South Dakota Day #5
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/80 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400
Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop in Keystone, SD. The BEST saltwater taffy in the midwest! Here he is adding flavoring and coloring to the taffy.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/80 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400
You can watch the taffy being made right in front of you. The process is really quite fascinating to observe.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/80 sec, f/5.6, ISO 320
He will later take the long rolls of taffy in the photo above and pass them through this machine which cuts them into individual bite-sized pieces and wraps them in a wax-paper cover. It is quite a process to behold.
The sign on the window explains this intricate machine:
“The ‘Antique’ Taffy/Candy Wrapping Machine. This machine was made by Package Machinery, Springfield MA. The company started in the late 1800’s but the first patents of the Model K Kiss cut and wrap machines were issued starting in the early 1900’s. The original machines were powered by an independent gas engine, underneath where the electric motor now rests. Mass production of the K Kiss Machine stopped in the 1950’s. We are now estimating the age of our machine is between 120-125 years old. There are no ‘new’ cut and wrap machines like this where you can see the whole process. There are only rebuilt ‘used’ machines. All the parts on this machine are cast and machined as needed. Don’t worry though, we have a backup machine we cast/machine parts from as needed.”
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/90 sec, f/14, ISO 160
On Route 244, right behind Mt. Rushmore, there is a scenic pull-out called Mr. Rushmore Profile View. This spot provides a perfect example of the scenery throughout the Black HIlls.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/320 sec, f/8, ISO 160
As billed, the Mt. Rushmore Profile View, gives you this unique perspective of George Washington’s profile jutting out of the mountain.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/140 sec, f/8, ISO 160
Horse Thief Lake has some breathtaking views as you walk along the trail that surrounds the lake. On this cool morning, the lake gave off a fine fog just above the water’s surface.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/80 sec, f/11, ISO 250
Another view of fog rising off the surface of the lake.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/80 sec, f/11, ISO 320
Sedrick and Lisa paused for a photo-op at Horse Thief Lake. Sedrick is sizing up the squirrel climbing up a tree.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/160 sec, f/11, ISO 160
This is the Hill City Depot for the 1880 Train that runs between the towns of Hill City and Keystone. In a prior photo, we saw the other end of the line in Keystone.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 160
Sheridan Lake is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and swimming.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/80 sec, F/8, ISO 320
Sedrick enjoyed hiking the trails around Sheridan Lake.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/180 sec, f/8, ISO 160
Pactola Reservoir is another popular boating and fishing spot.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 23mm, 1/100 sec, f/8, ISO 160
When you walk over this bridge you can see huge trout swimming in the lake below. On this particular day, they were not biting, according to the gentleman standing on the far right of the bridge.
