Camping at Big Sioux Recreation Area

Our first big camping trip with our new camper was at Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon. Sure, we spent one night over the 4th of July at the Baier Ranch and two nights at the Baier Ranch for the Delmont Pickle Packin Party. Now the Baier Ranch is a good campground. But it is so easy to park. The State campgrounds are where you have to back into a spot. We were a little nervous about parking, but it went smooth. Bernie is a pro at running the new pickup! We had decided to enjoy a nice long weekend over Labor Day at this campground that is so close to home we could go home if we ever needed anything. We headed out on Wednesday, September 1, to the campground and parked. Got settled in and enjoyed the evening in the camper.

On Thursday, September 2, Blanche, Mary and Jerry came out to see our new camper. It was fun reminiscing with Grandma about all the camping we had done together over the years.

Took a few pictures of Bernie by his new rig!

We really think we are going to love the outside kitchen!

Steph and Josh called and came out for supper on Thursday night. Then they returned on Friday night, too.

Our new camper is one great place to relax!

Becca had told us she wouldn't be able to join us this weekend, so we were surprised when she and Travis showed up on Saturday. It was great to have them for the day! Guess they just couldn't stay away!

We went for a little walk. Found this cool bridge. it was a little shaky and Steph was nervous going over it.

The view from the bridge was beautiful and Travis and Becca look awesome!

We walked through the Archery Field. It was fun checking out the targets.

These three decided to walk across the bridge over to the other side.

Suddenly Becca screamed! Bernie and Travis had walked a little further than her, she saw a movement in the grass, and thought it was an icky thing! She jumped on this structure and Travis had to carry her back over to the other side!

Steph and I were safe on the other side!

Enough of the great outdoors! Back to the camper for us.

This Mama-To-Be needed a little help getting back - she was getting tired.

This year has been a very wet year. We could tell that the campground had probably been flooded during the spring. The debris on this tree is probably how high the water had been. This tree was quite a distance from the river edge.

At the camper, it was our usual busy time.....

Bernie loves to take showers in the outdoor shower!

Smore time!

Now, the Idekers are easily amused. Get us around a campfire, and we can entertain ourselves quite well. Bernie had some crayons and we decided to see how they would melt. So he put down a wooden spoon and added the crayon to the bowl.

That kept us fascinated for a long time.

Looked like a big crowd was here!

On Sunday, Bernie and Josh decided to go on a serious hike. So they got their walking sticks, serious hiking shoes, plastic bag and they were off!

Steph and I got down to some serious card making. Worked on our Christmas cards.

Bernie and I stayed until Tuesday. We enjoyed having family visit, bike riding, watching videos and reading. Got in lots of relaxing. Came in to Sioux Falls everyday and picked up our mail and paper. We decided our camper was definitely a keeper!