So much to do! So little time...

So I just realized that it has been a really long time since I posted. I'm sorry for that, I've been super busy here in Medora with everything that has been going on. This past month has flown by so quickly that I hardly remember what happened.

The first half of June was spent planting 12,000 flowers all over Medora as quickly as I could in order to get the place for the Rough Rider Roundup. I barely made that deadline. With the help of a couple of volunteers, some of the housekeeping staff, and a few other random TRMF employees, I accomplished my mission. Now, I just need to go around and take photos of everything that was done so that everyone can see the flowers. I promised to take photos to show the volunteers the flowers that they planted as they grow, but have not had a good opportunity to do so yet due to lack of time and uncooperative weather.

In early June, I took a road trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota with a few of my new International friends. We had an awesome time exploring the monument and the surrounding area. After exploring the monument, we went on a spelunking tour at Rushmore Caves just out of Keystone, South Dakota. Our adventure didn't end after spelunking, we also went to a drive through bear park and a reptile garden before stopping at a Chinese Buffet on our way back to Medora. The trip was great fun and I had a wonderful time with my new friends. I'm greatly looking forward to our next adventure. We plan to go to Devil's Tower and also Yellowstone sometime this summer.

I've been out horseback riding a few times so far since arriving here in Medora, but wish I could go out more. Sadly, I have the same schedule as the stables and get off too late to go out riding. I've made a new friend here who has a couple of horses, but he works three positions and is taking online summer courses. So... we've only gone out riding together one time. I've been attempting to persuade people into letting me borrow their horses to ride them, but people around here are so protective of their horses and won't let anyone ride them. I've come to the conclusion that if I do decide to live here permanently, that I'm going to have to make some arrangements with a local rancher and buy a horse of my own. That will solve my riding issues.

When weather has been allowing, I've been going out hiking up in the Buttes. It is my escape from town life. I don't have to go very far to feel lost in nature. It is a great feeling and I get great exercise while I'm up there. I've noticed that I've lost a couple of inches off of my waistline and that I'm back to my correct body size. Nature is my gym and that is how I prefer to get my exercise. While out hiking, I observe and study the local flora and fauna in an attempt to learn what all lives in this area. I've made many new discoveries and am continuing to search for more. By far, the most adorable discovery that I've made was a small Short-Horned Lizard, or as the locals call them Horny Toads. I had to force myself to put the adorable little critter back as I badly wanted to take it to my room and keep it for a pet. I found a nice large ant hill and released my little friend onto it as that is its favorite food. I hope to find another to observe and enjoy.

This past weekend, I went back to Minnesota for a wedding. Last fall, I was asked to be a wedding photographer for an acquaintance that lives only a mile from where I grew up. After some discussion, I agreed to take on the job. The weather looked horrid and I feared that the outdoor wedding would be rained out. Surprisingly, the clouds parted and the sun came out merely half an hour before the wedding began. It was a fabulous wedding on the shore of a beautiful lake. It couldn't have been more perfect. I took many photos which turned out great and had a lot of fun working with the Bride and the Groom. The photos of the wedding can be viewed at http://photos.matthewericksonphotography.com/oertwich. I have one more wedding coming up in August that I'm looking forward to as well.

Sadly... I spent this weekend inside sick... I wanted to go and do so many things, but was reduced to spending the weekend in the lobby couch watching tv while I recovered. I'm starting to feel better now and am going to try beginning a new week of work and adventures, hopefully refreshed and renewed.

Sorry I didn't post any photos this time, I will prepare some for my next posting.

The Buttes

Here are some photos of my latest venture up in the buttes. My venture was cut short by the threat of a nasty storm. I plan to wander back up there again really soon and capture more photos of the flowers and critters that live up there.

Here are some of the Prickly Pear Cactus that I've mentioned in other postings. They are everywhere in the buttes and you have to be careful not to brush your legs against them. Also, it is a very good idea to look around before sitting down to rest as sitting on one of these guys could prove to be quite painful. I can't wait for them to flower and produce fruit. I'm noticing that the ones outside the dorm are beginning to bud out and should flower soon.

The Currents are flowering. They are everywhere. I'm guessing that if a person wanted to make jelly that they would have no issue finding enough of these berries in the buttes to make a good sized batch.

While climbing the butte, I nearly stepped on this guy. I'm believing that this is a Western Hognose Snake, but I could be wrong. The only other option would be a Bull Snake. Either way, it was nonvenomous and also non-aggressive. If it was a Western Hognose, I would have absolutely nothing to worry about with an encounter as they are totally harmless. On the other hand, an encounter with a Bull Snake could lead me to a hospital visit, even though they are nonvenomous. Although they are nonvenomous, Bull Snakes are highly aggressive an have a nasty reputation for biting. Their bites are nasty and can cause a severe bacterial infection.

This is a photo of where I live. I live in the building that is to the right of the center of the photo. It is the building that is on the outside of the corner where the street bends. The dorm contains 20 rooms and houses a total of 40 men.

Here is the full view of Medora as promised. As can be seen, Medora is in a canyon surrounded by high buttes on all sides.

After reaching the top of the butte, I saw these storm clouds rolling in. The winds had picked up and I felt as though I was going to be blown off. I decided to capture a few scenic shots of the area surrounding Medora before descending down the other side of the butte to avoid being caught in a potentially nasty storm. Ironically, the storm went around Medora in a circle, but skipped the town.

These beautiful blue flowers are all over on the north side of the buttes where the sun isn't quite as hot and there is some shade. I'm not fully sure as to what species they are, but I do intend to identify them.

On my hikes, I was mesmerized by the songs of this beautiful bird as he sang perched in a Juniper shrub. I took this photo of him foraging on the slope of the butte. This is a Western Rufous-Sided Towhee. I am eagerly anticipating finding a nest to observe throughout the summer and will keep my eyes open on my hikes.

I was quite delighted to find a flower that I was somewhat able to identify. I did look it up just to make sure that it was what I thought it was. This flower is known as Little Larkspur. I found a few clumps of them flowering on the north side of one of the buttes I was climbing. I plan to go out looking for more on my next hike.

Here is another photo of the unknown blue flowers I have yet to identify.

The Climb

Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment. I've worked a very hard week in the gardens and am all stiff and sore. Every muscle in my body aches as I'm out of shape and not used to the type of work I'm performing for the foundation. I'm hoping to start getting into decent shape within the next couple of weeks, if I don't die in the process.

Today, after a long day in the hot sun, I couldn't resist the urge to climb. This was the first sunny day I've seen since my arrival here in Medora on Monday. When I got here, I was in awe of the butte that created the backdrop to the dorm within which I'm currently living. I told myself that one day, when it was nice out, that I would indeed climb it. After having dinner when I got off work, I made the decision to make the climb. I grabbed my camera with my 75 x 300mm lens and filled my water bottle. The weather was perfect for climbing, it felt like a hot late August day like I'm used to back in Minnesota, when it actually isn't raining.

I stepped out of the dorm and looked up at the butte, studying its slopes, deciding my route to take. After a few moments, I noticed a pattern in the vegetation on the slopes and saw what looked like a nice route to take. I had to remind myself prior to the climb that there was a high chance of encountering Rattle Snakes on the slopes. So, as I began to climb, I carefully observed each and every scrub of Sagebrush in my path for snakes.

The climb was really hot with the sun glaring down on me. I was glad I brought along my water bottle as I could feel myself experiencing heat stress as I climbed. Partway up, I stopped for a water break and to survey the surrounding area. The climb was going quicker and easier than I had anticipated and I was making good progress.

As I climbed, I used the clumps of Sagebrush as footholds so that I wouldn't slip. I had to be careful not to brush up against the Prickly Pear Cactus though as they were everywhere. At one point, my right foot slid a bit and I leaned into the slope of the butte and felt a cactus brush against my leg. That was as close as I cared to get to those prickly things. They looked quite painful to get into a tangle with.

After reaching the top of the butte, I was exhausted and burning up from the heat. It got really hot out today, much hotter than I'm used to. I quickly sought out some shade and saw a small clump of Cottonwood trees to shelter under. On my way to the trees, I passed through a Prairie Dog town. The critters scolded me sharply as I walked through their town. Upon reaching the trees, I startled a young Mule Deer buck. He checked me out curiously before bounding off carefree.

Once I was cooled down, I left the shade and decided the direction of my journey. I decided to venture through the Prairie Dog town some more, just to mess with the little buggers. As I walked through their town, I surveyed the area to determine where I should venture. I decided I didn't want to go back down the way I came up as I was hoping to find a more gently incline.

After surveying the area, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to climb down and go through the riding stable property. I looked around and determined where I figured it would be and headed off in that direction. Once I got to the other side of the butte, I found a well used horse and wild game trail. I followed the trail as it appeared to be heading back down.

The way back down was nice as it was more gently and it was also on the shady side of the butte. I followed the horse trail cautiously, looking for snakes as I walked along. The views from the trail were spectacular. The trail wound back and forth as it went down the butte and I was amazed at how much of an incline the horses went down.

At the bottom of the butte, I found myself right where I had anticipated, at the riding stables. I must have startled the dog, as I was greeted by an upset Blue Heeler. After a bit of sweet talking, I was able to calm him down and quickly became his friend. With that mission accomplished, and with my descent finished, I made my way back to my dorm room.

So... I'm not sure why, but this site uploaded my photos in the reverse order of which I wanted them. I guess I'm going to tell my little story in reverse as well.

The top photo is of a male Meadow Lark. I found him perched atop the gate to the Medora Riding Stables as I left the butte with I had just climbed. He was busily singing his song for the world to hear. I love the melodious song they sing and could listen to them for hours.

The next photo is of a bird that I have yet to identify. Yes, I know, it is quite shocking that I don't actually know what the bird is, but I'm new to this area and there are critters here that I've never seen before. In time, I will learn what they are and be able to identify them.

The third photo is a shot of the foundation horses from about halfway down the butte. I don't know how many horses the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation owns, but I do know that those belong to the foundation.

The fourth photo is of a helicopter that buzzed overhead as I sauntered through the Prairie Dog town atop the butte.

The fifth is of a really upset Prairie Dog. He didn't seem to pleased with my presence and seemed even more upset by the fact that I was walking right in the middle of his town. The Prairie Dogs all scolded me loudly, bolting into their burrows the second I got too close to them.

Photo number six is of a young Mule Deer buck in velvet. I encountered this fine young gentleman as soon as I ascended to the top of the butte. Once, I got to the top, I saw a small clump of Cottonwood trees and headed directly for them to cool off in their shade. As soon as I entered the trees, I looked up, and there he was looking right at me.

Photo number seven is of Sheila (pronounced Shyla) Schafer's house and the Harold Schafer Center from atop the butte. Sheila is also referred to as the Queen of Medora as her late husband, Richard founded the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. She is due to return to Medora in a couple of weeks from her winter home in Bismarck. I just got done spraying her entire lawn for weeds yesterday.

And the last photo is a shot of the town, or at least as much as I could fit in my lens. I really should have brought my shorter stock lens with me as the landscape is just way too big to fit it all into my 75 x 300mm lens.

Welcome to Medora!

It's official! I've arrived in Medora, North Dakota! That was a long and boring 6 hour drive, but I feel that this adventure shall be well worth it.

These geese greeted me on my first walk. After I got settled in, unpacked, and had dinner, I went out on my first brief trek around the community. I was astonished to see the geese landing and perching on the cliff faces. To me, this was unusual and new behavior, but it could be quite typical around here.

This is the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation's Headquarters. New arrivals check-in here and this is also where we report for duty. The Headquarter's building has a very scenic view of the surrounding area.

While out on my walk, I met some of my new neighbors. There was a flock of around twenty or so Black Turkey Vultures hanging out and gliding around a grove of large Cottonwood trees. They were quite brave too, my presence didn't seem to bother them. As ugly as they may be, I still admire their inner beauty, one only needs to look beyond their face.

Am I ever excited to explore this place! The main entrance to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park is only at the other side of town from the dorm room in which I will be living for the summer. When I say the other side of town, I mean only about four short blocks. It is an easy hike from where I will be living and I plan to go there often to explore the bountiful nature the park has to offer. I hear that there is a very large Prairie Dog town in the park and that it isn't that far in. I can't wait to go and meet my new neighbors.

On my venture, I came across the film crew. They were downtown shooting a commercial for the Rough Rider's Hotel and Restaurant. I decided to sneak a couple of photos of them as I passed by, leaving the undisturbed with their mission.

Of course, anyone who knows me well knows I cannot resist horses. Once I left my room after dinner, I made a direct bee line to the stables. I cautiously picked my way down the trails through the Sage Brush and Yuccas, warily looking for Rattle Snakes. I wanted to go and meet the heard. They were a friendly bunch and came to the fence to greet me.

I had an interesting a lovely first trek here in Medora. As I walked, I listened to the songs of the Meadow Larks and the Robins. I laughed at the unusual sound of squeaking door hinges, A.K.A. Ring-Neck Pheasants crowing. And watched the geese and the Golden Eagles as they flew overhead. I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow has in store for me! Tomorrow shall be my first official day of work.

It's Official

I've officially graduated from the University of Minnesota Crookston with a degree in Business Management. I'm really happy to be done with school, but I will really miss all the times with my friends. On a positive note, I won't have to worry about homework, projects, and tests anymore. That will be such a nice relief from the past few years.

Next week, I will take off on a whole new adventure in life. I'm leaving for Medora, North Dakota bright and early Monday morning for a new adventure. I will be working for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation for the summer as their Flower Crew Leader. While working there, I will be living at the foundation in a dormitory located at the north end of the bad lands.

While in Medora, I plan to explore the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and also the northern end of the Badlands, taking numerous photos of my ventures. I also plan to go to Yellowstone National Park along with Mount Rushmore. I have so much exploring to do and so many photos to take. There are so many places I haven't explored in life and I'm eager to begin my venture.

Follow my ventures here on my blogs and look for my photography on my new web site. http://photos.matthewericksonphotography.com

Maybe you'll see me on one of my adventures!

Survival Mode

I've finished the first of my 3 finals and officially passed the class. I could have done much better, but for a last minute performance, I managed to pull it off. No one should ever leave an entire semesters worth of homework for the last 3 weeks of school and then try to turn it all in and pass the class successfully. I wouldn't recommend it.

Thankfully, I finally found a job and started working last week. I'm down to under fifty dollars in the bank and am not sure when or how much my first check will be. It looks like I'm going to get a lot of exercise and be eating mostly rice until my budget improves. In order to conserve money, I'll be parking the truck for most of the summer and either biking or walking to my destinations. This will be good for me as my job is only a few blocks from my apartment and the university is only about a mile away.

This shall be a short posting as I have more studying to do. I only have two finals left, wish me luck!

Finals

The semester is winding down and finals are upon us. I only have two class sessions left. It is sort of bittersweet, on the one hand, the semester will be over and I will be on summer break. On the other hand, summer break will last a mere three weeks before summer session starts up. I'm going to have a heavy summer taking 7 credits. It may not sound like much, but when the semester starts and you realize that you only have 8 weeks to perform the same tasks that you would normally have 17 weeks to perform, you get a bit overwhelmed. I'm doing summer session so that I can have a lighter Fall and Spring semester before my upcoming graduation. Finally!!

Finals should go well. I only have one in the classroom and two online. It will be nice to be done with them once and for all. I think that I'm going to spend my 3 week break getting a head start on my summer classes to give me an upper hand on them. That way, when the semester starts, I can submit my homework quickly and have more time to prepare for exams. After summer session, I plan to never take another online class again. Yes, I said never, and I meant it.

I'm going to have lots of time to focus on my classes over the summer. Sadly, the other night, my cable went out. I was so excited when I moved into my new apartment and discovered that it had cable. It was too good to be true. Now, it is gone. I'm left wondering if that meant that there was some sort of free month special trial period, or what the deal was. Oh well... I can't afford to hook it up at this point and so I'm going to have to live without it. One the bright side, that will be a good thing for my classes and homework, one less distraction. That leaves me with only my cell phone in my apartment for communication purposes and distractions.

Well... I'm off to my last session of Audio Visual Class. Wish me luck on my finals...