Falling For Summer All Over Again

It doesn't seem to matter how many times I have seen the Falls in the past, they are always a refreshing sight for me, and one of the reasons to love Sioux Falls in the summertime.

Last weekend I had the chance to visit the Falls and was pleased to see that not only did the Big Sioux River have a good amount of water but the park was lush and green as ever.

It is always a pleasure to see and talk to people visiting the park. Many live locally and are just out to enjoy the beautiful summer weather, while others have traveled many miles and are awestruck by the beauty of this location.

Each time I see this spot I can't help but wonder how amazing it must have looked to the early settlers.

That is it for this week, I hope you have enjoyed my favorite South Dakota Park. Thank you for stopping by, I wish you well on your virtual travels.

Falls Park

During my recent visit to Sioux Falls I headed to my favorite photo spot, Falls Park. 

After all the snow the area got last winter I was rather surprised to see the river so low. Although I was reminded that there had been a drought the previous year.

 The Queen Bee Mill ruins make the perfect setting for a bit of theater. Here the Bare Bodkins Theater Company is wrapping up a performance of Romeo & Juliet.

Photos by Niki: Falls Park

One of my favorite destinations in Sioux Falls whether it is for a fun family outing, quiet sunrise or sunset walk or just to capture a few photos of the magnificent scenery is Falls Park. I would like to thank Niki for sharing these two photos of the falls with us. I absolutely love the perspective in both photos.

Falls Park 2002

Photos taken in 2002-3 with a my first digital camera.

This beautiful old building is now home to the Overlook Cafe.

I hope you have enjoyed today's look back.

Over the next few weeks I will be digging deep into my archives and sharing some of my first digital shots of the Sioux Falls area.
May your week ahead be blessed!

Nita

Early Spring at Falls Park

The week before we left Sioux Falls a few friends and I decided to go to the falls for a pick nick lunch. Here are a few of the shots I took that day.

 It was such a beautiful day we were not the only ones with the idea.

The ruins of the old Queen Bee Mill

 I noticed another group enjoying the beautiful afternoon.

 And this last one of my dear friends son. He has such a big heart and is a wonderful artist as well. Eventually I hope to be sharing some of his artwork on my art blog.

New City, New Home, New Life

My life has definitely turned upside down. For years I figured I would most likely spend the rest of my life in the quaint city of Sioux Falls. Yet in a matter of just a few months after the death of my husband, everything in my life has changed. For 19 years  South Dakota has been our home and now my youngest daughter and I have packed up and moved all the way to Norfolk, Virginia to live with my oldest daughter and her family.

Leaving behind family, good friends and all that we had become accustom to has been difficult. The major redeeming factor is that we are now with family that for the last four years we only saw for short visits once or twice a year. Although I am sad to be leaving behind some very dear friends and most importantly three of my wonderful grandchildren, I am happy to have the chance to spend time with my other three grandchildren. I also find myself rather excited for the new adventures that are sure to be found.

I am not sure if I will be keeping this blog and asking the many friends back in Sioux Falls to help supply photos for the blog or if I will be closing this blog. All I can say for now is that I will be taking lots of photos of the Sioux Falls area each year when I return to visit family and friends.

Ice on the Big Sioux River - Part 2

I took these a while back and not wanting them to waste away in the archives I have decided to show them today. Sitting at the falls one warm winter afternoon I enjoyed watching a number of different groups as they explored the semi-frozen falls.

 I do have to say though I half expected the two on the far left above to slip and tumble down the falls.

Watching these two young men I couldn't help but think it looked as if they were preforming a dance on the ice, so I took some rapid fire shots. Here is a look at the series of photos taken of these two young men.

Christmas Decorations: Falls Park Winter Wonderland

I finally made it out with my camera and got a few photos of the Winter Wonderland at Falls Park.

Lights on the Water

Night time at the Falls is a magical time.

 The lights above the Queen Bee Mill are those of an airplane on it's approach to the Sioux Falls Airport.

Framed at the Falls

The other afternoon I was enjoying a leisurely outing to Falls Park when I spotted this empty sign post.

View From The Upper Cascades

 This long open grassy stretch extends from the down town arch to the western side of Falls Park, and is a favorite spot for geese. After a few shots of the geese I headed over to take a few shots of the train bridge and upper cascades.

Good Morning Sioux Falls

Yesterday morning I shook out the cobwebs to bring you a touch of Sioux Falls in the early morning. I love the beauty of sunrise with its peaceful atmosphere, even though I see it so rarely.

The light reflecting off the ruins and the water in these next two shots was just gorgeous.

 I am considering hanging a few of these at the foot of my bed. That is probably the only way this night owl is going to see the sunrise every morning. :D