My recent trip to Ekalaka

Those of you who follow Facebook probably know that I made a trip to Ekalaka last week. Actually it wasn’t so much a trip to Ekalaka as a trip to Camp Needmore for a family reunion. I did get to Ekalaka and will tell you of my impressions.

First the trip; I flew from Sacramento to Denver and then rode to Ekalaka with my sister Marti and her husband Roy Cornwell. I asked for wheelchair service for the trip since I have trouble walking. That was a real lifesaver, instead of being worn out, I was quite able to function normally. I was going to bring my walker with me. It is a really good walker with a place to sit down. Instead, Marti borrowed a similar walker from a friend and I used that so I didn’t have to take it on the plane.

We went to Ekalaka on a route that took us right by Devil’s Tower. It was nice to see it again, then on through Alzada and north to Ekalaka. I was struck by how much that area around Ridgeway and north of Belltower has seemingly changed. I didn’t recognize anything. Marti and Roy were worried that they wouldn’t know the turnoffs to my nephew Mike’s place and to Camp Needmore. I assured them that I could show them and I did. We went on to Ekalaka without stopping so they could get settled in their rooms at the Guest House. There had been a mixup in the room reservations so the arrangement had been for me to stay with David Lamphere at which I was overjoyed. I ended up sleeping at his daughter’s house next door. It was very nice to visit with David and to meet his wonderful daughter, Mickey.

Saturday morning before going out to Camp Needmore, we drove around Ekalaka and saw all of our points of interest. We drove through the cemetery and found my little brother Freddy’s grave. Our first house in Ekalaka is still standing but is unoccupied. If any house needs to be torn down, it is that one. It is still a nice site for a house though; if I had lots of money, I might buy it and build one. Our second house, which we called the Odis Harkens place is still there, and I guess occupied. It was nice to see the new hospital that looks like it is almost completed. I saw lots of manufactured houses around town; I guess that is a good way to go and I wonder what town they are coming from.

Then after looking around Ekalaka we went out to the reunion at Camp Needmore. There were lots of people there, around 70, my sister figured. Of course I knew my first cousins, Lennet, Marvel, Carole, Tom, David, Hans and Doris. Did I miss anybody? It was nice to see David Coons’ son and grandson there. I was able to tell them a few stories about their dad and grandpa, my uncle Harvey Coons. I talked a lot with my nephew Mike, his wife Kathy, and his kids, Michael, David and Reta. I always enjoy them. Then Tom and Mary McCamish stopped by and I was able to visit with them which was a highlight of my trip. There were lots of people there that I didn’t know, but I think that I introduced myself to everyone and talked to them a little.

We didn’t go back out to the reunion Sunday morning but went straight to the road. We planned on getting breakfast in Belle Fourche and indeed found a really nice buffet type breakfast there. We went on through Spearfish and I can see why so many people in Carter County go there for services, it is a nice town. I was very impressed with Colorado although I was somewhat less impressed when I found out about a toll road where they take a picture of your license plate and send you a bill.

I stayed with Marti and Roy for two nights before going back to Sacramento on Tuesday. It was an uneventful flight and very smooth. The main problem was that they kept delaying departure and it was much later leaving Denver and getting into Sacramento than was expected. I had really nice seatmates on both legs of the trip and that is important as it gets a bit crowded.

Well that was my trip, I could have told you a few other things but didn’t. I hope that you find it at least a little bit interesting.