On The Occasion Of The Autumn Equinox

Aliens Out West...and More Saturday Adventures

It was something I had been looking forward to since I first heard about it a couple of months ago. The First Annual Devils Tower UFO Rendezvous. Speakers, workshops, even a barbeque cookoff. None of those things held much interest to me. It was the parade I was excited about. The day finally came, so I packed up my cameras and headed out. It was not a very nice day. Rainy and cool. But the parade went on as scheduled, although I believe the turnout was smaller because of the weather conditions. But it was fun. The entries that showed up seemed to be into it. And the scattered spectators along the parade route appeared to be enjoying themselves.

However, after careful consideration, I'm convinced the "aliens" were just humans in costume. Most of them anyway, although I'm still not quite sure about this guy -

 

After visiting with some members of Star Fleet Command, a man in black, and a girl in a giraffe costume, I packed up my gear and took to the road looking for other things that might catch my eye.

I didn't have to go far before enjoying the visual treat that was this scene - 

 

It really is beautiful country around that part of Wyoming...during all seasons and any time of year. A little farther on down the road I noticed a turnout that I thought could lead to some photo opps, so I parked and hiked a short distance in to this perfect place to be on an early autumn day -

And then there was this -

I'm surprised there is so much color this early. But it has been a strange year. My pepper plants have new growth on them. It's mid-September! My giant pumpkin is big, but not giant. And the butterflies!

Early fall also brings out the small town harvest festivals and farmers markets. I accidentally wandered into such an event in Belle Fourche. (Spearfish is next weekend.) Basically, I was lured in by the food truck parked on the street. I do like food served out of a truck. And they had walking tacos! My newest favorite thing. So I ordered one. It was okay, but it cost $5.00 and was not even close to being as good as the one I had recently at the Unity Concert for only $3.00. I also bought some delicious locally grown and canned pickles, and enjoyed some wonderful music in the park - 

 

 

All in all, another pretty good day. And I'm looking forward to a few more adventures before winter sets in. Not a fan of winter. I know we need a certain amount of snowfall, and for that to happen it must get cold. That's how things work around here...whether I like it or not. I might make more of an effort to get out and find some things to do this winter. It could help the time pass more quickly until spring comes. Otherwise, it's going to be a long six months. 

Roger O'Dea     9/19/2017