Unlimited skies

I have been neglecting my blogging assignments not only because Becca keeps using my computer, but because I am totally charmed by our surroundings. Staring at a computer screen is trumped by the beauty of the Black Hills.

I love the South Dakota sky. While another state claims to be "big sky country", the wide-open spaces of the Great Plains are not limited to state lines. This morning, there is not a cloud in the sky as I sit in the shade of the pine trees. Our first morning here, I was up early to witness a fog and low clouds sitting over the hills:

Later, when we were driving to Reptile Gardens, rainclouds were approaching in the distance; it's easy to observe the changing weather patterns before you get drenched. Half an hour later, there were fluffy white clouds in the sky.

And then there's there's the sunset and night sky. I've always been somewhat obsessed with sunsets, as evidenced by numerous vacation photos. Here in the Black Hills, it's right after the sun has retreated that clouds turn gold and the sky show begins. Every shade of blue, from light to deep and ultimately to black. My favorite part is the starry finale. So much to see, it makes my neck hurt. Well worth it.