I guess not only in South Dakota, but not unexpected. Yes, the Prepper Show is coming to Rapid City! It is no surprise that South Dakota has more than its share of preppers. In fact, we have one of the few prepper communities in the country just a few miles south of us in Edgemont. Scratch that, I just did some research, it is not one of the few prepper communities in the country, it is THE largest prepper community on the Earth! An 18-square mile former military base, this community consists of 575 bunker homes that can house 5,000 residents.
If you are interested, or just mildly curious here is a link to one for sale. It can be yours for a mere $100,000! But you cannot just buy it and you are in, you have to be interviewed and approved before you can buy it. They boast having doctors, trades people, farmers, you name it. A diverse community should the zombie apocalypse come to our area.
I have several friends who lean a little on the "preppy" side; all good people, just a little more cautious than others with stores of food, water, fuel and yes, ammo should the world go to pot. No, I will not be going to the show, I am content with our stores. Maybe one of our friends will take us in as we have some skills that would by useful should the world come to an end. Well, Barb does, maybe they will take me out of pity.
What other oddities do we have in South Dakota? Did you know that South Dakota is basically two states? Even us SD residents refer to it in such a manner that one geographical feature is basically a border within the state. Hang around here long enough and you will hear someone refer to someone as either a west-riverer or east-riverer. Meaning, what side of THE river do you live on. THE river is the Missouri river which basically cuts the state in half. You will also hear people refer to east-river residents as "flat-landers" as well, as the terrain east of the Missouri is basically flat, which west-river is more rugged.
Other oddities? Of course, there are the tourist attractions, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, the Sturgis Rally, but those are not really oddities. Well, maybe the rally is. Oh wait! How about a 140-acre polygamous compound a mere 5 miles from us! Originally founded and built by Jeff Warrens in 2005. Jeff reportedly had 24 wives. Hell, I cannot handle one, who would anyone want 24?!?!? While Jeff is now in prison, the compound is going on live and well. They pretty much just keep to themselves and do not bother anyone. 
That is all the oddities I can think of at the moment. Wait one more, I caught this oddity on one of my trail cameras! Neighbor Jim is about as scary as they get.
I have a camera on one of his water tanks. Here are a few more captures from each of our tanks.... We are in a severe drought in our area and water is vital to the survival of everything around. It is amazing how many critters we capture using these water tanks not to mention the countless bees and other insects that do not trigger the camera.
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| Dove |
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| Jays |
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| Squirrel |
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| Robin |
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| Whitetails |
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| Mule Deer |
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| And of course, the ever-present turkeys |
Work on the garage continues. Kevin came over one day to design and show us how to make some wood features for the front. We have them all cut out, Barb has sanded and stained them, now we just have to get them up. Barb insulated and wired her shop; we got two windows and doors installed and I have been working on some metal trim and completing the north side of the building. We have not been hitting it too hard, so progress has been slow.
Barb has also been out in the forest playing lumberjack jill. She sent me this picture the other day. The biggest tree she has cut down with her mighty DeWalt battery operated chainsaw.
No water? Ummm I'm not sure that's fun! Just curious, do you pay for it or is it free to haul? Do you haul water in the winter or melt snow? I'm guessing you're a half prepper ... guns, ammo, bows and arrows. Yes you do have some interesting neighbors!!! And thank you for providing water for the critters!! I would do the same.
ReplyDeleteHow often do you have to top up the cistern? Also, do you have a dedicated spot for your slide-in camper? Barb has her own shop? Kewl! I never really thought about the Missouri splitting the state like that. Love the critter tank.
ReplyDeleteI am still waiting to hear more about the BIG event, something fun I hope.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all the camera photos at the water tanks, lots of cute birds and critters. We have well water and a septic tank here, but we need to store extra water in case of power outages. I guess we could not be called preppers. Next power outage I am going to a hotel. The garage is looking good. Take care, enjoy your day!
You definitely have some oddities as you described in South Dakota. A different life compared to us city people. I don't take water for granted after years of rving, but most people do.
ReplyDeleteIf you want into the SSUVFL, you will have to send me a list of your skills, and Barb's. I've got so much to do now that soup season is over, I don't know if we will make it on time.
ReplyDeleteCritter tanks are great! Jeff suggested we add a camera and I can see why it would be a fun addition. Yes SD does have its "interesting" features along with its beautiful locations. As preppers always seem so private it's strange that there's a convention - and a large community that everyone knows about. We have several properties in our area that haul their water although I have no idea where they get it. There are also several wells that draw their water with working windmills (many with "back-up" solar panels. Those huge corbels are impressive. As usual you two are amazing at what you do yourselves.
ReplyDeleteNice wood project Barb! That water tank sure has a variety of visitors, that Buck is really nice! I checked out the bunker, very interesting:)
ReplyDeleteI love ❤️ this post and all your photos. So lovely to see the animals and birds. Water 💧 is a necessity for life, both for humans and creatures. Thank you so much for sharing. I am 68, retired and live in a 6th floor apartment in Montreal. I do not take Water for granted, sad that some do.
ReplyDeleteYes you all are ever busy again. I loved the deer pictures. They are so cute.
ReplyDeleteNow I know a lot more about SD than I did. For instance, I didn't know it was a place where people like to live in large groups. :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the river split or the preppers or the Wind Cave. I only knew about having to get your water brought in from you having to do it on your blog.
ReplyDeleteI always love to see the visitors to the water tank.
Barb is a very capable and talented woman!
Now, just waiting to hear about the Big Event! ;)