Minneluzhan

I have been blogging about many beautiful places that I have been since I moved to South Dakota. However,one of the most beautiful places is within walking distance of the house where I live. The Canyon Lake area, and its sinewy path along the banks of the Minneluzhan (Rapid Creek) is as lovely an area as anyone could find in a city setting.

It is a favorite destination for all ages-two-footed or four. The lake itself, is actually a dammed up portion of Rapid Creek.

Here, people come to sunbathe, walk, rollerskate, bike, have picnics complete with shelter and grill, fly kites, and even get married (in the little pavilion in the middle of the lake!)

There is also wonderful fishing. Cleghorn Springs, was selected for the excellent water source. A spring provides six million gallons of water daily at a year-round temperature of 52 degrees.

Rainbow trout and Chinook salmon are the major species raised. Over two hundred fifty thousand fish, totaling 70,000 pounds, are produced annually.
The fish population is very healthy. As I watched there was much splashing as fish chased each other away from the best spots in the stream. Though they were clearly visible from the bank, every time I tried to get close they swam away!
However, this fellow- a muskrat- seemed to truly enjoy showing off for the camera!
The walk is lovely, and continues in both directions along the creek from one end of Rapid City to the other- a delight for bikes, joggers walkers, skaters.


Along the banks are all sorts of wildflowers and blooming shrubs and trees.
The water was flowing deep and swiftly, reminding me of the terrible Flood of 1972.

In June of that year, Nearly 15 inches of rain fell in about 6 hours near Nemo, and more than 10 inches of rain fell over an area of 60 square miles (Schwartz and others, 1975). According to the Red Cross, the resulting floods left 238 people dead and 3,057 people injured.
It is hard believe that such a lovely spot could have been the site of such devastation and death.


Finally after about 10 minutes of walking we come upon my favorite little picnic area on the Minneluzhan.

Though it's beside the road, because it's on a curve, many people are not aware that it is right there!

It is a favorite spot for ducks, the occasional mountain sheep, and geese parents find it a perfect spot to raise children!





















It takes only half an hour to walk there, and of course, another bit of time to rest and enjoy the great beauty of the spot.

All sorts of wildflowers grow along the banks, and at this time of year this assures the viewer of never having the same walk twice!

Here are some Western Wallflowers, looking not at all "wallflower-ish"!