Deerfield Reservoir. It's good to see young and old alike participate in this fun family experience.

2009-11-12T16:09:53Z

Galey Media
As always, hikers of all ages were in the contingent trekking to Deerfield Reservoir. It's good to see young and old alike participate in this fun family experience.

There's always a chance to visit with old friends and catch up on recent activities before the hike begins. Most of the Moon Walks are only a mile or so round-trip -- and the September tr ...

2009-11-12T16:09:51Z

Galey Media
There's always a chance to visit with old friends and catch up on recent activities before the hike begins. Most of the Moon Walks are only a mile or so round-trip -- and the September tr ...

Did we mention all that Moon Walksare for hikers of all ages? This gentleman has his hands full with a young girl in his arms and another youngster on his back. Now that's dedication!

2009-11-12T16:09:55Z

Galey Media
Did we mention all that Moon Walksare for hikers of all ages? This gentleman has his hands full with a young girl in his arms and another youngster on his back. Now that's dedication!

More Moon Walkers.

2009-11-12T16:09:52Z

Galey Media
More Moon Walkers.

The pre-hike "introduction" allows participants to learn more about the subject at hand. Presenters are experts in their field and are from local Black Hills communities. This month, t ...

2009-11-12T16:09:49Z

Galey Media
The pre-hike "introduction" allows participants to learn more about the subject at hand. Presenters are experts in their field and are from local Black Hills communities. This month, t ...

Our leader for this hike was U.S. Forest Service Wildlife Biologist Lou Conroy. Lou grew up in Pine Ridge, and after graduating from Red Cloud High School, he earned degrees at Black Hill ...

2009-11-12T16:09:51Z

Galey Media
Our leader for this hike was U.S. Forest Service Wildlife Biologist Lou Conroy. Lou grew up in Pine Ridge, and after graduating from Red Cloud High School, he earned degrees at Black Hill ...

During introductory remarks, Ranger Conroy discussed the five phases of nesting for bald eagles: 1) nest-building and courtship phase 2) egg-laying phase 3) incubation period 4) ...

2009-11-12T16:09:49Z

Galey Media
During introductory remarks, Ranger Conroy discussed the five phases of nesting for bald eagles: 1) nest-building and courtship phase 2) egg-laying phase 3) incubation period 4) ...

Nest-building and courtship normally lasts about 1-3 months, from February into April. While both the male and female bald eagle help build the nest, it is the female who decides its exact ...

2009-11-12T16:09:48Z

Galey Media
Nest-building and courtship normally lasts about 1-3 months, from February into April. While both the male and female bald eagle help build the nest, it is the female who decides its exact ...

Conroy says bald eagle nestlings are gray in color, and it takes about five weeks for them to develop brown feathers. After about nine weeks, the nestling is fully covered with feathers. B ...

2009-11-12T16:09:50Z

Galey Media
Conroy says bald eagle nestlings are gray in color, and it takes about five weeks for them to develop brown feathers. After about nine weeks, the nestling is fully covered with feathers. B ...

Conroy leads Moon Walkers to the edge of Deerfield Reservoir during the September 5th, 2009, walk. He shared with the group that the "fledgling phase" for bald eagles lasts about 4-6 week ...

2009-11-12T16:09:48Z

Galey Media
Conroy leads Moon Walkers to the edge of Deerfield Reservoir during the September 5th, 2009, walk. He shared with the group that the "fledgling phase" for bald eagles lasts about 4-6 week ...

It was a grand night for visiting the bald eagle nesting site at Deerfield Reservoir. We learned that bald eagles can live 20-30 years in the wild, and up to 50 years in captivity. They ...

2009-11-12T16:09:50Z

Galey Media
It was a grand night for visiting the bald eagle nesting site at Deerfield Reservoir. We learned that bald eagles can live 20-30 years in the wild, and up to 50 years in captivity. They ...

Ranger Conroy noted that bald eagles were taken off the endangered species list in August of 2007, but they remain protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Essentially, the ...

2009-11-12T16:09:46Z

Galey Media
Ranger Conroy noted that bald eagles were taken off the endangered species list in August of 2007, but they remain protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Essentially, the ...

In 2007, the Forest Service closed off about a third of Deerfield Reservoir and re-routed a nearby hiking trail in an effort to provide protection for bald eagles nested near the west edge o ...

2009-11-12T16:09:56Z

Galey Media
In 2007, the Forest Service closed off about a third of Deerfield Reservoir and re-routed a nearby hiking trail in an effort to provide protection for bald eagles nested near the west edge o ...

Although this Moon Walk brought hikers to the north shore of Deerfield Reservoir to observe the bald eagle nest, it's not the best location. Ranger Conroy recommended a location that he u ...

2009-11-12T16:09:45Z

Galey Media
Although this Moon Walk brought hikers to the north shore of Deerfield Reservoir to observe the bald eagle nest, it's not the best location. Ranger Conroy recommended a location that he u ...

Remember, you can click on any of these photographs to see a larger image. Here, some of the early arrivers take turns spying the nest through one of two spotting scopes set up for the ev ...

2009-11-12T16:09:46Z

Galey Media
Remember, you can click on any of these photographs to see a larger image. Here, some of the early arrivers take turns spying the nest through one of two spotting scopes set up for the ev ...

Bald eagles do not necessarily migrate in the same way as sandhill cranes and other migratory birds. Bald eagles like high points around open bodies of water. They often select large old ...

2009-11-12T16:09:47Z

Galey Media
Bald eagles do not necessarily migrate in the same way as sandhill cranes and other migratory birds. Bald eagles like high points around open bodies of water. They often select large old ...

Although the spotting scopes were available, many hikers came prepared with their own forms of magnification. Here, Karen Miller targets the eagle's nest on one of the scopes, while other ...

2009-11-12T16:09:50Z

Galey Media
Although the spotting scopes were available, many hikers came prepared with their own forms of magnification. Here, Karen Miller targets the eagle's nest on one of the scopes, while other ...

Here's what most of us saw. Unfortunately, this image was from a hand-held camera with a 300mm zoom lens rather than a tripod-based spotting scope. Nonetheless, it gives you an idea of ...

2009-11-12T16:09:50Z

Galey Media
Here's what most of us saw. Unfortunately, this image was from a hand-held camera with a 300mm zoom lens rather than a tripod-based spotting scope. Nonetheless, it gives you an idea of ...

Of course, magnification devices came in all sizes, shapes.....and colors. This lad was focused on a not-so-rare home sapien. It was sort of a "dueling lens" showdown!

2009-11-12T16:09:45Z

Galey Media
Of course, magnification devices came in all sizes, shapes.....and colors. This lad was focused on a not-so-rare home sapien. It was sort of a "dueling lens" showdown!

Another gent who came prepared to capture the Moon Walk on film -- or chip! Persons interested in keeping up with plans for the 2010 Moon Walk series will want to occasionally check in wi ...

2009-11-12T16:09:49Z

Galey Media
Another gent who came prepared to capture the Moon Walk on film -- or chip! Persons interested in keeping up with plans for the 2010 Moon Walk series will want to occasionally check in wi ...

This final photo is Ranger Lou Conroy near the end of the Moon Walk talking about thebald eagle habitat near Deerfield Reservoir. Many thanks to Lou Conroy, Amy Ballard, and other Forest ...

2009-11-12T16:09:55Z

Galey Media
This final photo is Ranger Lou Conroy near the end of the Moon Walk talking about thebald eagle habitat near Deerfield Reservoir. Many thanks to Lou Conroy, Amy Ballard, and other Forest ...

This was the schedule for 2009 Moon Walks, posted right after our May 9th walk to Camp Bob Marshall for an introduction to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The final event was Saturda ...

2009-11-12T16:09:43Z

AUGUST 8, 2009 - MEEKER RANCH At about 6 p.m., there was plenty of blue sky on the east edge of Custer, and the route to the Moon Walk looked clear and dry! Perhaps we would evade the ...

2009-11-12T16:10:07Z

Galey Media
AUGUST 8, 2009 - MEEKER RANCH At about 6 p.m., there was plenty of blue sky on the east edge of Custer, and the route to the Moon Walk looked clear and dry! Perhaps we would evade the ...

The narrow winding road provided ample challenges for folks trying to park their vehicles. Blue sky was giving way to clouds and claps of thunder.

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
The narrow winding road provided ample challenges for folks trying to park their vehicles. Blue sky was giving way to clouds and claps of thunder.

Alas! Umbrellas had to be broken out, although the heaviest rain had not yet started. You may see a larger image by simply clicking on the photograph.

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
Alas! Umbrellas had to be broken out, although the heaviest rain had not yet started. You may see a larger image by simply clicking on the photograph.

A few of the 100 or so people who gathered for the Meeker Ranch walk. Moon Walks in the Black hills have been popular outings since 1996, and approximately 11,000 visitors have participat ...

2009-11-12T16:10:06Z

Galey Media
A few of the 100 or so people who gathered for the Meeker Ranch walk. Moon Walks in the Black hills have been popular outings since 1996, and approximately 11,000 visitors have participat ...

This was a very nice setting. It's hard to imagine a nicer environment for hiking!

2009-11-12T16:10:07Z

Galey Media
This was a very nice setting. It's hard to imagine a nicer environment for hiking!

As always, we had folks of all ages joining us for the August Moon Walk. Moon Walks are designed to provide a family-oriented activity that introduces visitors to the cultural and natural ...

2009-11-12T16:10:06Z

Galey Media
As always, we had folks of all ages joining us for the August Moon Walk. Moon Walks are designed to provide a family-oriented activity that introduces visitors to the cultural and natural ...

Heavy rain moved in just before 7 o'clock, the tentative start time for the walk. Fortunately, the downpour was brief -- as were the clashes of thunder -- and we would soon be on the trai ...

2009-11-12T16:10:06Z

Galey Media
Heavy rain moved in just before 7 o'clock, the tentative start time for the walk. Fortunately, the downpour was brief -- as were the clashes of thunder -- and we would soon be on the trai ...

Our Moon Walk guide this month was Forest Service archaelogist Matt Padilla from the Hell Canyon District Ranger Station. A native of St. John, Kansas, he went to school at Kansas State Uni ...

2009-11-12T16:10:07Z

Galey Media
Our Moon Walk guide this month was Forest Service archaelogist Matt Padilla from the Hell Canyon District Ranger Station. A native of St. John, Kansas, he went to school at Kansas State Uni ...

Looking south along the trail to the Meeker Ranch, you can see the onset of clearer skies -- hikers even enjoyed a brief period of early evening sunshine!

2009-11-12T16:10:06Z

Galey Media
Looking south along the trail to the Meeker Ranch, you can see the onset of clearer skies -- hikers even enjoyed a brief period of early evening sunshine!

This is part of the meadow that surrounds the Meeker Ranch homestead. We were surprised by the huge turnout for this event; perhaps we shouldn't have been. Meeker Ranch has been in the n ...

2009-11-12T16:10:06Z

Galey Media
This is part of the meadow that surrounds the Meeker Ranch homestead. We were surprised by the huge turnout for this event; perhaps we shouldn't have been. Meeker Ranch has been in the n ...

By the time Matt Padilla started the hikers down the road to the Meeker Ranch, the rains had stopped. Nonetheless, we had to sidestep a few puddles and mudholes.

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
By the time Matt Padilla started the hikers down the road to the Meeker Ranch, the rains had stopped. Nonetheless, we had to sidestep a few puddles and mudholes.

The Meeker ranch house was occuped until about 1952. After that, it was used for storage and other purposes -- falling in to considerable disrepair. The Black Hills Historic Preservati ...

2009-11-12T16:10:06Z

Galey Media
The Meeker ranch house was occuped until about 1952. After that, it was used for storage and other purposes -- falling in to considerable disrepair. The Black Hills Historic Preservati ...

"Moon Walkers" gather around Ranger Padilla, who shares information about the origin and early years of the Meeker Ranch. Following Padilla's briefing, participants were free to wander ab ...

2009-11-12T16:10:06Z

Galey Media
"Moon Walkers" gather around Ranger Padilla, who shares information about the origin and early years of the Meeker Ranch. Following Padilla's briefing, participants were free to wander ab ...

Patriarch of the Meeker Ranch family was Frank Cunningham Meeker, who once was a member of the famed Pony Express. Meeker is said to have routinely ridden the 100-mile stretch from Custer ...

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
Patriarch of the Meeker Ranch family was Frank Cunningham Meeker, who once was a member of the famed Pony Express. Meeker is said to have routinely ridden the 100-mile stretch from Custer ...

Padilla noted that the ranch has operated under three monikers over the years: 1) Willow Creek Ranch 2) Pinelands Ranch 3) Meeker Ranch In this photograph, notice the rock struct ...

2009-11-12T16:10:06Z

Galey Media
Padilla noted that the ranch has operated under three monikers over the years: 1) Willow Creek Ranch 2) Pinelands Ranch 3) Meeker Ranch In this photograph, notice the rock struct ...

Padilla said that Frank Meeker's son, Eugene, grew up on the ranch and attended Custer High School -- often walkiing the two-mile route into town. While Eugene worked on the farm, he also ...

2009-11-12T16:10:06Z

Galey Media
Padilla said that Frank Meeker's son, Eugene, grew up on the ranch and attended Custer High School -- often walkiing the two-mile route into town. While Eugene worked on the farm, he also ...

While it's one of the most enticing structures on the Meeker Ranch, the barn is -- interestingly enough -- not a particularly historic structure. Padilla said the barn was designed by one ...

2009-11-12T16:10:03Z

Galey Media
While it's one of the most enticing structures on the Meeker Ranch, the barn is -- interestingly enough -- not a particularly historic structure. Padilla said the barn was designed by one ...

Jon Crane at work on the grounds of the Meeker Ranch. We'd like to thank Jon for permission to use several images from his website, which you'll find at www.joncranewatercolors.com

2009-11-12T16:10:01Z

Galey Media
Jon Crane at work on the grounds of the Meeker Ranch. We'd like to thank Jon for permission to use several images from his website, which you'll find at www.joncranewatercolors.com

Click on the photo to see a larger image. The Meeker barn was a popular attraction for the Moon Walkers. It was one of several structures featured by artist Jon Crane in his Meeker Ranc ...

2009-11-12T16:10:04Z

Galey Media
Click on the photo to see a larger image. The Meeker barn was a popular attraction for the Moon Walkers. It was one of several structures featured by artist Jon Crane in his Meeker Ranc ...

This serene image of Meeker Ranch was created by Hill City artist Jon Crane, who has been active in helping organize preservation of the buildings on the ranch. He has committed 15% of earni ...

2009-11-12T16:10:01Z

Galey Media
This serene image of Meeker Ranch was created by Hill City artist Jon Crane, who has been active in helping organize preservation of the buildings on the ranch. He has committed 15% of earni ...

Inside the Meeker Ranch barn, a Moon Walker inspects the premises.

2009-11-12T16:10:04Z

Galey Media
Inside the Meeker Ranch barn, a Moon Walker inspects the premises.

Moon Walkers entering the front of the Meeker barn.

2009-11-12T16:10:04Z

Galey Media
Moon Walkers entering the front of the Meeker barn.

By 8:00 p.m., the storm had moved far off to the south -- as shown in this photo. There was no evidence of a full month during this walk. Moon Walks are held on Saturdays close to the ...

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
By 8:00 p.m., the storm had moved far off to the south -- as shown in this photo. There was no evidence of a full month during this walk. Moon Walks are held on Saturdays close to the ...

Meeker Ranch is open to the public; however, access for the last mile is closed to vehicles. Visitors should be on the watch for wire, holes, etc. that may have escaped workers who've bee ...

2009-11-12T16:10:04Z

Galey Media
Meeker Ranch is open to the public; however, access for the last mile is closed to vehicles. Visitors should be on the watch for wire, holes, etc. that may have escaped workers who've bee ...

Gazing south into the meadow from inside the Meeker barn.

2009-11-12T16:10:04Z

Galey Media
Gazing south into the meadow from inside the Meeker barn.

The Meeker Ranch barn just after sunset.

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
The Meeker Ranch barn just after sunset.

Another ranch out building.

2009-11-12T16:10:04Z

Galey Media
Another ranch out building.

The old granary has seen better days. Notice Castle Rock in the background.

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
The old granary has seen better days. Notice Castle Rock in the background.

Inside the granary.

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
Inside the granary.

A side view of the granary as it's examined by a cadre of Moon Walkers.

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
A side view of the granary as it's examined by a cadre of Moon Walkers.

That's Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Craig Bobzien and his wife (on the right) joining Moon Walkers for the August outing. To learn more about the Black Hills National Forest - ...

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
That's Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Craig Bobzien and his wife (on the right) joining Moon Walkers for the August outing. To learn more about the Black Hills National Forest - ...

With the sun over the horizon, we snapped this flash photograph of the Meeker ranch house.

2009-11-12T16:10:01Z

Galey Media
With the sun over the horizon, we snapped this flash photograph of the Meeker ranch house.

This appears to be a side porch that was added to the rear of the house.

2009-11-12T16:10:03Z

Galey Media
This appears to be a side porch that was added to the rear of the house.

The back porch of the ranch house. Notice the electrical wires hanging from the rafters -- and the absence of a complete roof!

2009-11-12T16:10:05Z

Galey Media
The back porch of the ranch house. Notice the electrical wires hanging from the rafters -- and the absence of a complete roof!

The outhouse somehow gains a stately elegance perched in the foreground of an intriguing evening sky just after sunset.

2009-11-12T16:10:03Z

Galey Media
The outhouse somehow gains a stately elegance perched in the foreground of an intriguing evening sky just after sunset.

Padilla led us back up the trail toward the entrance -- but with a stop at the Meeker Cabin.

2009-11-12T16:10:02Z

Galey Media
Padilla led us back up the trail toward the entrance -- but with a stop at the Meeker Cabin.

Despite near darkness, dozens of hikers explored the grounds and the cabin before winding their way back to the parking lot. Padilla said that there's a continuing effort to replace windo ...

2009-11-12T16:10:02Z

Galey Media
Despite near darkness, dozens of hikers explored the grounds and the cabin before winding their way back to the parking lot. Padilla said that there's a continuing effort to replace windo ...

We're told these youngsters have been reading the "Little House on the Prairie" book series. The inside of the cabin offers them a sense of what it might have been like in a small cabin.

2009-11-12T16:10:02Z

Galey Media
We're told these youngsters have been reading the "Little House on the Prairie" book series. The inside of the cabin offers them a sense of what it might have been like in a small cabin.

The Meeker cabin was constructed in 1913. Folks who plan to participate in the Moon Walks should dress in layers of clothing, since the weather in the forest is often different than in to ...

2009-11-12T16:10:02Z

Galey Media
The Meeker cabin was constructed in 1913. Folks who plan to participate in the Moon Walks should dress in layers of clothing, since the weather in the forest is often different than in to ...

For many of us, trampling through the canyons and pathways across the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota is the only real way to fully appreciate the beauty and mystique of these hills. ...

2009-11-12T16:10:11Z

Galey Media
For many of us, trampling through the canyons and pathways across the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota is the only real way to fully appreciate the beauty and mystique of these hills. ...

JULY 11, 2009 - UNDERGROUND WILDERNESS Saturday evenng, July 11th at around 6:45. A good-sized group of Moon Walkers have arrived early to prepare for their third outing of the year -- a h ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
JULY 11, 2009 - UNDERGROUND WILDERNESS Saturday evenng, July 11th at around 6:45. A good-sized group of Moon Walkers have arrived early to prepare for their third outing of the year -- a h ...

That's Amy Ballard of the U.S. Forest Service visiting with early-comers. For the first time this year, the Moon Walk was spared rain or fog. Good thing! This proved to be one of the lon ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
That's Amy Ballard of the U.S. Forest Service visiting with early-comers. For the first time this year, the Moon Walk was spared rain or fog. Good thing! This proved to be one of the lon ...

Amy chats with wildlife biologist Brad Phillips, who works out of the Hell Canyon Ranger Station in the Black Hills National Forest. A native of California, Brad went to school at Humboldt ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
Amy chats with wildlife biologist Brad Phillips, who works out of the Hell Canyon Ranger Station in the Black Hills National Forest. A native of California, Brad went to school at Humboldt ...

We really thought that the rather isolated location of this Moon Walk might discourage folks and that only a handful of us would show up. Wrong! By the time we arrived -- around 6:45 -- the ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
We really thought that the rather isolated location of this Moon Walk might discourage folks and that only a handful of us would show up. Wrong! By the time we arrived -- around 6:45 -- the ...

The first mile or so was a rather mild uphill grade. That's Brad Phillips in the colorful vest, leading the way for some 150 folks spread along the trail behind him.

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
The first mile or so was a rather mild uphill grade. That's Brad Phillips in the colorful vest, leading the way for some 150 folks spread along the trail behind him.

Don't know who the young man with the walking stick is -- but he more or less set the pace for the group. And it was a brisk one! There was no breeze, and the roadway we followed most of t ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
Don't know who the young man with the walking stick is -- but he more or less set the pace for the group. And it was a brisk one! There was no breeze, and the roadway we followed most of t ...

This shot gives you a sense of the trail we followed and the number of folks who joined us. The Moon Walks have gained a wide following of participants from all over the region. While most ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
This shot gives you a sense of the trail we followed and the number of folks who joined us. The Moon Walks have gained a wide following of participants from all over the region. While most ...

One of the joys of these hikes is the opportunity to visit with the experts who lead them. While discussions about caves was the orderof the day, we'd learn much about flying mammals and fl ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
One of the joys of these hikes is the opportunity to visit with the experts who lead them. While discussions about caves was the orderof the day, we'd learn much about flying mammals and fl ...

The trailside was bedecked with plenty of wildflowers on our trek to Ice Cave. This is a member of the Lupine family of flowers. I snapped a photo of it as we began our final ascent to Ice ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
The trailside was bedecked with plenty of wildflowers on our trek to Ice Cave. This is a member of the Lupine family of flowers. I snapped a photo of it as we began our final ascent to Ice ...

Lydia Poppen (left) is Lead Park Ranger at Jewel Cave National Monument, and she provided our group with a nice summary of how the 100+ caves throughout the Black Hills were etched into the ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
Lydia Poppen (left) is Lead Park Ranger at Jewel Cave National Monument, and she provided our group with a nice summary of how the 100+ caves throughout the Black Hills were etched into the ...

This is a close-up of a bats diagnosed with White Nose Syndrome. It's a fungus that has afflicted hundreds of thousands of bats in the eastern United States. The problem was first discover ...

2009-11-12T16:10:07Z

Galey Media
This is a close-up of a bats diagnosed with White Nose Syndrome. It's a fungus that has afflicted hundreds of thousands of bats in the eastern United States. The problem was first discover ...

About 45 minutes after we departed the parking area, we arrived at Ice Cave. We've since discovered that there are many Ice Caves across the country. As caves go, this is a small one -- bu ...

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
About 45 minutes after we departed the parking area, we arrived at Ice Cave. We've since discovered that there are many Ice Caves across the country. As caves go, this is a small one -- bu ...

After a good long hike, the cool cave felt pretty good, and one could feel the chill and dampness as you stepped down toward the cave. Although we probably could all have fit in the cave at ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
After a good long hike, the cool cave felt pretty good, and one could feel the chill and dampness as you stepped down toward the cave. Although we probably could all have fit in the cave at ...

I used the flash of my Canon Rebel to illuminate as much of the cave as I could, but -- as you can see -- the cavern readily swallowed up the light. We've not explored a South Dakota cave s ...

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
I used the flash of my Canon Rebel to illuminate as much of the cave as I could, but -- as you can see -- the cavern readily swallowed up the light. We've not explored a South Dakota cave s ...

If you look closely, you can see the trace of ice that covers a low-lying spot on the cave floor.

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
If you look closely, you can see the trace of ice that covers a low-lying spot on the cave floor.

My granddaughter, Tessa, discovered these water droplets on an overhead rock. I'm not certain if it's condensation or -- indeed -- a bit of water seepage into the cave.

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
My granddaughter, Tessa, discovered these water droplets on an overhead rock. I'm not certain if it's condensation or -- indeed -- a bit of water seepage into the cave.

Alas, this is not an image from our foray into the cave -- but it's reputedly a solid column of ice that grew from the floor to the roof of Ice Cave at a cooler time of the year. This is a ...

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
Alas, this is not an image from our foray into the cave -- but it's reputedly a solid column of ice that grew from the floor to the roof of Ice Cave at a cooler time of the year. This is a ...

This hole in the bottom of the cave may well be where the base of an ice column has stood. We didn't ask Ranger Phillips about it, but we hope to get some explanation in the near future.

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
This hole in the bottom of the cave may well be where the base of an ice column has stood. We didn't ask Ranger Phillips about it, but we hope to get some explanation in the near future.

After about 10 minutes in the cave, one -- at least this one -- can get to feel just a little claustrophobic. And it was damp. And it was cool. Next time I'll wear waterproof boots and a ...

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
After about 10 minutes in the cave, one -- at least this one -- can get to feel just a little claustrophobic. And it was damp. And it was cool. Next time I'll wear waterproof boots and a ...

Another new word for us is "speleologist," which means "cave scientist." These folks say South Dakota is one of the premier cave regions in the world boasts some of the longest and most int ...

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
Another new word for us is "speleologist," which means "cave scientist." These folks say South Dakota is one of the premier cave regions in the world boasts some of the longest and most int ...

Did we mention that people of all ages participate in the Moon Walks? For those who think they'd like to hike the entirety of a big cave, that sounds like fun! But be prepared to spend a ...

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
Did we mention that people of all ages participate in the Moon Walks? For those who think they'd like to hike the entirety of a big cave, that sounds like fun! But be prepared to spend a ...

Preparing for the return trip!

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
Preparing for the return trip!

Likely a discussion about caves. One of our visitors has commented about caves in the Black Hills, noting: "There are FAR more than 100 caves in the Hills. Try closer to 400...that we ...

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
Likely a discussion about caves. One of our visitors has commented about caves in the Black Hills, noting: "There are FAR more than 100 caves in the Hills. Try closer to 400...that we ...

Stopping for a rest -- and a photo!

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
Stopping for a rest -- and a photo!

This would appear to be a family outing for these folks -- and that lad on the lap is probably the youngest caver of our group.

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
This would appear to be a family outing for these folks -- and that lad on the lap is probably the youngest caver of our group.

We learned that caves are a valuable habitat for a variety of animals. And while caves seem to have remarkably constant temperatures, it's thought that the cool temperatures are contributin ...

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
We learned that caves are a valuable habitat for a variety of animals. And while caves seem to have remarkably constant temperatures, it's thought that the cool temperatures are contributin ...

Another view of the entrance to Ice Cave.

2009-11-12T16:10:09Z

Galey Media
Another view of the entrance to Ice Cave.

While the Moon Walkers came to the cave en masse, we retreated at our own leisure and separately.

2009-11-12T16:10:08Z

Galey Media
While the Moon Walkers came to the cave en masse, we retreated at our own leisure and separately.

As we neared the end of our Moon Walk to Ice Cave, daylight was quickly declining. Many thanks to Amy Ballard, Bradley Phillips, and the many other folks of the U.S. Forest Service who mad ...

2009-11-12T16:10:07Z

Galey Media
As we neared the end of our Moon Walk to Ice Cave, daylight was quickly declining. Many thanks to Amy Ballard, Bradley Phillips, and the many other folks of the U.S. Forest Service who mad ...