Travel – Tips for Traveling with Kids

Posted on July 15, 2013 by barbara

Summer – time for the annual family vacation! We have been taking our children on trips since they were very small. We’ve gone on short weekend trips that are only a few hours from our house and longer road trips when we are gone for weeks at a time and we’ve even traveled by plane to the East Coast and also Hawaii. With any travel destination, we always start with a specific travel plan and over the years I have found that organization is the key and packing lists are very important. In this post I’m going to share some tips and offer some suggestions that I have learned over the years.

Road Trip

Tips and suggestions for a road trip –

Start by cleaning out the car, then vacuum the floor and upholstery, wash the car.
Get a car tune-up, check the oil level and fluid levels, check the air pressure in the tires, replace the windshield wipers if needed, fill the car with gas.
Have these items handy – a flashlight, first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, road flares and booster cables.
Store a roll of paper, hand wipes, hand sanitizer and a box of tissues for easy clean-ups during the trip and bring a couple of plastic shopping bags for trash.
Pack a cooler with healthy snacks such as water and juice, string cheese, fruit, carrot sticks. Also bring snacks like goldfish crackers, raisins, fruit rolls – whatever the family likes to eat.
Shop ahead for small toys or a new book, movie, video game, CD or borrow a library book-on-tape to keep the kids occupied during the trip.
Pack a couple of blankets and pillows for naps in the car.
Allow time during the trip for visiting tourist attractions along the way.
If you know there will be toll, be sure to have dollar bills and coins handy for the toll booths.
Get an early start, the kids can fall back to sleep for a few hours.
Give each child their own backpack, have them pack it with their toys and comfort items.

Suggested items to include in a road trip activity bag –

Portable IPhone, Android phone, IPhone, Kindle or Tablet with music and audiobooks downloaded. (Don’t forget the headphones)
Portable electronic games.
Activity books, sticker books, etc. (Don’t forget to bring colored pencils or washable markers; they are better than crayons that can melt!)
Simple and inexpensive items for activities – a bottle of bubbles, colored pipe cleaners. (for creating shapes and even jewelry such as: rings, bracelets, necklaces)
A large inexpensive cookie sheet and a bag of magnetic letter, numbers and fun shapes.

Suggested items to bring for the hotel room –

An extension cord – for those inconvenient electrical outlets.
A couple of electrical outlet covers – to childproof the room.
A nightlight – in case the kids wake up in the middle of the night.

Plane Trip

Tips and suggestions for a plane trip –

Try to book a nonstop flight if possible; this limits the number of flights which could be good for two reasons. First, sometimes cabin pressure changes can be uncomfortable on take-off and landings. Second, this will avoid the hassle of getting on and off planes and carrying luggage through the airport for connecting flights.
On the other hand, some times on longer domestic or international flights, it might be a good idea to schedule a layover for the kids to burn off some of their energy by running around and their legs.
If you need to book a connecting flight, allow at least an hour between connections, this will give extra time in case of flight delays. (nobody wants to run through an airport with luggage and kids from one airport gate to another with only minutes to catch a connecting flight!)
Take advantage of early boarding, (and if there is no assigned seating) it is a good way to select seats in a preferred area, have the kids settled and if you are using a carseat it can be fastened into the plane seats before the other passengers board the plane.
Some parents highly recommend front-row seats known as bulkhead seating. The advantages are extra legroom and the seats are usually close to the restrooms but the disadvantages are that there is no under-seat storage and carry-on bags need to be stowed in the overhead compartment for takeoff and landings.
Prior to the trip, be sure to talk to your kids about the travel plans; discuss where you are going, what you will see and most importantly what to expect on the plane ride.
Prior to an airplane flight, it is a good idea to have your child’s ears checked for any possible ear infections because if undetected it could be very painful on the plane takeoff and landing, and it might be possible that the trip would have to be delayed until the infection is gone.
Prior to the flight, if you are using a carseat or booster seat, be sure that it is meets airline regulations.
Before the flight or if you are waiting for a connecting flight, let the kids get our all their excess energy. (maybe you will be lucky and the kids will be so tired that they will take a nap once you are on the plane!)
During the flight, keep the kids busy and entertained with items from a carry-on bag. Be sure to answer their questions and have them look out the window to play the “I spy” game.
When the plane lands, think about waiting for the other passengers to leave the plane. It will take time to gather items and, if you are using a car seat, to unfasten it from the plane seat.

Suggested items to include in a carry-on bag –

A backpack is a good choice for a carry-on because it will keep hands free to hold hands with your child. Whatever bag you select, always check to see that it will meet airline regulations.
Pack a change of clothes for your child in case of spills or other accidents; don’t forget a set of clothes for yourself. Planes can also be chilly, so be sure to bring a sweater or jacket.
Pack some healthy snacks in resealable plastic bags, such as: cheerios, goldfish crackers, pretzels, peanuts or raisins. Airport food can be very expensive and it is a good idea to have something the kids will like to eat in case of delays.
Toss in a couple of different sizes of plastic zip-lock bags to store dirty clothes, etc.
In case of emergencies, have your kid’s pediatrician phone number and insurance information handy, it is also a good idea to have your kid’s immunization record. Keep any medicine your child is currently taking in your carry-on, stored in the original container, because in case of flight delays you will have it accessible.
Please refer to the activity bag list above for items to keep your child busy and entertained.

Travel – Packing for a Trip

Posted on July 8, 2013 by barbara

When I look back on my childhood years, I remember the great times we had traveling as a family. Now with my own family, I wanted to create those kinds of memories for my children. We love getting in the car for day or weekend trips to local places or even longer road trips to other states. We visit museums and zoos or stop at National Parks and historic sites. Seeing other areas of the country can be a great experience and we have created such wonderful memories to look back on!

Throughout the years we have learned the importance of packing for a trip. Weeks before we leave, I start pulling clothes from the closet that are needed for the trip. The key is to bring just the right amount of clothing to last the duration of the trip. We have learned over the years that less is usually better since sometimes we buy souvenir t-shirts and these can be worn during the vacation so that can eliminate one or two pieces of clothing. We do wear our jeans or shorts at least twice during a trip, so that keeps the amount of bulky items down to a minimum. The most important thing to remember is that you will be carrying those heavy suitcases! Also, before a trip, I will start a couple of lists of things we need to bring, one is a list of things to remember that we already own (camera, binoculars, etc.) and the other list is things to buy for the trip (suntan lotion, sunglasses, etc.).

Organization is very important when planning and packing for a trip. To start the packing process, ask yourself these important questions:

Who is going on the trip?
What is your destination?
How will you be traveling to your destination?
What time of year will you be traveling?
What is the weather forecast?

All these answers will determine the items that you need to pack or purchase.

Travel basics:

Gather the travel documents – airline tickets, passport, maps, tour books, etc.
Clothing – have at least one outfit for each day, including underwear. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes. Depending on the weather conditions of the travel destination, don’t forget to pack an appropriate jacket, sweater or coat.
Put aside a set of “travel” clothes – be sure to select items that are comfortable and slip on shoes are easier for airport security or to take off/put on during long car trips.
Sometimes it is a good idea to pack a dressy outfit for any unexpected occasion and don’t forget to pack the appropriate shoes and a simple clutch bag.
Toiletries – use small leak-proof bottles for shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, body lotion. Don’t forget toothpaste and a toothbrush for each person, nail clippers, etc. Keep a small pouch for personal items such as: makeup or feminine products.
A mesh laundry bag – this will help keep clean clothes separate from the dirty ones! Toss in some small plastic shopping bags for muddy clothes or shoes.
Small first aid kit – include bandages, aspirin, thermometer, tweezers, etc.
Emergency kit – include a small sewing kit with scissors,, pocket knife (Be sure to store any sharp instruments in check luggage or they will be confiscated by airport security)
Small hair dryer or travel iron (check ahead because most hotels will have them in the room and these items will not be necessary to bring)
Small backpack or travel bag for daily use.
Don’t forget a phone, digital camera, etc.

Travel Tips and Suggestions

Keep important items in a carry-on bag and avoid bringing valuable jewelry. Never pack travel documents, money or credit cards in checked baggage.

Before leaving home, remove unnecessary items from your wallet, such as a library card, department store credit cards, etc. If you don’t already, keep an emergency contact card in your wallet. Be sure to include the following information – name and phone number of emergency contact, medical and auto insurance information, phone number of your doctor and dentist, etc.
When traveling internationally, don’t forget to bring conversion / adaptor plugs. The voltage in other countries can vary as well as socket sizes and shapes, so any small appliances you have pack might not work.
When traveling keep all the prescription medications in the original containers and if possible bring the doctor’s prescription as well. This is a good idea for two reasons, it proves the medication is legitimate and the prescription can be refilled if required.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to pack an extra set. I haven’t had to use them, but I am glad that they are there if I lose the ones I am wearing. Also be sure to bring a small screwdriver kit to repair any loose screws, this I have used to prevent the lenses from falling out of my eyeglass frames.
Pack a supply of various sizes of Ziploc Freezer Bags. They are a little heavier than regular or generic plastic bags. These bags can be used to store items that can potentially leak, such as shampoo, lotions, etc. The bags are also an excellent way to store wet bathing suits. Another use for the bags can be a place to keep souvenirs such as ticket stubs, travel brochures, etc.
Be sure to toss in a small packable duffle bag – this will come in handy for souvenirs or other travel purchases. This is a great idea especially if you have any fragile items to bring back home, the bag can easily become a carry-on bag for the airplane.
Even if you are traveling to a warm and sunny place, it is always a good idea to pack a small travel umbrella or packable rain jackets with hoods for each person. Be sure to toss these items into the day pack or travel bag and you will be prepared for any unexpected rain shower.
When awaken in the middle of the night in a dark hotel room can be unfamiliar and very disorientating, so it is a good idea to pack a small flashlight or nightlight.

Travel – Philadelphia, PA (Part One)

Posted on July 2, 2013 by barbara

Second Continental Congress voting for independence

For the month of July and during the week preceding our Nation’s Independence Day celebration, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share the trip we made to Philadelphia back in 2009. During our visit we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott across the street from City Hall and it proved to be a great choice because the historic and visitor sites were all located within an easy walking distance from the hotel. We would suggest starting a visit to the city by stopping at the Independence National Historic Park Visitor Center. This is the best place to get information such as location, hours and fees for all of the Philadelphia historic sites but most importantly it is the place to pick up timed tickets for a tour of Independence Hall.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall was originally known as the Pennsylvania State House which was used by their colonial government, later the building was loaned as a meeting place for the Second Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War. It was here that the Congress appointed George Washington as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in 1775. Independence Hall is known as the birthplace of the United States and in the Assembly Room is where the Continental Congress debated and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Later, the room was used to display the Liberty Bell and original paintings of the Founding Fathers.

Independence Hall - George Washington Statue

TRAVEL NOTE: Tickets are required to tour Independence Hall; the timed tickets are available for free on the day of a visit at the Independence Visitor Center starting at 8:30 a.m. Visitors can request a specific time and are limited to ten tickets, everyone needs a ticket even small children and infants. We advise visitors to arrive early for tickets because during the busy summer season tickets are often gone by 1 p.m.

Advanced Ticket Reservations are recommended if you required a specific date and time. Visitors can reserve tickets up to one year in advance through the National Park Reservation system. The tickets are free but there is a reservation fee of $1.50 per ticket, call 877-444-6777 or see the NPS website at www.recreation.gov for more information.

The Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell Center was completed in 2003 during an extensive recent renovation of the Independence National Historic Park Mall. When visitors enter the building they will see several exhibits that tell the story of the Liberty Bell through displays and video presentations before finally reaching the glass enclosed area where the historic Liberty Bell hangs from what is believed to be the original yoke made of American elm. Visible across the street is Independence Hall where the Liberty Bell was displayed for a very long time before it was moved into a glass pavilion located a short distance away on the Independence Mall during United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976 until it moved to the permanent location in the Liberty Bell Center.

The Liberty Bell, a symbol of America and freedom, was ironically cast in London, England and arrived in Philadelphia in 1753 where it hung in the Pennsylvania State House bell tower. The Liberty Bell has a circumference is 14 feet and weighs 2,080 pounds and the yoke from where it hangs weighs about 100 pounds. It is made of 70% copper and 25% tin with traces of other metals. The inscription at the top of the bell reads, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants therof”. Unfortunately, the first time the bell was rung, the 44 pound clapper cracked the bell. The bell was recast twice by local Pennsylvania craftsmen John Pass and John Stow, their names along with the city and the date appear on the front of the bell.

TRAVEL NOTE: Tickets are NOT required to visit the Liberty Bell Center, but the security lines can be very long during the busy summer months. Along with National security concerns after 9/11, a visitor tried to damage the Liberty Bell with a hammer in 2001. Since the incident visitors are no longer allow to touch the bell and it hangs out of reach guarded constantly by NPS security.

Franklin Court

Benjamin Franklin was one of the most fascinating people of early American history who lived in colonial and revolutionary Philadelphia. At a young age of 17 he moved there from Boston. He was a printer, author and publisher, as well as a scientist, inventor, postmaster, statesman and diplomat.

Located a short distance from Independence Hall is Franklin Court which is currently undergoing an $18 million renovation. Located on the site of Benjamin Franklin’s home, which was destroyed in 1812, is a 54 foot high steel “Ghost Structure” which was designed by Robert Venturi to represent the former residence.

Also located in the area of Franklin Court is an underground museum with displays of portraits, inventions and other items associated with Benjamin Franklin. One of the featured inventions is a reproduction of an instrument known as an Armonica, when consists of a set of glass bowls which rotate on a shaft and musical tones are produced when a finger is pressed onto the moistened edges of the bowls.

Located on Market Street in the Franklin Court area is the only active U.S. Postal Office that is not required to fly the American flag since at the time that Franklin was the Postmaster in 1775 Pennsylvania was still an English colony. Upstairs in the same building is a small U.S. Postal Museum which displays a selection of Franklin memorabilia including several original Pennsylvania Gazettes and historically important U.S. stamps.

TRAVEL TIP: This U.S. Post Office in Philadelphia is the only place that uses the historic postmark of “B. Free Franklin” to cancel stamps when mailing letters and packages. Come prepared with your own pre-written postcard to mail and it will make a unique and inexpensive souvenir!)

Betsy Ross Home

Located several blocks from Independence Hall and it is one of the most visited historic sites in Philadelphia. Betsy Ross is supposed to have rented this home that was originally built in 1740 and she lived there between 1776 and 1779 after the death of her first husband. Betsy Ross was a local seamstress who has been credited as the person who created the first American Flag.

According to the story told by Betsy Ross’s grandson, William Canby, who told the Pennsylvania Historical Society at the time of the 1876 Independence Day centennial celebrations, that George Washington was a customer of Mrs. Ross while he was the General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Washington frequently visited Philadelphia to report to the Second Continental Congress and in June of 1776, he requested that Mrs. Ross create a flag according to his rough pencil drawing. She reviewed the design and made one suggestion, that the six point stars be changed to five point stars instead. As the years have passed, historians have found no documented proof to substantiate the claim but the legend still continues.

Christ Church and Burial Grounds

Christ Church is a privately managed historic site, part of the Independence National Historical Park, and located within walking distance from Independence Hall. Christ Church was originally founded in 1695 and the current building dates back to 1744. During and after the Revolutionary War many members of the Continental Congress, such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams and other prominent Philadelphia parishioners like Betsy Ross have attended services and for this reason Christ Church has been given a very significant role in the birth of the nation.

Considered one of the finest examples of an Early American church; the exterior of Christ Church has an impressive steeple which was added in 1754 making it the tallest structure within the British colonies for 56 years. Later, the interior was redesigned by Thomas Walter, the same architect who designed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Displayed with Christ Church is the baptismal font from the 1300s donated by All Hallows Church in London, England that was used when William Penn was baptized. The pulpit that was built in 1769 and the chandelier which was originally installed in 1740 is still in use today.

TRAVEL NOTE: Christ Church is currently an active Episcopal parish but visitors can enter the Church for free, but it is suggested that a minimal donation be given to help maintain the Church and the nearby Burial Grounds. Docent talks about the Church’s history, the famous parishioners and the historic artifacts are given on a regular schedule throughout the day.

In 1719, Christ Church purchased two acres of land at the corner of 5th and Arch Streets. The Christ Church Burial Grounds became the final resting place for over 4,000 of the parishioners including five signers of the Declaration of Independence. Today, over 1,300 of the historical markers still remain and in 2003 plaques were placed in front of some of the deteriorating gravestones with the words that once appeared and have faded away.

When Benjamin Franklin died in 1790, he was buried in his family plot in the northwest corner of the burial grounds. In 1858, the descendants of Franklin requested that an opening be made in the brick wall and a metal fence was placed so the public could easily see Franklin’s grave site. Today, visitors show their respect for Franklin by leaving pennies on his grave as a remembrance of his words once written so long ago, “a penny saved is a penny earned.

TRAVEL NOTE: The Christ Church Burial Ground is open every day except during the months of January, February and December. There is a small admission price, maps and guided tours are available for an additional charge.

These are just some of the historic sites to see when visiting Philadelphia. Other places to visit within the Independence National Historic Park include: Declaration House, Elfreth’s Alley, Philosopher’s Hall and Carpenter Hall. In Philadelphia, PA – Part Two there are several more sites to see, such as the National Constitution Center, the U.S. Mint and the Franklin Institute and Science Museum. Another place of historic significance, which is located within an easy drive from Philadelphia, is Valley Forge National Historic Park.

Travel – Wind Cave and Jewel Cave

Posted on May 29, 2013 by barbara

Our family loves visiting caves – we’ve been to several across the United States! When we visit South Dakota back in 2004 we were excited to visit not one, but two caves.

Wind Cave National Park

Established in 1903, Wind Cave National Park is located 11 miles north of Hot Springs, South Dakota and was the first cave to be designated as a national park. Wind Cave has the sixth longest cave system in the world with almost 140 miles of explored cave passageways, on the average four new miles of cave passageways are being discovered each year. Wind Cave is known for a rare calcite formation known as boxwork.

The Lakota Native Americans that lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota had known for centuries about the unique cave that blew air out of a hole in the ground. They consider the site scared and an old legend explains that they believe it was the place where they first emerged from the underworld where they lived before the creation of the world. In 1881, the first documented “discovery” of the cave was by two brothers, Tom and Jesse Bingham. The story is that they heard the wind blowing out of a 10×14 inch hole in the ground, and when Tom looked into the hole, the wind was blowing with such a powerful force that his hat blew off his head. When Jesse returned a few days later to show some friends, he looked into the hole, found that the wind had changed directions and his hat was blown into the cave.

This unusual phenomenon of a cave that “breathes” is created by the atmospheric equalizing pressure of the air both in and outside the cave. Rapid weather changes accompanied by rapid barometric changes are common in this area of South Dakota. When the air pressure inside the cave is higher than the outside, the air flows out. When the air pressure outside the cave is lower than the outside, the air flows in. This phenomenon in smaller caves with several large openings will go unnoticed, but Wind Cave is a large cave with very few openings and that is why the “breathing” of the cave is so obvious. It is possible on the day the Bingham brothers were at the site, a storm was approaching and the atmospheric pressure would have been dropping fast outside the cave causing the cave’s higher air pressure to rush out of the cave opening creating the wind, hence the name of Wind Cave.

As previously mentioned, Wind Cave National Park is known for a rare calcite formation known as boxwork. Boxwork is an uncommon mineral formation formed by erosion rather than water evaporation. As the walls of the cave begin to erode, the most resistant veins form thin blades of calcite that emerge from cave walls or ceilings intersecting at various angles which form honeycomb or box-like patterns. 95% of the boxwood formations in the world are found in Wind Cave.

In 1890, the South Dakota Mining Company took control of the Wind Cave site hoping to find valuable minerals, after a brief time the mining proved unsuccessful and no substantial and profitable minerals were found. Then, a local family, the McDonalds, began to develop the cave for tourism. In 1892 the cave was opened for visitors, the tour fee was $1 which was a very significant amount for that time. The guides would take the tourist down into the cave and explore by candlelight but these early tours were very physically demanding and the tourists sometimes had to crawl through very narrow passages. Eventually the cave passages were widened, wooden staircases were added and a hotel was built near the entrance to the cave.

In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a bill creating the Wind Cave National Park. The surrounding area above Wind Cave proved to be an excellent prairie habitat and in 1912 a national game preserve was established and fourteen bison, 21 elk and 13 pronghorn sheep were transferred from other areas of the country. The interest in the cave and the wildlife attracted an increasing number of visitors to the park and in the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made major improvements to the cave system by adding concrete walkways, stairs and an elevator, roads and other building structures were also built in the area.

Today the Wind Cave National Park’s mission is to preserve and protect the natural resources of the 33,851 acre park. In the process of exploring additional areas of the cave system, park management has concluded that the cave is not an isolated environment. What happens above on the land in the surrounding area can greatly influence the cave and the way it continues to form, an example is that if the topography of the land is altered even slightly it might change the flow of water through the cave which will change the cave formations.

The Wind Cave Visitor Center is opened year round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. During the summer months, the visitor hours are expanded. All cave tours are ranger guided and there are several different types of tours that explore various parts of Wind Cave. Tickets are available at the visitor center and during the summer months there can be long lines and wait times, to avoid this inconvenience arrive early in the day to purchase tickets. Time can be spent waiting for a tour to start by a visit to the Visitor Center, there are many exhibits concerning the process of the cave formations, discovery and exploration of the cave and an 18-minute movie, “Wind Cave: One Park, Two Worlds” which is shown several times throughout the day.

For additional information regarding hours, available tours and prices please see the Wind Cave National Park page at the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov

Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument is located 13 miles west of Custer, South Dakota and it is currently the third longest cave system in the world with over 166 miles of explored cave passageway. Jewel Cave was formed when the limestone in the cave was gradually dissolved by water, the water served to enlarge the cracks that were formed when the Black Hills were formed approximately 60 million years ago. When the water that created the cave drained, the calcite formations started to form on the walls and ceilings of the cave, such as stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and frostwork.

In 1900, Frank and Albert Michaud filed a mining claim and the brothers found a very small cave entrance, the hole was too small to get through and was enlarged several dynamite charges. When they finally entered the cave, cave passages with very low ceilings were covered with beautiful calcite crystal formations that sparkled like jewel by their lantern lights, hence the name of Jewel Cave.

When the calcite crystals proved to have little commercial value, it became apparent to the mining company that the cave was a great natural wonder and they turned their attention to creating to creating a business venture that would profit instead by making it into a tourist attraction. Over the next ten years, a wooden trail was constructed inside the cave and a hotel was built nearby. Unfortunately, few people visited this area of the Black Hills of South Dakota. (remember this was long before Mount Rushmore was built)

Eventually the hotel closed and they Michaud family sold the claim to the federal government for $750. Meanwhile, a local organization was working to having the cave protected from further development and in 1908 President Theodore Roosevelt signed a proclamation naming the Jewel Cave National Monument. In 1933, the National Park Service began administering the monument in 1933 and park rangers from the nearby Wind Cave would lead cave tours during the summer months. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made major improvements to the cave system by adding concrete walkways and stairs, improved roads and a public campground were also built in the area.

As of 1959, less than 2 miles of cave passageway were discovered. Then, in 1961, a geologist named Dwight Deal hired a husband and wife team, Herb and Jan Conn, with the specific purpose of exploring and mapping out new sections of the cave. With the discovery of the “Scenic Area” of the cave and an additional 15 miles of cave passageways mapped, the National Park Service became very interested in developing more tour routes for public and the original boundaries of Jewel Cave were expanded. As a result, more cave passageways were explored, the cave tour routes was extended and additional ones were added. Further trail improvements were made to the existing walkways, new ones were built, an elevator was installed and a visitor center was built. Exploration continues today and more information has been discovered regarding cave formations and efforts are being made to preserve and protect this natural wonder.

Jewel Cave is open year round, expect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The National Park Service offers three different ranger-guided tours: the scenic tour, the historic tour and a special spelunking tour through an undeveloped section of the cave. Tickets are available at the visitor center and during the summer months there can be long lines and wait times, to avoid this inconvenience arrive early in the day to purchase tickets.

For additional information regarding hours, available tours and prices please see the Jewel Cave National Monument page at the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov

Travel – Mammoth Site, SD

Posted on May 23, 2013 by barbara

When we were planning a trip to South Dakota in 2004 and looking for things to do in the area, I found the Mammoth Site located in Hot Springs, SD. I thought this would make a great place to visit and it was located near our hotel at the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. (Please check out last month’s Travel post, Custer State Park, for more information)

The Mammoth Site is located in Hot Springs, SD and it the world’s largest mammoth research facility. A building and museum are built over the site of a massive sinkhole where a vast collection of preserved mammoth bones from the Pleistocene era were found in 1974. The exciting part is that research and excavation at the site is still ongoing by a team of paleontologists and volunteers.

About 26,000 years ago there was a large cavern located in this area of South Dakota that collapsed. The result was a deep-sided sinkhole which was about 65 feet deep and 120 by 150 feet wide. A pond formed which attracted the wildlife in the area that came to feed on the plants and drink the water; among those animals were the Colombian Mammoths. The animals that ventured too far into the deep pond where unable to escape the steep sides and died. Then, over the next 350 to 700 years the pond filled with sediments. The remains of these animals found at the site are technically not fossils since they were not mineralized but preserved by the clay and sand.

In 1974, during construction of a housing development for a subdivision in the area, a worker with earth-moving equipment exposed the bones. Someone recognized a mammoth tooth and construction at the site completely stopped. Professional paleontologists were called in for further investigation and a complete mammoth skull and tusk were also found. Donations led to building over the site to protect and allow the additional work to be done in a climate controlled environment and the site was designated in 1980 as a National Natural Landmark. Run by a non-profit organization, the ongoing excavations are staffed by scientists from around the world and volunteers with an adjacent museum open to the public. The bones and other fossils found are identified, numbered, cataloged and preserved with almost all remaining “in-situ”, which means that they remain where they are found in the sinkhole and not removed. As of 2012, at least 60 mammoths have been identified with the majority being Colombian Mammoths but three Wooly Mammoths have also been found which marks the first time both species have been found in the same area. Over the years researchers have determined by measuring the pelvis bones that most of the mammoths are young males. The hypothesis is that based on the observations of current matriarchal elephant groups in which competing males can be frequently expelled from a group, these young mammoths were likely to be involved in taking risks and this behavior led to their entrapment in the ancient pond.

The Mammoth Site is open year-round and most visitors begin with a 30 minute guided tour. After the tour, visitors can walk along area on the sidewalks located above the dig area. This is very exciting because you get to see exactly where the bones were found. The other areas in the museum include several exhibits and a window view into a working paleontology laboratory in the Ice Age Exhibit Hall. There are also numerous films in the theater which cover the geology and history of the Mammoth Site and the people and animals that lived here during the Ice Age. When we visited, our daughter was pre-school age and her attention span was very short. We highly recommend a visit with school-age or older children, especially boys will love the Mammoth site. We would suggest that you allow at least an hour or two to tour the site and see the exhibits and films.

Please check ahead for further information on hours and prices at the Mammoth Site website, www.mammothsite.com.

The Black Hills of South Dakota has so many historic places to visit and the scenery is absolutely beautiful in this area of the United States. When we visited in 2004, we stayed for a week because there was so much to see and do. Custer State Park was our “home base” with daily trips to see several nearby attractions. Please see last month’s Travel post, Custer State Park, and this month’s posts on Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse, Wind Cave and Jewel Cave for reports on the other sites to see in Black Hills of South Dakota.

The Enchanted Manor

a lifestyle blog by Barbara Jones

Tag Archives: Travel

Travel – Tips for Traveling with Kids

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Travel – Packing for a Trip

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Travel – Philadelphia, PA (Part One)

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Travel – Wind Cave and Jewel Cave

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Travel – Mammoth Site, SD

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