Convertible Road Trip

Thursday we took a road trip in our 1988 Chrysler Le Baron convertible (been in storage for a long time). First we went to Pipestone, MN where there is a National Monument that honors the sacred grounds used by the native Americans in the area where they quarried the pipestone rock to create the peace pipes they used in their ceremonies. Pipestone is a soft rock that can be carved fairly easily to create the pipes as well as jewelry (Linda and I bought earrings) and other mementos.


Linda sawing the pipestone to show it is soft enough. Bob overseeing her work.

At the monument, there is a very nice walkway. There was a small waterfall so it was a "digital camera" moment.

From there we drove with the top down into the town of Pipestone to eat at the Calumet Hotel, an historic building built with red rock of Sioux Quartzite which is unique rock in this area.

Then we drove to EROS, a geological survey center where they collect and store Landsat images that are available to anyone wanting or needing images of a geographical area on Earth. They have been doing this for many years, and their images are helpful in showing change over time as well as for other purposes. In the background you can see some flags of some of the satellite images used as artwork.

From there we went to Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD. The Big Sioux River meanders through Sioux Falls, and there is a falls on the river; thus, the name, Sioux Falls.

The convertible. Yes, I do enjoy it!!! Wouldn't you?

We had a great day exploring the area in a fun way, in the convertible.