Today's (Tuesday) goal was to discover caches in the counties of Sanborn, Jerauld, & Buffalo. As is the case of many of our geo adventures, we saw and learned some interesting things.
Our first stop was in Redfield.
the doe and two fawns were near the cemetery
Then we stopped in Tulare.
"This rock has historic significance to the Native Americans. Early settlers reported seeing Indians stop to visit the rock and the nearby burial grounds. It appeared that they were performing ceremonial or worshipful rites. The rock has since been moved to this site so others can learn about it."
Then a stop in Woonsocket.
the bridge led to a little island
a pair of swans on the lake
Catholic church in the background
I liked the lines created by the bridge
we did NOT find the cache
Lunch break was at this drive-inn between Artesian & Woonsocket. In spite of it's looks, it was a good place for food.
Then to our most unique community of the day, Gann Valley.
hard to read, but population is listed as 12
Gann Valley is the county seat for Buffalo County
the courthouse employs 4 people
the one business in town
one of the two Gann Valley's claim to fame
"The population of Gann Valley, west of Wessington Springs and northeast of Chamberlain, is barely more than a baker’s dozen. The township is the Buffalo County seat, despite a population a mere 14 residents in the 2010 U.S. census. It’s also the statistical population center of the state, with a plaque to prove it. Now, it has the added distinction of being the smallest county seat in the nation. It surpassed Amidon, N.D.
Tiny as the county seat is, the 2010 census counted 1,912 residents of Buffalo County, most of whom live in Fort Thompson on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation. The county is the nation’s poorest, with per-capita income of $5,213.
Founded in 1885, Gann Valley is in farm and ranch country but also benefits from its proximity to the Big Bend Dam on the Missouri River and its status as a county seat. People come to the area to fish and hunt. Besides a few houses, the town has the county courthouse, with four full-time employees, a fire hall, community center and a post office.
The only private business is Ken’s Service, a shop that does light auto maintenance work and sells some food. It also has a beer license and acts as the town’s gossip center."
We ended the day in Murdo and had dinner at the Rusty Spur.
This was NOT part of today's caching excursion, but one I want to share. This headstone caught my eye for the name & the date. Imagine, Kari as a name in the late 1800s. COOL!
Norwegian??
Photo of bridge leading to island is awesome! Well, I'd like to attend St. Anne's but then I'd really like to attend Mass at the BIG CHURCH. Can you imagine the organ music, whoa, it would be magnificent.
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