The prior Coming to Spearfish

This is a repeat for some of you of a previous email but gives some info to my new friends on where we are and what we do.  Promise to include more pictures later.  Got to figure out all this new stuff.

It seems like we've been very busy since we've got here-training and sightseeing and getting settled.  I'm very impressed with this area-it's absolutely beautiful.  Spearfish is a  canyon surrounded by mountains and a fast flowing creek that runs through the campground and city  (used for fishing, kayaking and fishing).  We didn't see this place last time we were in the Black Hills.  We couldn't believe the Spearfish canyon above that goes through the cliffs-reminded us of Alaska-that good with waterfalls and many ooooh spots.  Also, there's lot of stuff close for sightseeing, history and local activities.  Julie and Jody are planning on coming for a visit.

There's going to be 10 couples here as volunteers.  Campground has wifi and cable plus we have our own firepit and gathering area.  The hatchery is across the street and up a hill  (over 3500 feet high here-Ron's breathing slowly adjusting).  It's nestled in a bowl with cliffs on 3 sides and the creek running through.  The women take care of the gift shop and do tours of the first superintendents historic home.  While the guys do tours of the museum which used to be the hatchery and the reconditioned railroad car that used to carry fish to Yellowstone and elsewhere.  There is a museum curator who taught us how to dust antiques (using white cotton gloves only once) and takes care of the archive collection of fishery history.

 Everyone told us that it's their favorite spot and the pictures above of the campground give you some idea.  The hatchery is on Face Book if you want to check it.  DCBooth Historic Hatchery.

Got to tell you a cute story.  Poor Elroy, our dog, has sinned bad!  Yes, I'm afraid he might be dammed.  While we were on our trip here, I took him for a walk down a town street and he stopped by a front yard statue of the Virgin Mary surrounded by pretty daffodils.  He sniffed and lifted his leg and before I could do anything, he peed on the Virgin Mary.  Can he be saved?  Very concerned, Gloria