DAY 17 - SPEARFISH, SD

 HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, 2012

Russ with another Proud American

we met in Spearfish Park.  Published with his consent.

We took a day trip to Spearfish, South Dakota, by traveling Interstate 90 West to Exit  12, and went to the D.C. BOOTH FISH HATCHERY,  423 Hatchery Circle, Spearfish, SD, after a quick lunch at McDonalds.  You can read about the Hatchery at:   www.dcboothfishhatchery.org .

 We spent at least an hour there walking their trails, and talking with the Volunteer staff who shared their enthusiasm about the restoration of the Hatchery and the Fish Car that used to transport fish stock to various streams and lakes in the Western States.  There were as many as ten of these Cars for the railroads, in the 1890's.

Interior of Fish Car #10.

Cars like this were used from 1890' through 1947.  Recently refurbished by Volunteers

who now act as Tour Guides to educate visitors about this program

for stocking the streams of America.

Bronze statues even had water flowing from the milk can.

  Sorry, the fish appear to have already gotten away!

This statue reminds me of the day of  Fishing,

 Russ and I did with our Grandchild.

We were blessed with an opportunity to sit and listen to the 7th Cavalry Band, out of Rapid City, as they performed a wonderful Concert of Patriot music in the Park adjacent to the Fish Hatchery.  I especially enjoyed the Marches they played.  They concluded with the Armed Forces Medley, during which they have Veterans from each Branch stand to be honored.

There is more to come, so look for PART TWO

 of the 4th of July, as another Chapter.