SOUTH DAKOTA IRAM - institute of Range and American Mustang

Had a good start to a morning going to the IRAM - institute for range and Mustangs. It's primarily a wild horse refuge and rescue, independently owned and managed by horse lovers - some paid and some volunteer. Donations and guided tour fees primaily.  It's a huge ranch which we traversed with an enthusiastic guide and in a large rickety bus. Most of the females are given contraceptives during the mating season via dart but it's not a 100 %success. Get a few foals each season. Our guide had a side gun in case of rattle snake. It was a beautiful ride. Hope the pics do it justice. Lots if different breeds are there but I can't tell you all that.  One of the local Indian tribes still hold their yearly Sundance ceremony on the land. See the circle remnants.

This was a lovely experience as I believe it represents a lot of the personality and character of this part of the country. Grass Roots

SOUTH DAKOTA WIND CAVES

Today got to visit the Wind Caves. Story has it found by accident around the 1920s when a small hole in the rocks blew out or sucked in air.  It sparked subsequent investigation. Over time several individuals traversed over 147 miles of cave trails sometimes only with candlelight. No stalagmites - too dry. But there are " box work " remnants in ceiling. Limestone dissolved due to acid and left box like skeletal remnants in the ceilings of calcite. Very fragile. Followed a 2 mile trail about 20 stories below ground. Interesting. Not as visually beautiful as many caves around the country.

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

Today me and friend Shirley are strolling along the beautiful walkways and themed idyllic garden styles of Denver Botanic Gardens.  There is also a modern-esque sculpture artist by the name of Calder on exhibit for a couple months     Themes include Regional , internationally inspired, ornamental etc. I'm posting a lot of pictures. Think of it as an opportunity for a meditative pictoral.  Digital Zen. Enjoy.